Best Warren 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.

Dickes Family Scholarship Permanent Endowment Fund

This fund was established upon receipt of a bequest from the estate of Herman A. Dickes.

Mr. Dickes (1905-2000) was born in Aurora and graduated from East Aurora High School.

Prior to his retirement, he had been employed by the Burlington Railroad.

His wife May Dickes (1907-1989) was born in Chicago. She was an enthusiastic volunteer for numerous community projects and served as the first chairperson of the Mercy Ball.

Mr. and Mrs. Dickes were involved in many youth activities and charitable organizations in Aurora.

Holy Angels Catholic Church, Mercy Center, Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and the Elks Club were a few of the many special places which felt their love.

In keeping with their belief in the importance and accessibility of education for all youth, the couple established an endowed scholarship for students with financial need who are graduating from a high school located within the City of Aurora or from Marmion Academy.

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.

Erin K. Harrison Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Erin K. Harrison Memorial Scholarship Fund provides annual awards to Aurora residents who are graduating from East Aurora or West Aurora High School or to students who are GED graduates.

These scholarships are reserved for students pursuing a career in the field of counseling, education, nursing, psychology, or social work.

Erin Harrison (1985-2004) was born in Park Ridge, Illinois. She grew up in Aurora, Illinois and attended Hall Elementary School, Jefferson Middle School and West Aurora High School.

At the time of her passing, Erin was a senior at West High where she played the clarinet in the school’s various bands. She also worked at the SciTech Museum and was active in the youth group at New England Congregational Church.

Always adventurous and charming, Erin possessed a rare and special gift in relating to children. She had planned to further her talents by pursuing a degree in elementary education at Northern Illinois University.

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.

George & Elaine Hettrich Scholarship Endowment Fund

Scholarships from this fund are awarded to students graduating from high schools located in Oswego School District 308.

These scholarships support students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing and also students studying in a field of their own choosing.

George Hettrich was a lifetime resident and farmer in Oswego Township. After graduating from Oswego High School, he attended Northwestern University and the Chicago Board of Trade Grain and Marketing Program. Mr. Hettrich was elected and served in several Oswego Township and Kendall County offices. He passed away on December 29, 2022.

Elaine Hettrich is a graduate of Oswego High School. She received her R.N. from Copley Hospital School of Nursing and a bachelor of arts degree from Aurora University. She was employed by Copley Hospital and later served twenty-five years as a nurse for the Oswego School District until her retirement in 1994. Mrs. Hettrich is a member of several professional organizations and P.E.O. Chapter BT in Aurora.

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.

Goldsmith Family Endowment Fund

The Goldsmith Family Endowment Fund provides scholarships to students who are graduates of East Aurora High School or West Aurora High School.

This fund, which was created in 2001, became an endowment in 2012.

The Goldsmith family has lived in Aurora for more than 100 years.

Zalmon Goldsmith, a long-time Aurora attorney, and Anne Goldsmith, his wife, were involved in numerous community activities throughout their lives.

Mr. Goldsmith served as a member and chairman of the board of Mercy Hospital and of the Heartland Blood Centers. He was also on the board of Sunnymere.

Mrs. Goldsmith was one of the founders of the Paramount Arts Centre Endowment and also served on the boards of the United Way and the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, among others.

Mr. and Mrs. Goldsmith’s son Bruce has practiced law in Aurora for more than thirty years. Bruce’s wife Margot, a freelance editor, has served on the Aurora Public Library Board of Directors.

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.

Howard E. Gillette Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Howard E. Gillette Scholarship Endowment Fund was created by the family and friends of Dr. Gillette at the time of his passing. It received further funding upon receipt of a bequest from his estate.

Dr. Howard Gillette (1915-2008) was born in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was a graduate of East Aurora High School, North Central College and the University of Illinois College of Dentistry.

After completing his residency in Oral Surgery at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, he spent three years in the United States Air Force.

In 1947, he started his Oral Surgery practice in Aurora. He retired in 1982.

Dr. Gillette was a member of the board of directors of the Community Foundation for twenty-two years. He also served as a senior or emeritus director for seven years.

