Best Kendall County Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

Broadening Narratives

Broadening Narratives supports diverse stories and collections that expand our understanding of who we are. ​

Our Vision for Broadening Narratives

We work to ensure that those whose stories are being told through collections are included in the decisions about how those stories are told. We seek to broaden the kinds of narratives being told, particularly stories that have never been told, or have been told incompletely or inaccurately.  

This includes stories from culturally specific communities including people of color, LGBTQ+ perspectives, working-class experiences, and small community stories.

We support collections that tell stories that have not been told, have been told incompletely, or have been told inaccurately. We require that those whose stories are being told be included in the decision-making process.

What is broadening narratives?

Why collections? And what do you mean by “Broadening Narratives”? What drove this change in strategy and approach to your collections work? ​

Read this answer and more here.

Apply for Chicago Region Land Conservation Grants

We offer general operating and project grants to organizations that further natural and working land protection and stewardship in the greater Chicago region, with emphasis on integrating climate resiliency, advocacy, and inclusive conservation strategies. ​

Primary Goals of the Foundation’s Chicago Region Land Conservation Strategy

Grant Award Ranges

• Typical grant sizes range from between $15,000 to $75,000.
• The amount and duration of grant awards are influenced by the organization’s/project’s level of impact on strategic land conservation efforts in the region, organizational/project size and budget, and the organization’s demonstrated leadership in advancing the core objectives of the Foundation’s land conservation strategy.


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.

The Whinfrey Scholarship for the Visually Impaired Endowment Fund

The Whinfrey Scholarship for the Visually Impaired Endowment Fund was created to give back to the Aurora community where the Whinfrey siblings grew up and attended school. The fund represents their appreciation for the teachers, administrators, and families who taught them integrity, humility, and generosity. The fund was endowed in 2024.

The family understands first-hand the need to advocate and create accommodations for students experiencing blindness. Scholarships such as this are one way to create equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

NM Community Impact Donations

Introduction

Northwestern Medicine provides financial support to designated nonprofit organizations and governmental and public entities that are working to address identified community health priorities. Many needs are determined during each hospital’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which is conducted every three years. View a list of priority health needs for each hospital.

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.

Edward & Gladys (Stoddard) Arenkill Nursing & Medical Education Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created to assist students pursuing a pre-medical course of study or a degree in the field of nursing. Edward Arenkill (1922-2007) was a lifelong Aurora resident.  He graduated from Aurora East High School. He was a medical corpsman in the United States Navy during World War II.  His four years of active duty included both Normandy and Okinawa. Mr. Arenkill studied pre-medicine at Northwestern University, and later joined his father and brother in their Aurora family business. Gladys Stoddard Arenkill (1923-2004) was born in Nebraska.  She was a graduate of the Copley School of Nursing in Aurora. She was a nurse at Copley Memorial Hospital and a private duty nurse providing care for iron lung patients. Following her career, she contributed over 3,000 hours of volunteer service at Copley Memorial Hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Arenkill were members of Fourth Street Methodist Church. This fund, which was established in 2007, became an endowment in 2008.

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.

Genevieve & Dale T. Berg Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created by Genevieve Berg (1923-2019) as a memorial to her husband, Dale. Scholarships from the fund are available to graduates of East Aurora or West Aurora High School. These awards are reserved for students who are pursuing a career in electrical engineering, electronic engineering technology, computer engineering, computer electronics or similar fields of study. Dale Berg (1923-2010) was born to Theodore Stanley and Pauline Berg in Shabbona, Illinois. He graduated from Hinckley High School in 1941. After high school, Mr. Berg took a job as a dairy tester; testing the fat content of milk. His dream was to become a dairy farmer. He enlisted in the United States Navy in November 1942 and served his country during WWII in the Pacific. His ship was hit by a torpedo on the way across the ocean and he spent his time during the war on a Pacific Island repairing aircraft radios. In 1946, Mr. Berg was honorably discharged from the Navy. It was during this time that he met Genevieve Olson, also of Shabbona. They were married in Calvary Lutheran Church on January 3, 1948. These awards are reserved for students who are pursuing a career in electrical engineering, electronic engineering technology, computer engineering, computer electronics or similar fields of study.

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.

Howard E. Charles, Jr. Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created to administer a bequest from the estate of Howard E. Charles, Sr. as a memorial to his son, Howard E. Charles, Jr. The income earned by the fund provides scholarships to students pursuing a career in the field of health care.Howard E. Charles, Jr. (1928-1963) was born in Terre Haute, Indiana. He was the son of Howard E. Charles, Sr. and Elizabeth Charles. His family later moved to St. Charles, Illinois where his father became a partner in the Burger Drug Store on Main Street. He was a graduate of St. Charles High School and the University of Wyoming.  He then served in the United States Air Force for four years. Mr. Charles married and settled in Denver, Colorado, where he was a personnel director in the missile industry. He died in 1963 after a courageous battle with Hodgkin’s disease.

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.

John A. Brennecke Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund for graduate level medical students was created to administer a bequest from the estate of John A. Brennecke (1903-1967). Mr. Brennecke was secretary of the Alexander Lumber Company and served as an officer of several other companies in the Alexander Firm. In 1982, the Foundation received a bequest from his sister Margaret Brennecke for placement in the fund. Margaret Brennecke’s bequest was given in honor of their father Dr. Herman A. Brennecke, who is pictured here at the right.

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.

John W. Bauer Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund

This fund was created to honor Sandra Bauer Lay’s late husband, John W. Bauer, by providing academic support to future educators who have an involvement in and a love of sports. John taught mathematics and coached a variety of sports at West Aurora High School from 1966 until his retirement in 2000. During his last sixteen years at West, he was West Aurora’s Athletic Director.  As an educator, John was a strong believer in finding and developing a life balance between academics and athletics. Students must be pursuing a degree in education with a preference given to those studying to teach mathematics, physical education, computer science, and/or elementary education. In addition, students must indicate that they have been involved in athletics during their high school and college years at any level or of any type, including intramural sports.

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.

Mel & Mildred Anliker And Dave Zierke Scholarship Endowment Fund

Mel Anliker (1934-1987) was owner of The Aurora Ice Company.  He was a successful businessman who liked sports, fishing and cards. The Mel & Mildred Anliker And Dave Zierke Scholarship Endowment Fund was created by Mildred Anliker (1935-2015) as a memorial to her husband and son. Dave Zierke (1960-1978) was a graduate of West Aurora High School, where he was involved in choir and drama.  He also participated in the Westminster Presbyterian Church Youth Group. Dave died in an automobile accident shortly after his high school graduation. This fund was endowed as a scholarship in 2024. Eligibility for this scholarship is reserved for students graduating from high schools located in the Community Foundation’s service area.