e- Memorandum
August, 2014 - In This Issue:
We're Expanding!
Community Foundation Welcomes Greg Probst

We are very proud to announce the hiring of Greg Probst as the Foundation's new Finance and Technology Specialist! Greg joined the Foundation on July 7 and will spend much of his time on the redesign of the Foundation's new website. Greg will also assist with some of the Foundation's financial matters. We are delighted to have Greg join the Community Foundation staff and look forward to his impact on the future of our organization!  Please join me in welcoming Greg to the Community Foundation.

(Continued below...) 
 
 
  
 
Sharon Stredde 
President & CEO
Mark your Calendars!
Grant applications are due 
to the Community Foundation by noon on Monday, November 3.  If your organization is considering applying for a grant this fall, please contact 
Ralph Voris to discuss your application and to schedule a site visit.


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Congratulations!

 
 
The Community Foundation is pleased to announce that more than 500 students will be receiving a scholarship for the 2014-2015 academic year.  These scholarships, totaling more than $900,000, will be sent to the schools starting this week.  Congratulations to each of this year's scholarship recipients!  

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Quote of the Day


 
"There is more to life than increasing its speed." 

- Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi was the primary leader of India's independence movement and also the architect of a form of civil disobedience that would influence the world.

Gandhi was a principled man who chose to live his life the right way. He did not visualize progress as most people do. His vision was one of peace and equality. The world lost a great voice when he was assassinated in 1948.
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Our Mission 

"To provide effective and rewarding ways for donors to fulfill their philanthropic objectives."

Our Vision

"To be recognized as a trusted philanthropic leader in the communities we serve through the delivery of the highest quality donor services, customized and unique grant and scholarship programs, and bold initiatives to address community needs."
Before It's Too Late
Establishing a Legacy

BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE

Have you ever thought about a future that doesn't include you and your loved ones - a time when your names have been forgotten?

Through the Community Foundation, you will be remembered forever through the creation of

Your own named endowment fund
custom-designed by you
to fulfill your charitable objectives
in perpetuity

It is easy to establish a permanent fund in your name and/or your family name by contacting President Sharon Stredde or Vice-President Jeffrey Hartman at the Community Foundation (630) 896-7800.

Please ensure your place in the philanthropic history of your community

BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE
"Committee of 75"
Today's Readers are Tomorrow's Leaders

The A+ Foundation is seeking 75 individuals, couples or businesses to contribute $1,000 to the A+ Foundation for West Aurora Schools Reading Endowment Fund.

The "Committee of 75" will have the distinction of supporting an initiative that will increase the reading proficiency of West Aurora's elementary grade school students.

The A+ Foundation is one of sixteen organizations that have been awarded $25,000 challenge grants by the Community Foundation for placement in their endowment funds.

Once the A+ Foundation raises $25,000, the Community Foundation's challenge grant will be released.

If 75 gifts of $1,000 are received, the result will be an impressive $100,000 endowment to support the reading initiative.

As of today, nearly $25,000 has been received.

You can support this fund by clicking here or by sending a check to the Community Foundation at 111 West Downer Place, Suite 312, Aurora, Illinois, 60506. Please indicate "Reading Fund" in the memo section of your check.

It has been proven that early and consistent intervention in a young child's academic life translates into a brighter and more successful future.

Be one of the 75 to make this happen. Be one of the 75 to change young lives!
We're Expanding!
Greg Probst Joins Community Foundation Staff
Greg Probst joined the Community Foundation staff on July 7.  Prior to joining the Foundation, Probst was Technical Support Specialist for BP, as well as the Assistant Director and Sales Manager of TechZone at Illinois State University.  Probst is an ISU graduate and currently lives in Aurora. We are truly thrilled to have Greg join the staff and look forward to utilizing his talents for both the financial and technology aspects of the Foundation.  
Super-Majority Passes "America Gives More" Act
Act Would Make the IRA Charitable Rollover Permanent
Last month, the United States House of Representatives passed an important legislative package impacting philanthropy, the "America Gives More Act of 2014" (H.R. 4719), with a bipartisan super-majority vote of 277-130.

H.R. 4719 includes several provisions of particular importance to foundations. First, it would make the IRA charitable rollover permanent through a provision adapted from legislation sponsored by Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL-18). Second, the bill includes a provision, adapted from legislation introduced by Congressman Erik Paulsen (R-MN-3), to simplify the two-tier excise tax on private foundations by replacing it with a single rate of one percent. 

(Stay tuned for further developments on this legislation)
                   
                       111 W. Downer Place, Suite 312,  Aurora, IL 60506
                       Ph: 630-896-7800      Fx: 630-896-7811
                       www.CommunityFoundationFRV.org