Best Kendall County Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

H. Marshall Glenn Scholarship Endowment Fund

The H. Marshall Glenn Scholarship Endowment Fund was established through the receipt of a bequest from the estate of his wife Margaret F. Glenn (1916-2006).

Mrs. Glenn was born in Ashton, Illinois and moved to Aurora when she was six. She was a graduate of Madonna High School. In 1953, she married H. Marshall Glenn (1906-1996).

Mr. Glenn was born in Plainfield, Indiana. He owned the Marshall Glenn Insurance Agency from 1949 until his retirement in 1993. The business was located at 33 South Fourth Street in Aurora.

Mr. Glenn had formerly been employed by the Chrysler Corporation in Detroit, Michigan, King Seeley Corporation in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Travelers Insurance Company and American Auto Insurance Company.

Scholarships from his fund will be available to residents of the Fox Valley area who are furthering their educations at a two-year college, a four-year college or university, or a trade or vocational school.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Jack & Naomi Hastert Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created in 1998 by former Congressman and Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert as a memorial to his parents Jack and Naomi Hastert.

The fund, which provides scholarships to students in Kendall County, Illinois, became an endowment in 2010.

Jack Hastert (1913-1998) was born in Joliet, Illinois of second generation Luxembourg and Norwegian immigrants.

He was a graduate of Joliet Township High School and the Worsham College of Mortuary Science.

He worked for the George Boyle Funeral Home of Aurora and the Fred Dames Funeral Home of Joliet.

From 1940 to 1960, Mr. Hastert was the proprietor of Hastert Farm Supply of Aurora and rural Oswego.

From 1960 through his retirement, he owned and operated the Clock Tower Restaurant in Plainfield and was Food Services Director at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Joliet.

Naomi Hastert (1914-1994) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania of second generation German immigrants.

She had to quit high school (Joliet Township) at the height of the depression to support her family (mother, father and three younger brothers and sisters). She was the sole supporter of her family through most of the depression.

Mrs. Hastert was a straight A student when she left high school and always valued education.

She worked hard throughout her life to make sure her children and grandchildren received the education she had not been able to receive. Her sons were the first in their family to earn college degrees.

Mr. and Mrs. Hastert were married in 1940 and had three sons – Chris, David and J. Dennis Haste

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Jill Hanses Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Jill Hanses Scholarship Endowment Fund was created to support young adults who have an interest in animal welfare causes. This fund provides scholarships to local students pursuing a career in veterinarian science or a related field.

Passionate, dedicated, driven – these are just a few of the terms used to describe Jill C. Hanses of St. Charles, Illinois. Born on Valentine’s Day 1962 in Elgin, Illinois, Jill spent most of her life in the Fox Valley area. An incredible business woman and generous philanthropist, Jill supported a number of local charitable causes. Jill dedicated both time and resources to causes that were important to her. Jill was a longtime board member, treasurer, president and volunteer for Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin. She was active in Kiwanis Club of St. Charles and a supporter of Elderday Senior Services in Batavia and CASA of Kane County.

Jill passed away in January of 2015, but her life and legacy in the Fox Valley area will continue thanks to her husband Andy and the creation of this scholarship fund.

Anderson Animal Shelter will forever be grateful for Jill’s generosity and kindness. Jill and Andy’s contributions and passion for the animals and Anderson will live on through the creation of the Jill Hanses Scholarship Endowment Fund.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Loraine Heriaud Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created to honor the life of Loraine Heriaud (1915-2003).

Mrs. Heriaud was born in Toronto, Canada. She was a graduate of East Aurora High School and was employed for thirteen years by Provena Mercy Center as a C.N.A. in the Pediatrics Unit.

She was the mother of fourteen children. Her son Frederick was the Aurora Area’s first soldier to be killed in action during the Vietnam War. Her husband Earl passed away in 1969.

This fund, created in 2002, was established as an endowment in 2003 to provide scholarships for students entering the field of nursing.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Maude A. Dewey & Vivian Dewey Watson Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created to honor the lives of Maude Dewey and her daughter, Vivian Dewey Watson.

Maude Dewey taught music for many years in area country schools and gave private lessons in piano and voice. She died in 1968.

