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St. Charles Initiative Fund

Established 2019

Photo Credit: Drew Pertl 

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Leave a lasting legacy in a city that celebrates its heritage and those who help distinguish St. Charles as “The Pride of the Fox.”

For 185 years, St. Charles has offered an idyllic life along the banks of the Fox River. Whether you live here, are visiting, or have a business in St. Charles, you can feel the energy of the city and will be drawn to its inviting sense of community.

The St. Charles Initiative offers a unique way to give back and be a part of the spirit of shaping St. Charles by moving important community projects forward.

About the St. Charles Initiative

The St. Charles Initiative is a new partnership between the City of St. Charles and the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley formed to support public projects in St. Charles. This public-private partnership provides funding through donations and endowments, as an alternative to tax-based financing sources.

Led by an independent advisory committee of St. Charles community leaders and residents, the St. Charles Initiative offers a new approach to help fund capital projects, programs and other improvements.

Proposed Programs and Projects

The St. Charles Initiative connects donors to projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life in St. Charles. You can find a project that fits your passion. All donations stay local.

1st Street Plaza Plaza Expansion — An expansion of the 1st Street Plaza is planned for the area at the southeast corner of Main & 1st streets. The new public space, along with additional planned enhancements to the area, will make the already popular downtown plaza a welcoming spot to gather. It will offer a central location for fairs and festivals, entertainment and events, or just enjoying the views.​ (Click “1st Street Plaza Expansion” to be taken to the project’s page.)

General Donation — To be applied to projects or programs as identified by the St. Charles Initiative.

Thank You to Our Donors

The St. Charles Initiative thanks the following individuals and businesses for their generous support of the 1st Street Plaza Expansion Project.

Giving Opportunities

There are several giving opportunities that are both suitable to donor wishes and provide tax benefits that fit your financial goals. We are happy to help identify giving options that work best for you and your family.

  • Cash
  • Securities
  • IRAs and Other Qualified Retirement Plans
  • Bequests through a Will
  • Distributions from a Living Trust
  • Real Estate
  • Life Insurance
  • Charitable Gift Annuities
  • Charitable Lead and Remainder Trusts
  • Private Foundation Grants
  • Gift Annuity

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

Marianne Renner

Past Scholarship Recipient & Current Leadership Coach

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

…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

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

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

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

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

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