Scholarships from Dr. Gillette’s fund are available to graduates of East Aurora and West Aurora High School for attendance at North Central College.

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.

James H. & Ione P. Fitzgerald Scholarship Endowment Fund

James and Ione Fitzgerald bequeathed a portion of their estate to provide scholarships for students graduating from high schools located within the City of Aurora.

James Fitzgerald (1907-1995) was born in Oswego. He attained the rank of lieutenant with the Illinois State Police. Later, he served as the treasurer of Kane County.

He was a member of A. F. & A. M. Masonic Lodge #90, Aurora Moose Lodge #400, the Aurora Elks Club, Phoenix Club and the Elburn Lions Club.

Ione Fitzgerald (1914-2006) was born in Chicago. She was a graduate of East Aurora High School.

From 1939-1944, she was secretary to the director of Mooseheart. She later moved to Elgin where she was a buyer for Ackemann’s Department Store.

Mrs. Fitzgerald was the president of the Elgin Girl Scouts and a member of the Lady Elks.

After the death of their former spouses, James and Ione Fitzgerald were married in 1980.

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.

John “Jack” Harkness Memorial Fund

The John “Jack” Harkness Memorial Fund was established to support activities relating to mathematics and business through the A+ Foundation for West Aurora Schools. In addition, an annual scholarship will be granted to a senior scholar athlete planning to major in accounting, business or math.

John “Jack” Harkness was raised in Aurora and graduated in 1946 from East Aurora High School. After high school, John spent two years overseas in the Army with the occupation forces following World War II. Following those two years, he played football at Knox College while serving in the Army Reserves. He graduated from Knox in 1952 with a degree in Accounting. After a final stint in the Army, he was honorably discharged and began his accounting career and focused on raising a family with the love of his life, Mary. Together they raised four children: John (deceased 1972), Mary Ann, Susan, and Karen.

John passed away in June 2018 and is dearly missed by his children and grandchildren. His passion for education was passed on to his daughters, who all became teachers.

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.

Philip B. Elfstrom & Peg Bond Scholarship Endowment Fund

Philip Elfstrom established this fund to provide scholarships to students who are residents of Batavia, Illinois.

Mr. Elfstrom, a Batavia businessman, was named Batavia Citizen of the Year in 1982.

He served as chairman of the Kane County Board from 1971 until 1982, after which he served as president of the Forest Preserve Commission until 1990.

Mr. Elfstrom was instrumental in acquiring many miles of Fox River shoreline for public use and in building the Kane County Trail System. He also brought Minor League Baseball to the Chicago Area.

Peg Bond (1914-1995) was an associate professor of arts. She was named Batavia Citizen of the Year in 1971.

Her civic involvement included the Batavia School Board, Batavia Planning Commission, Kane County Zoning Board and the Illinois Arts Council.

Her primary passion was teaching, through which she shared her talents and zest for learning with generations of students from Batavia Schools and Northern Illinois University.

The Peg Bond Center in Batavia was named in her honor.

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.

Robert C. & Maureen A. Granger Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Robert C. and Maureen A. Granger Scholarship Endowment Fund was created to assist graduates of East Aurora High School or West Aurora High School who are furthering their studies in a four-year college or university, seeking a degree in chemistry or chemical engineering.

This scholarship fund was established by Maureen Granger to help aspiring chemists earn a degree in the profession that her husband loved.

Robert (Bob) Granger was a graduate of East Aurora High School where he developed a lifelong interest in chemistry. He graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in chemistry.

He worked for the Burlington Railroad as a chemist/chief chemist for fourteen years. He then took a position with Sears Roebuck in Chicago as a chemist/product engineer until he passed away in 1990 at the age of sixty-one.

He and his wife Maureen were married for forty-one years before his passing. They raised their four children in Aurora.

The intent of this scholarship fund is to assist East Aurora and West Aurora High School graduates pursue a professional career in the field of chemistry.

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.

Robert L. & Joyce A. Golz Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created to support scholarships for graduates of high schools in the City of Aurora or the City of Oswego.

