Best LaSalle 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.

Dorothy K. Witte Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

This Fund honors the memory of Dorothy K. Witte (1912-2008) who taught in East Aurora School District elementary schools for the bulk of her career. She had previously taught briefly in several Lutheran schools prior to having her three children, Elizabeth, Jonathan, and Robert who all graduated from East Aurora High School. After her husband Paul’s death at age 46, she began teaching in the East Aurora School District 131, at Brady Elementary, to support her young family. Her career in education became her life’s passion which spanned 25 years (1958-1982).

Dorothy’s dedication to helping students who had behavioral and learning difficulties led her to be the “go to” teacher for working with students with educational challenges. Often her students were the only English speakers in their home, so she took Spanish lessons to be able to communicate more effectively with the parents of her students. She occasionally made home visits when families felt uncomfortable attending school conferences. Her dining room table at home was often cluttered with lesson plans, teaching supplies, and papers to grade. She was known to stay in her classroom until well after dark working to prepare for class the next day.

Her daughter Beth (1940-2011) followed her mother into a career in teaching/education. Her sons Jon and Bob initially studied to be teachers, but eventually went into the medical field as physicians. They now establish this scholarship to honor their mother and the teaching profession which has been a consistent thread through their family. The funds awarded are intended for a recipient who seeks to pursue a career as a public school educator, helping those who most need the expertise of a skilled and caring teacher.

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.

Mildred E. Shambo Scholarship Endowment Fund

Scholarships from this fund are awarded to students at the undergraduate and graduate level of study.

The fund was established upon receipt of a bequest from Mildred Shambo (1907-1992).

Miss Shambo, a lifelong resident of Aurora, taught in the East Aurora School System for thirty-nine years.

She was a philosophy major at the University of Chicago and later earned a master of arts degree from Northwestern.

She maintained memberships in numerous professional and civic organizations.

Miss Shambo provided a bequest to the Community Foundation as her way of giving back to the community which had meant so much to her throughout her lifetime.

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.

Margaret Mercer Stewart Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created by Margaret Mercer Stewart to support the education of nursing students.

Mrs. Stewart (1912-2005) was born in Aurora, Illinois. She graduated from West Aurora High School and attended North Central College.

She was drawn to nursing, graduated from the Evanston Illinois Hospital School of Nursing in 1934 and then served as a school nurse in Evanston.

In 1935, she married Thomas Graeme Stewart, a descendent of the pioneer Stewart farming family of Tamarack (now Plainfield) Illinois.

The couple resided on and farmed the ancestral land from 1937 until Mr. Stewart’s death in 1970.

Since that time, Mrs. Stewart continued to live on the farmstead and rented the land for agricultural purposes.

She was able to achieve her wish of living on the farm until her death due in part to the care provided by her home health care aides.

Mrs. Stewart was an artist, skilled in several media including pastels, oils and watercolors. She won numerous awards at both local and state levels.

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.

Dan and Tracey Stellato Family Scholarship Endowment Fund

Scholarships from this fund are available to residents of the Foundation’s service area.

BEI Holdings is a multi-generational real estate, property management and development firm established in 1959 by the Dempsey Family. BEI Holdings has always remained steadfast in their devotion to communities in the Fox Valley.

Dan and Tracey Stellato have always placed a high level of importance on education for their three sons, Nicholas, Michael and Marc Anthony. The proud parents have watched their sons achieve much success after the boys earned their college diplomas.

The Stellato family would like to help others who look to chart their future with higher education and this scholarship, funded by BEI Holdings, and administered through the Community Foundation, feels like a great way to achieve this important goal.

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.

Ashley Nicole Adrahtas Scholarship Fund

The Ashley Nicole Adrahtas Scholarship Fund was created by Lisa and Tony Adrahtas of Naples, Florida in loving memory of their daughter. This scholarship fund has been established to support individuals seeking careers in veterinary medicine. Ashley was born on May 27, 1996, to the Adrahtas Family. She was raised in Plainfield, Illinois where she attended Crystal Lawns Elementary School, Timber Ridge Middle School, and Plainfield Central High School. Ashley was an exceptionally good student. She loved to write and often spent hours creating fictional stories about anything and everything. She would recite them to us with the same passion she wrote them.

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.

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.

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.

People for Childcare Scholarship Endowment Fund

The purpose of this scholarship is to carry out the legacy of People for Childcare, Inc. by providing support to students preparing for careers that nurture the well-being, care, and development of children. People for Child Care (PCC) was incorporated in Aurora in 1977 to operate after-school group centers for children of working parents. This scholarship honors PCC’s commitment to the community for over 50 years in promoting appropriate childcare practices and services available to parents on a sliding fee basis.

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.

The Conservation Foundation Environmental Scholarship Fund

In 2007, Ron Yenerich of Oswego created an environmental scholarship fund to encourage respect for the world future generations will inherit. Called The Conservation Foundation Environmental Scholarship Fund, it provides annual awards to local students pursuing careers in natural resource management (forestry, wildlife management, etc.) or other environmentally related fields of study. In the awarding of these scholarships, preference is given to candidates with a strong commitment to the preservation of the environment as evidenced through their work-related, volunteer or other community activities. Ron Yenerich is a graduate of Indiana University and served as an officer in the United States Army for five years.

