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Guidelines & Deadlines

Note: If you’re looking for the COVID-19 Grantmaking Program, click here

Discretionary grants are available in the spring and fall of each year. The schedule is as follows:

Spring Cycle

February 1 – Letter of Intent becomes available.

March 31 – Letter of Intent is due.

May 1 – Application closes.

Fall Cycle

August 1 – Letter of Intent becomes available.

September 31 – Letter of Intent is due.

November 1 – Application closes.

 

Nonprofit organizations wishing to submit a grant application MUST:

  • Complete a Letter of Intent to apply for a grant
    (Click here to view new application process)
  • After the Letter of Intent is completed, Cathy will contact you to:
    • Determine your agency’s eligibility
    • Talk about your project
    • Schedule a site visit

Once the site visit has been completed, Cathy will confirm your agency’s eligibility and you will receive the next steps regarding the application process.

 


Guidelines for Grants

 

Download Grant Guidelines (PDF)

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley Provides grants in the following designated charitable categories:

  • Education
  • Social Services
  • Health Care
  • Arts and Humanities

Please refer to our annual reports for a listing of grants awarded during the past several years.

  • Grants are made to non-profit agencies located in the Community Foundation service area which includes the Greater Aurora Area, the TriCities, and Kendall County in the State of Illinois.  Consideration is also given to non-profit agencies outside of the service area that can show significant impact on residents within the service area. Churches, congregations, and other member organizations are generally not eligible to apply.
  • Grants shall be made for capital purposes only.
  • Applicants will need to submit evidence of 501(c)(3) and 170(b)(1)(A) tax status.  Please note that 170(b)(1)(A) status is often included on the 501(c)(3) document from the IRS. It is preferred that agencies are tax exempt with the State of Illinois.  All agencies must provide a certificate of tax exemption or a document from the State of Illinois indicating that their request for sales tax exemption was denied.
  • In light of the Community Foundation’s limited resources and in fairness to the many organizations seeking support, former grant recipients are asked to wait at least two full years from the date they received payment of a grant from the Community Foundation before applying for a new grant.
  • The Community Foundation rarely provides the entire support of a project.
  • Grants are not generally available to those agencies and institutions that are funded primarily through tax support.  Grade schools, middle schools, and high schools (both public and private) are not eligible to apply.
  • Community Foundation grants are intended to support charitable projects that utilize companies, firms or vendors whose principal offices are located within the Community Foundation service area.  Since funds that support the Community Foundation Grantmaking Program are received from local donors, every effort should be made to return these grant dollars to the local community.
  • Please note that the Community Foundation Board of Directors reserves the right to amend or to modify the scope of its Grantmaking Policies.
  • By accepting this grant, the grantee agrees that it provides an environment free of harassment or discrimination based on a person’s race, national origin, gender, age, marital status, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic conditions or predispositions, certain military and veteran status, or unlawful discrimination for all employees and those served.

We chose the Community Foundation because of its reputation. It’s well known, established and we can trust them to do the job for us.

Dick Schindel

Richard and Susan Schindel Scholarship Funds

There’s no question in my mind that the scholarship I received opened up possibilities.

Marianne Renner

Past Scholarship Recipient & Current Leadership Coach

…you can always start small, even $25 can make a difference. Remember we can’t take our money with us. Even if it’s just your gift of time. Volunteer and get involved.

Cris Anderson

Cristina & Thomas S. Anderson Endowment Fund | Tom & Cris Anderson Colonial Advisory Fund

As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, I was worried about how I was going to pay for books and supplies. This scholarship will allow me to focus more on my studies instead of worrying about how to afford college. I am working to not only create opportunities for myself but to motivate future generations. Thank you so much for helping me along this journey!

Moises J.

Claude & Alice Allen Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Thank you very much for supporting my college education for these four years. I will never be able to repay you for the opportunity that this scholarship has given to me.

Julia H.

[Renewing Scholarship Recipient] Graduate of Hinkley-Big Rock High School

A community foundation is a donor-driven organization that helps donors custom-design funds that reflect their charitable interests. Through the years, grants from these funds have made a significant impact on our local communities.

Sharon Stredde

President Emeritus

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

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