Robert Golz (1934-2003) was born and raised in Aurora. He was the son of the late Herbert Golz, the founder of Equipto Electronics in Aurora.

Mr. Golz joined the company in 1960 as vice president of manufacturing. From 1979 to 1999, he served as the chief executive officer and later became the firm’s chairman of the board.

According to Joyce Golz, her husband placed a high value on the lives of his employees. He often changed company policies to accommodate the schedules of working mothers.

He also limited the number of business trips in a year so that salespeople could spend more time with their families.

Joyce Golz joined Equipto Electronics in 1960. As the company grew, she became the sales supervisor and assistant to the sales manager. She retired in 1999.

Mrs. Golz established this fund to honor her husband and the strong principles by which he lived his life.

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.

Ruby M. Frank Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to graduating high school seniors from St. Charles with preference for those who go on to attend Aurora University or a Lutheran-affiliated college.

Ruby M. Frank (1920-2009) was born in McClusky, North Dakota. She attended Mankato College in Minnesota.

In 1953, Mrs. Frank moved to St. Charles, Illinois with her husband, Bob, whom she married in 1944.

In 1957, she founded Frank’s Employment in St. Charles. She worked in the family business for forty-six years until her retirement in 2003.

Ruby Frank was a director of the Community Foundation for twelve years, serving as chairman for two of those years.

She was a director of Delnor Hospital for thirty-six years and served as president during the merger with Community Hospital.

She also was president of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, GSB Women’s Republican Club and LSSI Hotel Baker Living Center.

Other board service included Aurora University, St. Charles Savings and Loan, Kane County Republican Committee, Illinois Association of Personnel Consultants, Kane DuPage Human Resources Association and WFXW-AM 1480.

Mrs. Frank received St. Charles’ highest award, The Charlemagne, in 1980. She also was voted one of the top five persons for service to the community of St. Charles in the 20th Century.

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.

Warren J. & Shirley J. Eggers Scholarship Fund

Warren J. Eggers, an active civic leader in the Aurora area, passed away on February 15, 2010.

To honor his life, Mr. Egger’s family and friends created a scholarship fund to provide assistance to local students with great financial need who wish to further their education upon graduation from high school.

Warren Eggers (1935-2010) was born in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in River Forest, Illinois.

He was a graduate of Oak Park–River Forest High School and Elmhurst College.

Upon graduation from college, he was employed as a research chemist at the Sherwin-Williams Company.

In 1966, the family moved to the Aurora area where Mr. Eggers continued his work in the paint and adhesive industry.

He and a group of colleagues purchased the former River Valley Coatings. He retired from the company in 1996.

He served as a director of the Waubonsee Community College Foundation, chairman of the Valley Industrial Association, member of the Kane County Bar Foundation and member of the Community Foundation Scholarship Committee.

Shirley Eggers was born and raised in Freeport, Illinois.

She received her R.N. from Rush-Presbyterian-Saint Lukes Hospital in Chicago and her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Northern Illinois University.

Mrs. Eggers retired after fifteen years as a school nurse at East Aurora High School.

Mr. and Mrs. Eggers were active members of Bethany Lutheran Church in Batavia.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Brian Conner Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is in memory of Brian Conner, a 1995 graduate of Courtland High School. The fund will provide scholarships to graduating seniors of Spotsylvania High Schools who have lettered in cross country or long distance track, who have exhibited leadership abilities, and who have demonstrated a desire to exceed expectations in all endeavors. Brian loved long distance running and received 12 Varsity letters for cross-country, indoor and outdoor track. He also received an academic letter for his high scholastic achievements. Brian is remembered for his motivation and his desire for individual and team success. He encouraged others to excel through his own performance, his compassionate manner and caring smile. He attended Mary Washington College for two years until joining the United States Marine Corps in 1997. The Marines considered him a leader with character. 

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Brandon Thomas Lawn Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is in memory of Brandon Thomas Lawn who attended Colonial Forge High School in Stafford County. Brandon was the victim of a work related summer job accident and passed away on August 12, 2003. He was an active Master Altar Server at St. William of York Catholic Church. Brandon demonstrated a deep love of family and faith in God. He was quick to help and listen to others and will be remembered as an individual who strived to achieve. He held a GPA of 4.3, an SAT score of 1440, and was an active member of the National Honor Society.