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.

Todd C. Bryant Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Todd C. Bryant Scholarship Fund was created in loving memory of Todd C. Bryant by his family. The scholarship provides support for a high school graduating senior who has struggled or is struggling with grief or mental health challenges and requires support to further their education, whatever school, institution, or ability level that person may have. It may be that a high schooler is challenged with mental wellness, has family or friends that have mental health issues, or has experienced a loss because of suicide. Todd’s family and friends recognize that it is a challenge to go on with the future in these situations.

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.

Towers Family Fund

The Towers Family Fund was created to honor Karen Towers who was an art teacher for West Aurora School District #129 for 36 years. Karen passed away on December 17, 2016 at the age of 79. She was a passionate art teacher who believed that everyone could create art. Karen loved teaching and helping students find their creativity and artistic side. Karen loved to share her love and knowledge of cultures and creating with others. She believed that you could be an artist and a lawyer when you grow up, you don’t have to choose.

Karen was involved in her community of Aurora with the Aurora Historical Society as past President and board member and the Aurora Public Art Commission as a board member. Karen’s teaching accomplishments were varied; teaching in 6 decades (1959-2000), Kane County Educator of the Year nominee, Golden Apple for District #129 recipient, Y.W.C.A Woman of Distinction nominee, P.T.A. member and many more.

The Karen Towers Art Scholarship was created in her honor to help future art teachers reach their dreams.

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.

Albert W. Medernach Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund, which was created upon the receipt of a bequest from the estate of Albert William Medernach, provides scholarships to students residing within the Community Foundation service area.

Albert Medernach (1941-2012) was born in Aurora, Illinois to John and Loretta Medernach. His father worked at the National Brush Company and his mother was a homemaker. They were blessed with twelve children.

Their son Albert attended St. Nicholas Catholic Grade School and was a graduate of Marmion Academy.

He served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1966 and was employed by Caterpillar Tractor Company for thirty years.

After retirement, he volunteered for Hesed House and St. Rita of Cascia Church, where he became affectionately known as “Mr. St. Rita.”

Mr. Medernach was a master gardener who looked forward to the springtime when he was able to resume the design of his flowerbeds and other plantings.

His devotion to family was of great importance to him as demonstrated by the special care he provided to his mother prior to her passing. He was a kind and thoughtful man who brightened the lives of others.

Albert Medernach will be remembered for generations to come for his generous provision for the educational futures of local students.

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.

Winteringham Family Permanent Endowment Fund

The Winteringham Family Permanent Endowment Fund was established through a generous bequest received from the estate of Marian Winteringham

Marian (1901-1994) taught in the West Aurora School System for over forty years. For the first half of her career, she taught at Abraham Lincoln and Nancy Hill Elementary Schools. In the early 1940s, she joined the faculty of West Aurora High School, where she taught English and also served as Dean of Women for many years.

This fund was created by Marian as a memorial to her parents Arthur J. and Minnie Winteringham, her sister Claire Winteringham, and her brother and sister-in-law Sidney and Frederika Winteringham. Although her bequest was unrestricted, Marian requested that at least a portion of her gift be used to provide scholarships for students entering the field of teaching. 

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.

William “Skip” Rowe Scholarship Fund

William “Skip” Rowe was a father and husband who spent his entire life taking care of his family, friends and the many young people in the community. Skip was able to make friends with people from all backgrounds, and he was known to be a father-figure and mentor to many young men that just needed a trusted adult to help keep them on the right path. This fund was created to honor his memory and will help to provide support to a male student going into the field of education. This scholarship was made possible by the many friends and family that loved Skip and continue to benefit from his endless generosity, passion and love.

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.

Willett & Peffers Families Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was established by Martha Willett Peffers to provide scholarships for students entering the field of music.

Mrs. Peffers (1911-2004) was a graduate of West Aurora High School. She received a degree in philosophy from the University of Illinois and a teaching certificate from Aurora College. She also attended the Art Institute of Chicago.

A lifelong Auroran, Mrs. Peffers was a member of the Tuesday Garden Club, the West Side Reading Circle and Chapter BT of P.E.O.

Her husband Hopkins Stolp Peffers (1905-1995) attended Culver Military Academy in Indiana where he later taught. He also attended the University of Wisconsin.

Mr. Peffers was a manager and consultant in the field of public transportation for many years.

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.

Michael David McGrath Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Michael David McGrath Scholarship Endowment Fund was established to honor the memory and celebrate the life of Michael David McGrath (1977-2003).

The fund, which was created in 2006, became an endowment in 2013.

Michael was a graduate of Downers Grove North High School and made his living repairing and refurbishing computers. He was an intelligent and inquisitive young man of unlimited potential.

As an encouragement to future generations, this scholarship is intended for students who possess both the ability and desire to increase their knowledge in a chosen field of study.

This scholarship also is designed to provide opportunities for students with limited financial resources to enhance their skills and affirm their self-worth.

Michael was a multi-talented young man who frequently benefited from the kindness of others. This scholarship is offered to recognize and perpetuate those qualities.