Attending the first annual meeting: Seated (left to right): Walter R. O'Malley, Charles P. Wright, Charles W. Hoefer, Arthur L. Podolak, William B. Greene, Frank R. Reid, Jr., Justus L. Johnson and James E. Milroy.   Standing (left to right): W. L. "Les" McCullough, Frank S. Main, Mayor Henry Rauscher, Carl Schmitz, Ray Hanson, Clarence J. Ruddy, Emery S. Fowler, Elmer A. Hermes, Donald J. DeFrates and John P. Thill.

The Aurora Foundation (now Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley) was formally established in June of 1948, and the first annual meeting of was held on November 23, 1948 at the office of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. Since then, the Foundation has grown from 1 charitable fund with assets of $5,000 to over  500 charitable funds with assets of nearly $88 million . Grants and scholarships awarded by the Foundation since its founding total more than $60 million.

"It's a pleasure to serve the Community Foundation as its fifth President in 70 years," said Jeff Hartman, current President & CEO of the Foundation. "Every morning I come to work and view the faces of past President's and Board Chair's photos hanging on the walls. It's then that I am reminded of the great privilege and responsibility of leading the "community's foundation". I am humbled by the series of events from the past 70 years that have led us to where we are today, and excited for how the Community Foundation will champion philanthropy into the next 70 years."

The Community Foundation will continue to "Celebrate 70" throughout the year by featuring significant individuals and events from the past 70 years.

Read more about the Foundation's history on our website, or watch our historical video. 

The Community Foundation provides grants for capital purposes to nonprofit agencies in the fields of education, social services, healthcare, and arts & humanities