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The Aurora Kiwanis Club/William J. Downs Scholarship Fund

Established 1992

William J. Downs
William J. Downs

The Kiwanis Club of Aurora, Illinois created a fund in 1992 to memorialize a former club member, William J. Downs.

Mr. Downs was the great grandson of Samuel McCarty, founder of the City of Aurora.

He attended East Aurora High School and later attended Worsham’s College of Mortuary Science, becoming the third generation of his family to operate the Downs Funeral Home on Fox Street (now east Downer Place) in Aurora.

Mr. Downs, a Marine veteran of WWII, was recalled to active duty during the Korean War.  He died in combat on December 6, 1950.

Scholarships from the fund are available to students attending a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

These awards are reserved for graduates of a public or parochial high school whose parent or guardian reside within one of the following cities: Aurora, Big Rock, Montgomery, North Aurora, Oswego or Sugar Grove.

Preference is given to those students who have been or are members of the Kiwanis Builders or Key Clubs.

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

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

…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

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

Marianne Renner

Past Scholarship Recipient & Current Leadership Coach

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

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

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