Brandon’s favorite sport was wrestling. He received three varsity letters in wrestling, one in cross-country, and three academic letters. He was the Commonwealth District Champion for the 2001-2002 season and placed fifth in AAA State Wrestling Competition in the 2002-2003 season. Brandon volunteered as a coach for younger children in other wrestling programs in the Stafford County community. Brandon dreamed of attending the United States Air Force Academy. Brandon was known to his close friends for “doing the right thing, no matter what anyone else thinks.”

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Betty Booker Lontz Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established in August 2013 by Betty Lontz, a life-long swimmer and devoted and beloved swim instructor. Growing up in Bon Air, Virginia, Betty’s parents collaborated with four other families to build the Bon Air Pool. By 5 years old, she was swimming with the Midgets – children several years older – rather than the Mites. By age ten, she was swimming on a National championship relay team and, though the expense of the trip prevented it, invited to the 1960 Olympics.

Betty began teaching swimming when she was 14 years old. She trained with the West Hampton College swimmers while in high school and took a job at the pool at The Homestead when she graduated. The late 1960’s found Betty at Fort Lee, Virginia teaching lifeguarding skills to returning Vietnam veterans preparing for the United States Special Services. It was there she met her first husband, Bill Lontz. Having been known to say, “If I can find a guy who can out swim me, I’ll marry him,” she was true to her word and married him after two dates. They were married 39 years until his death in 2007.

The young couple moved to Europe for two years, where Betty started another swimming program. On returning to Virginia and the Fredericksburg area, she was instrumental in establishing the pool at Curtis Park. Her well-known Fredericksburg Swim School business (originally called Country Swim School) began in 1975. Over the years, Betty taught swimming and water safety skills to more than 10,000 children -- including some who became Olympic caliber swimmers.

Betty Lontz passed away on November 5, 2015. She attributed her lifetime of swimming with her resiliency in the face of the genetic condition Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. “Wellness is my story,” said Betty. She believed that, “it’s just smart for people to stay healthy.” In the face of growing social issues that stem from illness, it just makes sense for people to preserve and grow an asset like physical health. On the individual, societal and global levels, the study of wellness is a key to vitality and well-being, including reducing costs to society. “Pathology is important, but promoting good health and preventing illness make so much sense.”

Each year, at least two $500 scholarships will be given to area graduating high school seniors.

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.

Richard E. & Ann R. McWethy Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships for residents of Kendall County, Illinois.

Ann Riford McWethy (1919-2019) was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1919 to Lulu and Otis Riford. She grew up in Canton, south of Boston.

After four years at prep school at Northfield, Massachusetts, Mrs. McWethy graduated from Green Mountain College in Vermont.

As a youth, she played tennis and taught swimming and canoeing as a counselor at Camp Waukeela in New Hampshire. She enjoyed other sports as well, including downhill and cross-country skiing.

After college she worked as a legal secretary in Boston.

She met her future husband Richard E. McWethy at a naval officers’ dance at Harvard University. He knew that “she was the one” right away. They were married a few months later in January of 1944 in her home.

Richard (Dick) McWethy (1921-2014) was born and raised in Aurora, Illinois. He spent his summers at the family cottage near South Haven on Lake Michigan enjoying swimming, sailing and tennis.

He graduated first in his class from West Aurora High School in 1939. He then enrolled at Caltech in Pasadena, majoring in engineering.

Mr. McWethy was on active duty with the Naval Reserve when school was not in session. He spent one summer aboard the 110-foot schooner “Volador,” sailing patrol one hundred to one hundred-fifty miles offshore watching for Japanese submarines.

After graduation, he was called for active duty in the Navy and was sent to Harvard University for communications training.

Eventually, he served on Attu, at the end of the Aleutian Island chain in Alaska. There he worked in communications with code machines while they launched bombing runs over northern Japan. He noted that the weather reports on Attu ended every day with “wind gusts to 60k.”