Vivian Watson, who died in 1979, also gave private lessons in voice, piano and organ.

Scholarships from the fund are awarded to students entering the field of music.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Steven John Duranceau Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Steven John Duranceau Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund was created to honor the life of Steven Duranceau.

The fund awards scholarships to residents of the Community Foundation’s service area who are or have been actively involved in the Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts.

Steven Duranceau (1955-2006) was a graduate of St. Rita of Cascia School and West Aurora High School.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree in business at Illinois State University.

He was employed at MetLife as a customer relations account manager. When MetLife merged with United Healthcare in 1996, he assumed a position as account executive at the new firm.

While attending St. Rita of Cascia School, Mr. Duranceau was active in Boy Scout Troop 53 and earned the rank of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America. He later became scout master for a troop in Aurora.

An avid runner, Mr. Duranceau completed twelve marathons – eight in Chicago, one in Milwaukee, one in Phoenix and two in Orlando.

The fund was endowed in 2019.

IDNR Mission Statement

To manage, conserve and protect Illinois' natural, recreational and cultural resources, further the public's understanding and appreciation of those resources, and promote the education, science and public safety of Illinois' natural resources for present and future generations.

Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant

Purpose

Projects must emphasize student/youth involvement with planning, development and maintenance and increase the educational and wildlife habitat values of the site. The applicant must be prepared to maintain and commit resources to the project for at least five years. The project must be implemented on school grounds or another public place (for example, a park or nature center/forest preserve district land). Illinois Conservation Foundation sites and Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) sites do not qualify for funding. Admission fees cannot be charged to obtain access to the site. Individual student projects will not be funded.

The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant includes three options: Option One; Option Two; and Option Three.

Option Three: For Chicago and East St. Louis metro areas schools that have no soil on their school grounds for planting

Option Three is for schools only in Chicago and East St. Louis metro areas that have no soil on their school grounds in which to plant. Other schools may be considered if they have no soil around their school. This is not for every school to use instead of putting plants in the ground. It is creating a container garden at your school to have native species onsite. It must be developed following the criteria stated in the instructions for the application form. Schools that choose this option have additional reporting that needs to be done as they will be part of a scientific study. You must check with us before you apply for this grant. 

Funding requests will include containers, insulation, soil, plants, and mulch.

This grant will pay for the purchase of simple gardening tools such as child- and adult-sized gloves, spades, shovels, rakes, trowels and hoes. Tool costs shall not account for more than 25% of the total project cost.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Dr. William H. Blackburn Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

Dr. William H. Blackburn (1917-1985) practiced medicine at Dreyer Medical Clinic from 1942 until 1985.  He was president of the clinic and also served as Chief of Staff at Copley Memorial Hospital and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. He maintained memberships in numerous professional and civic organizations.  He was president of the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce, a director of the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce, and founding board member of the First American Bank and the Bank of Boulder Hill. Scholarships from Dr. Blackburn’s fund are reserved for graduate level students studying in the field of medicine. The fund was created in 1985 and established as an endowment in 1998.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Daniel C. Deufel Vocational Scholarship Endowment Fund

Scholarships from this fund are available to students entering a vocational field of study at a trade school or college. Created in 1977, the fund became an endowment in 2014. Daniel Deufel was born in Chicago, Illinois. He is a graduate of Morgan Park High School where he won the Chicago City Championship in swimming. Mr. Deufel received a degree in Industrial Management from Purdue University. Upon graduation, he worked in the automobile industry. In 1970, he moved to Aurora after purchasing the Magill Beverage Company. He renamed the company, Superior Beverage Inc., in honor of his mother and father to whom he attributes his good fortune. To this day, he continues to oversee the company. Mr. Deufel has four children (two boys and two girls) who also are graduates of Purdue University. His two sons are employed in the family business. In addition to his affiliation with the Community Foundation, Mr. Deufel also is a supporter of several charitable organizations.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Coronado Dental Scholarship Fund

The Coronado Dental Scholarship Fund was created by Dr. Narda J. Coronado. Dr. Coronado was born and raised in Aurora. She attended Bardwell Elementary School and Waldo Junior High School. She is a graduate of East Aurora High School and the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. In 1990, she began her career in several different offices in Chicago’s suburbs before starting her own practice.  She returned to Aurora in 1996, where she continues to practice today. Dr. Coronado donated time to St. Basil’s Free Clinic in Chicago for over ten years, providing dental services to needy adults and children. She also has served on the Community Foundation Scholarship Committee for the past several years. Dr. Coronado created a scholarship fund within the Community Foundation to support local students entering the field of dentistry and medicine. As she stated, “I enjoy the field of dentistry so much and hope that this scholarship fund will encourage future students to pursue dentistry as a profession.”

