January 2017 e  Memorandum
                                              


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."


Happy New Year from the Community Foundation 
of the Fox River Valley!
 
With January in full swing, I wanted to take this opportunity to say "Thank You" for helping make 2016 such a successful year for the Community Foundation.  This past year, 37 new funds were established and nearly $5.5 million in new gifts were received.  Just as important, more than $5 million was distributed back to the community in the form of grants and scholarships.  This truly would not have been possible without your support! 
 
Additionally, I wanted to take a minute to highlight some of the newer features of this monthly newsletter.  For the past few months we have highlighted one of the many fine not-for-profit organizations in our community, and this month is no different.  Please make sure you check out the good work that Wayside Cross Ministries is doing every day in our community.  Wayside Cross was a recent grant recipient of the Community Foundation for the support of a new roof at its Lifespring Center.  We are humbled to partner with Wayside Cross and the good work they do each day.
 
Finally, over the past 18 months the Community Foundation has undergone a significant shift in its staffing model.  Going forward we will highlight a new Foundation staff or Board member in our "Getting to Know..." section.  With this being scholarship application season, we have featured the Foundation's Director of Scholarships, Heather Johnson.  We hope you enjoy this 'behind the scenes' look at the many dedicated employees and volunteers of the Community Foundation. 

 
Jeff Hartman
President & CEO

Upcoming Events
January 13 - February 5
City of Geneva Photo Exhibition
at Water Street Studios

January 13 - February 15
Steel Beam Theatre presents:
Random Theft & Other Acts

Saturday, January 21
Lazarus House "Unmasking the Face of Homelessness" Gala
Sunday, January 22
Canopy Adult Services
Chili Cook-Off

Sunday, January 22
The Flat Cats "Swing in the New Year" at Norris Cultural Arts Center

Wednesday, February 1
Letters of Intent For Grants Available

Saturday, February 4
Fox Valley United Way's Souper bowl of Caring Food Drive

Saturday, February 4
Marklund's Roaring Twenties Gatsby Ball Fundraising Gala

Monday, February 6
Scholarship Applications Due
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Grantee Spotlight
Wayside Cross Ministries
 
Wayside Cross Ministries, a non-profit Christian organization, received
a grant from the Community Foundation  to replace  the leaking and worn roof at its women's transitional shelter,  Lifespring  Center.   The new  roof  has  been installed and is contributing to the internal  environment of the  shelter, as it has  eliminated  constant leaks and falling tile.  This grant award has helped Lifespring make its living condit ions  comfortable  for women,  infants and  children.


Wayside Cross' Al Tierny and Julie Christman on the roof.

James Lukose,  Executive Director of Wayside Cross Ministries, expressed  gratitude about receiving  the much needed grant. "We are very thankful to the Community Foundation   for extend ing this  generous  grant,"  Lukose stated. "The timing of this grant  could not have been better due to Lifespring's crucial need."


Foundation Director of Community Involvement and Partnerships Julie Christman with James Lukose, and Rick Guzman,  Community Foundation board member.

To learn more about Wayside Cross Ministries and Lifespring Center, visit www.waysidecross.org .
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Our Donors
We are deeply grateful to the individuals, businesses and organizations that commit to the charitable needs of the community. Follow the link below to view this year's donors. 


The lists of our donors are updated quarterly. They are available to view on our website.
Fundraising With CFFRV
Let Us Help You With Your Event!

Are you considering a fundraising event to establish - or add to - your fund at the Community Foundation? Please give us a call!  We have worked with numerous individuals, families, and businesses to help them maximize their fundraising event.  Whether you are looking to put on a golf outing, gala dinner, or a simple event to raise awareness for a cause, please include us in your planning of the event. Additionally, there are a number of tax and legal requirements for acknowledging fundraising events and we would very much enjoy the opportunity to speak with you about those requirements in advance of your event. Thank you for all you do in our community! 
Congratulations To Our Grantees!
12 Agencies Awarded Grants For Fall 2016 Cycle

The Community Foundation is proud to announce its fall 2016 grant recipients! This past November, the following twelve agencies were approved a total of $131,604.00  in grants to help fulfill their missions:


It is our honor as a Community Foundation to partner with these agencies in making a difference in our region in the areas of social services, education, health and the arts. A Grantee Recognition Ceremony is planned for later this month to celebrate the accomplishments and missions of these organizations.

If you are a nonprofit agency that is interested in applying for a grant this spring, Letters of Intent will become available on February 1, 2017 and close on March 31, 2017.

To learn more about the Grantmaking Program,  please  visit our website.
Scholarship Applications Due
Application Deadline is February 6, 2017
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The Community Foundation Scholarship Program offers scholarships to students who will attend an accredited institution of higher education on a full-time basis  and who live in the Foundation's service area ( Greater Aurora Area, the Tri-Cities, and Kendall County, Illinois).

There are 200 scholarship funds  within the Community Foundation. The Foundation offers one-year and multi-year scholarships. This past year,  346  scholarships were awarded for a total of  $1.04 million  in funding over the next four years.  

We encourage applicants to begin the scholarship process early to allow time for submitting all supporting documents. 

T he deadline to submit a completed Application Form is Monday, February 6, 2017 by 4:00 P.M.  Late applications will not be accepted.

Apply online at go.cffrv.org/Scholarship2017.
Getting To Know...
Meet Heather Johnson!

Heather Johnson is the Director of Scholarships at the Community Foundation. She joined the Foundation in November 2013. Heather earned her Bachelor's Degree from Illinois State University in Special Education - Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She worked in the school setting for five years before joining the CFFRV team.  As the Director of Scholarships, Heather manages the Community Foundation's extensive Scholarship Program as well as the scholarship funds that are not directly part of the Foundation's Scholarship Program.

Q & A with Heather Johnson

What is your favorite season and why?
My favorite season is fall because I love the cool, crispy air and the leaves falling off the trees. Fall is the perfect sweatshirt season.

What is your favorite condiment?
My favorite condiment is Ketchup! I put ketchup on many, many things.... eggs, chicken, fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, etc!

What is your least favorite food?
My least favorite food is any and all seafood. I don't like the look or smell of it! Ick!

What are your favorite sports to watch/play?
I like to watch the Chicago Cubs, college football and basketball.

What was your high school mascot?
My high school mascot was the West Aurora Blackhawks. \A/

Which radio stations do you listen to the most in the car?
The two radio stations I listen to the most in the car are 101.9 The Mix and 98.3 WCCQ - a country station. 

What is a skill you'd like to learn?
I'd like to learn how to play the piano! I am fascinated how talented piano players are, and I wish I could just sit down at a piano and be able to play any song.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is obtaining a full-time job and enjoying it. :-)

If you could have any super power, which would you choose and why?
The ability to snap and have something done - like Mary Poppins. *Snap* - the room is clean.

                   
  111 W. Downer Place, Suite 312,   Aurora, IL 60506
  127 South First Street, Suite 215, Geneva, IL 60134
  Ph: 630-896-7800      Fx: 630-896-7811