The couple had three children – Merrill, Peggy and Lee.

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.

Walter A. Sperry Scholarship Endowment Fund

Students entering post-graduate studies in the fields of dentistry or engineering are eligible to apply for scholarships from the Walter A. Sperry Scholarship Endowment Fund.

This fund was established as a memorial to Walter A. Sperry, Sr. (1882-1981) and Walter A. Sperry, Jr. (1922-1995).

Walter A. Sperry, Sr. received a degree in chemical engineering from Ohio State University in 1907.

He was a chemist in Columbus, Ohio and Grand Rapids, Michigan before his appointment as superintendent of the Aurora Sanitary District, a position he held from 1930 to 1958.

His son Walter A. Sperry, Jr. was a graduate of the University of Illinois Dental School and practiced in Aurora from 1947 to 1988.

In addition, he taught at the College of Dentistry at the University of Illinois-Chicago for twenty-five 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.

Erwin & Ella Hoffman Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships for students with a preference for graduates of East Aurora or West Aurora High School and attendance at a Lutheran-affiliated college or university. The fund was established by a bequest received from the estate of Mrs. Hoffman, who died in 1979, a year after her husband’s death. The couple owned and operated a farm in North Aurora for most of their lives.

They were members of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Aurora.

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.

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.

Eleanor C. Hungar Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was established to administer a bequest from the estate of Eleanor Hungar.

Miss Hungar (1905-2005) attended Greenman Elementary School. She was a graduate of West Aurora High School and Illinois State University at Normal. Miss Hungar was a beloved and greatly admired teacher. She had a profound influence on the children whose lives she touched.

To this day, former students fondly recall her extraordinary kindness to those who had the good fortune to learn at her side.

In keeping with her lifelong devotion to children, she bequeathed a portion of her estate to provide scholarships for students entering the field of elementary education.

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.

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Sonoma County Medical Association & Alliance Health Careers Scholarship

The Sonoma County Medical Association & Alliance Health Careers Scholarship Fund, administered by 10,000 Degrees, was established in 2001 to support students pursuing a career in medicine, nursing, or other allied health fields. This scholarship is open to undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree 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.

Albert M. Zari Scholarship Fund

The Albert M. Zari Scholarship Fund was established by the Albert M. Zari Foundation to provide scholarships to students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree from a college or university in accounting, aeronautics/aerospace science, agriculture, business, communications, computer science, electronics, engineering, finance, information systems, medicine, or pharmacy.

Students continuing their studies in trade schools are also eligible for these scholarships.

Eligibility is reserved for students graduating from public high schools located within the following Illinois School Districts: Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, Oswego, Sycamore, DeKalb, Kaneland, Yorkville or Plano.

Albert M. Zari directed that these scholarships be created from his estate to reflect his belief in the power of education.

With an eighth grade education, and after completing an electricians’ apprenticeship program, Mr. Zari became a successful businessman.

He was the founder of A.M. Zari Construction Company and was very proud of the work that his company did on the runways at O’Hare Airport.

Mr. Zari spent his free time as a woodworker at his home in St. Charles, Illinois producing exquisite works of art.

A native of Chicago, he was the son of Peter and Delfina Zari and husband to Carole.

Mr. Zari served his country in the Navy in World War II. He passed away on February 2, 2014 at the age of 94.

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 Desha Witt Education Endowment Fund

This endowment was created by a bequest received from the estate of Jack Desha Witt (1907-1990) as a memorial to his father Dr. John D. Witt (1874-1938). Dr. Witt was a physician and surgeon who practiced in Aurora during the early 1900’s.

The Jack Desha Witt Education Endowment Fund provides income to Aurora students entering a pre-medicine course of study, including nursing. Mr. Witt chose the Foundation as a meaningful and permanent way to honor the memory of his father.

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.

John V. and Carol E. Winkle Scholarship Foundation Endowment Fund

The John V. and Carol E. Winkle Scholarship Foundation Endowment Fund was created to provide scholarships to high school graduates located within the Community Foundation’s service area. Graduates of Hinckley-Big Rock High School and home-schooled students are also eligible for these awards if they reside within the Community Foundation’s service area.