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Community Foundation Alumni Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Community Foundation has administered a scholarship program since 1949.  Since that time, millions of dollars have been distributed to Fox River Valley area students in support of their educational futures. In 1986, the Community Foundation Alumni Scholarship Endowment Fund was established in honor of all students who have received a scholarship through the Community Foundation Scholarship Program.  This fund is supported primarily through gifts received from those students.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Coffman Diesel-Automotive Scholarship Fund

The Coffman Diesel/Automotive Scholarship Fund was established by Coffman Truck Sales to award scholarships to area students. Eligibility for the scholarship is restricted to students who have graduated from a high school located within the Foundation’s service area, are home-educated high school graduates, or are General Educational Development (GED) recipients. Students entering their freshman, sophomore, junior or senior year of undergraduate studies may also apply for these awards. Students must reside in the Community Foundation’s service area. Students must attend an accredited institution of higher education within the United States of America on a full-time basis. The type of school may be a two-year college or a professional, trade, or vocational school. Students must pursue the field of Auto Mechanics/Automotive/Diesel Truck Mechanics.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Child Welfare Society Endowment Fund

This fund was created to provide income for the educational, health and welfare needs of children. This fund also supports annual scholarships for local students who are majoring in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education. The Child Welfare Society was established in 1938 to assist children requiring transportation to medical facilities. The following year, the membership identified day care as a critical unmet need for the children of women working in defense industries. The organization responded by opening the Jack and Jill Nursery School on Beach Street in Aurora. Several years later, the school relocated to Clark and LaSalle Street where it remained for most of its history. In 1997, it made its final move to the Carriage House at Mutual Ground on Oak Avenue. The school closed in the summer of 2001. Funds to operate the school were raised by members who volunteered at the Gift Corner and through various fundraisers supported by the community. The Gift Corner opened in 1949 at Copley Memorial Hospital. In 1986, the shop moved to its current location at Dreyer Medical Clinic on Galena Boulevard. 

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Barbara Burgin & Edwin & Carol Ehrhart Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created to provide scholarships to students pursuing careers that will positively impact the environment and its inhabitants. Barbara Burgin (1907-1993) was born on a farm near Wheaton, Illinois. She later moved to Aurora, where she lived most of her life. During World War II, Mrs. Burgin was a butcherette at the Kroger Grocery Store in downtown Aurora. When the men returned from the war and assumed those positions, she became manager of several departments at Krogers. Her daughter Carol Ehrhart (1932-2018) was born in Aurora. A graduate of East Aurora High School, Mrs. Ehrhart was employed at Lyon Metal in Aurora. In 2008, she received an award from the City of Aurora as one of the city’s Volunteers of the Year. Mrs. Ehrhart volunteered for the Aurora Public Library and the Friendly Center Club at the Fox Valley Park District. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. Her husband Edwin Ehrhart (1910-1984) was born on a farm in Naperville. He attended the Naperville schools and also worked at Lyon Metal. Mr. Ehrhart was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. This fund, which was created in 2005, became an endowment in 2007. Mrs. Ehrhart established the fund to encourage local students to further their educations. As she stated, “Education is essential to our survival and it is my hope that these scholarships will make a difference in the lives of future generations.”

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Austin and Melissa Dempsey Family Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Austin & Melissa Dempsey Family Scholarship Endowment Fund was created to provide scholarships for students who have graduated from Rosary, Marmion, or Batavia High School. Students must also reside in the Community Foundation’s service area. Students must attend an accredited institution of higher education in the United States of America on a full-time basis. The type of school may be a two-year college; a professional, trade, or vocational school; or a four-year college or university. Scholarships from this fund will be merit based and not dependent on financial need of the student.