April 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."

Upcoming Events
Friday, April 21
Changing Children's Worlds Foundation: Stand Up For Kids Fundraiser

Saturday, April 22
TriCity Family Services' 50th Anniversary Gala: Festival of Color

Thursday, April 27
Fox Valley Sustainability Network:
GreenTown Fox Valley & Mayor's Breakfast

Friday, April 28
Senior Services Associates Celebrates the '60s  Feelin' Groovy!

Saturday, April 29
Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry's
Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

Sunday, April 30
Celebrate Differences' Miles For Smiles 5K

Sunday, April 30
For Scout Foundation - A Social For Scout

Monday, May 1
Grant applications due

Saturday, May 6
Human Society of Aurora's Spring 
Expo & Open House

Friday, May 12
Salvation Army's Civic Luncheon
Featuring Bob Newhart
Water Street Studios Fundraiser 
Eye of the Beholder 
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How to Raise
a Philanthropist

In her March 19, 2017  article for the 
Wall Street Journal, Veronica Dagher discusses the importance of teaching children about philanthropy at a young age. She interviewed a panel of philanthropy experts about how to introduce children to the world of giving. 

"Many parents want their children to grow up to be philanthropic," Dagher writes. " The hard part is knowing when- and how- to start instilling a sense of philanthropy in them.  Experts in the world of philanthropy offer several approaches.  But there is a consensus that it's important to start talking to children about philanthropy early in their lives and continue to have those discussions as they grow."

The following questions are discussed in the expert interviews:
  • Why should parents want to teach their children to be philanthropists?
     
  • At what age should you start teaching your children?
     
  • How do you make children understand that philanthropy isn't just for the wealthy?
     
  • What are some strategies families of all wealth levels can use to teach their children to be philanthropists?
     
  • What are some mistakes parents can make when teaching philanthropy to children?
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Grant Application
Deadline
Eligible agencies that received a link to the grant application must submit their proposals and all supporting materials by NOON on Monday, May 1, 2017. Late applications will not be accepted.

Grant announcements will be made during the week of June 5, 2017. Applicants will receive a phone call, e-mail and letter with information on whether a grant request was approved or denied funding.

For more information, visit our Grantmaking page.
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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.
$80 Million!
CFFRV Surpasses $80 Million in Total Assets
The Community Foundation is proud to announce that it has reached a major milestone. As of March 1, 2017, the Foundation has surpassed  $80 million in total assets.

In 2016, the Community Foundation received more than $5.5 million in gifts, helping the organization reach the $80 million mark earlier this month. In return, $3.5 million in charitable support was awarded back to the community last year in grants and scholarships. 

Additionally, the Foundation welcomed thirty-six new funds in 2016 and   now administers   over 500 funds  . Nearly 300 of these funds are endowed, providing perpetual philanthropic support to our communities.

Since its inception in 1948, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $49 million in grants and more than $14 million in scholarships, for a combined total of over $63 million in funding. Furthermore, the Foundation has received more than $92 million in gifts since its inception, bringing its total philanthropic capital to nearly $155.5 million.

We at the Community Foundation would like to express our deepest gratitude to you - the donors. You are the backbone of the Foundation, and the number one reason for our achievements. Our level of support to the community would not be possible without your participation and dedication.

Thank you to our fund holders and the individuals who have included the Community Foundation in their estates. We sincerely appreciate the support of the individuals, businesses, and organizations that have contributed to the Foundation over the years. Your contributions help better our communities and improve the quality of life in the Fox River Valley. 
Announcing New Board Chairman
John Diederich Assumes Role of Chairman

John Diederich
The Community Foundation is excited to announce its new chairman, John Diederich, who has been on the board of directors since 2013. Diederich is Senior Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer of Rush­Copley Medical Center. He first became involved with the Foundation as a result of his passion for serving the community and its students through the scholarship program.  "I have a passion for supporting and mentoring the youth of our community in pursuing their career dreams, especially those with financial need," Diederich said. "I am so proud that the Foundation awards over $1 million in college scholarships each year to hundreds of students.  I am honored and humbled to serve the Community Foundation  as chairman for the next three years."

Mark Truemper
Previous chairman Mark Truemper retired from the board after nearly forty years of service to the Community Foundation, with the last four as chairman. 
"The Foundation provides an outstanding service to the community, and the scope of its service continues to grow," Truemper stated. "It has been an honor to be a part of the Community Foundation. Thank you for letting me serve." 
Introducing New Board Members
CFFRV Welcomes Three New Directors

Dana Dobosz is an attorney with Dobosz law Offices, P.C. in Elgin, Illinois. She is a graduate of Valparaiso University School of Law. Dana is an experienced attorney in estate planning, probate administration, income tax planning and corporate matters. She lives in Sleepy Hollow.


Patty Hoppenstedt is currently the Assistant City Manager for the City of DeKalb. She earned her MBA with a concentration in human resources management from Keller Graduate School of Management. She lives in St. Charles.



Duane Suits was a founding partner of Sikich Gardner & Co, LLP where he practiced for twenty­-two years. He is a financial services advisor and also an independent Director and Audit Committee Chair for Old Second National Bank and Old Second Bancorp, Inc. He lives in Geneva.
Women's Empowerment Summit
CFFRV Attends Women's Summit
On March 17, twelve representatives of the Community Foundation attended Quad County Urban League's Women's Empowerment Summit. This annual summit provides a supportive and encouraging platform to showcase the talents and passions of Illinois' strongest women leaders.  


Dr. Addie Perkins Williamson kicked the day off with a presentation on how to achieve success in the workplace with her presentation on Getting to the Top and Staying There.  Another speaker was Cheryle R. Jackson, president of AAR Africa. She was the first woman and African American in Illinois' history to serve in the position of Communications Director for the Governor.  

Four women were honored as Women of Power recipients: Representative Linda Chapa LaVia, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Stephanie Hickman of Trice Construction, and author Glennette Turner. 

The day ended with breakout discussion sessions about being more entrepreneurial, becoming candidates for corporate and non-profit boards, and being proponents of change as community leaders.
 
Attendees from the Community Foundation were Julie Christman, director of community involvement and partnerships; board members Patty Hoppensteadt and Cris Anderson; Felicity Cantrell of the For Scout Foundation, Jennifer Gilbert of CASA Kendall County, Danielle Hollis of Water Street Studios; Karen Hill of LivingWell Cancer Resource Center; Ann Hyler and Katie Iko of Equine Dreams; Vicky Kristoff of Marklund; Theoni Limourdis of 100 Women Who Care of Fox River Valley; and Marilyn Wiesner of Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry.

Thank you to Quad County Urban League President Theodia Gillespie for this inspiring day! And thank you to the CFFRV attendees for taking the time to participate in this wonderful event. We are grateful for your support and the many ways you make a difference in our community each day.
                   
  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