John (1938-2010) and Carol (Crishal) Winkle (1937-2023) of Batavia and then Aurora were born in Youngstown, Ohio. They were graduates of Ursuline High School and Youngstown State University.

In 1969, the Winkles moved to Illinois where John joined and would later acquire the Weldstar Company in Aurora.

“Wink” and Carol touched many lives through their philanthropic endeavors and in their service to various organizations, including the Association for Individual Development, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Hesed House, Tri-City Family Services, area schools, and their churches (Holy Cross Parish and then Annunciation BVM).

Scholarships from their foundation will continue their belief in the potential of every human being and their sense of commitment to one’s community.

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.

Judy Whinfrey Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund

The Judy Whinfrey Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund was created to honor the life of Judy Whinfrey, a well-known civic leader in the Fox Valley Area.

The fund has been launched with a generous gift from the Central DuPage Hospital Foundation (now known as Northwestern Medicine Foundation), which partnered with Hewitt Associates of Lincolnshire and Mrs. Whinfrey’s husband, Peter Whinfrey, to establish a significant endowment within the hospital foundation in Mrs. Whinfrey’s name.

Judy Whinfrey (1949-2010) was born in Evanston, Illinois. After graduation from the University of Illinois, she joined Hewitt Associates, a global human resources consulting and outsourcing company, where she spent more than thirty years as a principal and managing consultant.

As one of the first women to become an account executive in the mid-1970s, she co-founded Hewitt’s Women in Leadership initiative. She also served on the Hewitt executive committee and was a past member of the company’s board of directors.

Mrs. Whinfrey was a member of the board of directors of Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois and Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois. She served as chairman of the board of the hospital from 2004 to 2008.

She was the first female certificate member of the Chicago Golf Club and was a member of the Secession Golf Club in Beaufort, South Carolina, where she was the first female to play in the annual Blue-Grey matches.

Judy Whinfrey lived life to its fullest and was an inspiration to those whose lives she touched. It is in this spirit that a nursing scholarship was created with the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley.

Scholarships in Mrs. Whinfrey’s name will be awarded to graduates of East Aurora or West Aurora High School who are studying within the field of nursing to obtain an Associate Degree in Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Master of Science in 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.

Myron L. & Frances B. Wormley Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to students who have been active participants in the Kendall County 4-H Program.

Myron Wormley (1914-2006) was a graduate of East Aurora High School and the University of Illinois.

He farmed on the Wormley Farm near Oswego until 1959. He then began a career in real estate, retiring in the mid 1980’s.

Mr. Wormley also was the Oswego Township Supervisor for twenty-five years.

Frances Wormley (1918-2010) grew up on a farm in Millbrook.

She was a graduate of Yorkville High School and attended the University of Illinois.

Mrs. Wormley was an elder at the Oswego Presbyterian Church, where she also was the organist for many years.

She served on the board of directors of the YWCA Aurora and on the organizing board of what became Waubonsee Community College.

She also was a member of PEO, Republican Women, Eastern Star and the Grove Road Farmers Club.

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.

Zonta Club of Aurora Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Zonta Club of Aurora Scholarship Endowment Fund was established to recognize academically talented female students graduating from a high school located in the City of Aurora.

Eligible students must have earned an overall grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale and also must be able to demonstrative positive values in the areas of character and leadership.

Zonta is an international professional business woman’s organization promoting improvement in the status and education of women through community service, study and action. The Aurora Club was established in 1959.

At Genentech, we invest in bold ideas and innovative solutions that address systemic inequities in science and medicine to advance a more just healthcare system. We focus on efforts that diversify the scientific and medical workforce, advance health equity, and help our communities thrive. We also further advance excellence in medicine and healthcare through our grants for independent medical education. Including efforts to advance health equity, support patient needs, engage the scientific community, and provide co-pay assistance. 

There are multiple ways to apply for funding. Before you submit an application, we encourage you to explore the following materials to learn more about our opportunities for funding, eligibility requirements and considerations, and the process for submitting a proposal within our Funding Request System (gFRS).