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Dear Friends,
I often tell people that May feels a lot like December —
a month full of activity, celebration, and reflection. As the school year winds down, we find ourselves immersed in moments that both inspire and uplift.
At the Community Foundation, we’re celebrating the culmination of this year’s scholarship program. More than 1,300 students applied, and we were deeply moved by their dedication, talent, and determination to pursue higher education. Thanks to the generosity of this remarkable community, we are proud to award over $3.4 million in scholarships over four years to 569 students. It is our honor to help carry out the philanthropic legacies that make these opportunities possible.
One of the most meaningful parts of May is attending senior award nights at high schools throughout the region. This month, we’ll participate in 14 ceremonies, and each one reminds us of the importance of community support in shaping a young person’s future.
We’re also celebrating the accomplishments of the 40 high school students in our Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program. Their commitment to giving back and investing in their community gives us hope for the future and makes us proud.
Every day, we witness the power of generosity in action through donors, volunteers, students, and partners. I’m also incredibly grateful for our dedicated staff and Board of Directors, whose leadership, vision, and behind-the-scenes work make everything we do possible.
Here’s to a bright summer ahead and a future full of promise!
Warmly,
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Julie Christman
President & CEO
Connecting people who care with causes that matter.
| | | Over $3.4 Million Awarded to Local Students! | | |
We’re proud to announce that 569 scholarships have been awarded to students across our community for the 2025–2026 academic year! With over 1,300 applications submitted, this year’s program was more competitive than ever, proof of the incredible ambition and potential of our local students. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and community partners, approximately 42% of those applicants will now receive the support they need to pursue their educational goals. In total, just over $3.4 million has been awarded to be distributed over the next four years. A full list of this year’s scholarship recipients is now available on our website.
Together, We’re Changing Lives
Every scholarship tells a story—of perseverance, opportunity, and hope. These awards not only help students afford college; they also affirm their dreams and encourage them to keep going.
To everyone who made this possible: thank you. Your support is building a brighter future, one student at a time.
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"I am truly honored to have been selected. I promise to remain focused on my education and to continue working hard toward earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I am deeply committed to making the most of this opportunity, and I want you to know that your investment in my future will have a lasting impact.
In return for the support I've received, I am committed to giving back to my community - through volunteer work, and one day, when I am financially stable, by becoming a donor myself to help other students achieve their dreams."
Jazmin Garcia Malagon
Undergraduate student at Aurora University studying Nursing
Recipient of the G. William & Mary D. Richards Scholarship Endowment Fund
| | Spotlight: Todd C. Bryant Memorial Scholarship Fund | | |
The Todd C. Bryant Scholarship Fund was established in 1997 in loving memory of Todd C. Bryant by his family. The scholarship has provided support for high school seniors who have struggled with grief or mental health challenges and require support to further their education, regardless of the school, institution, or ability level that person may have. It may be that a high schooler is challenged with mental wellness, has family or friends who have mental health issues, or has experienced a loss because of suicide. Todd’s family and friends recognize that it is a challenge to go on with the future in these situations. For more information on Todd Bryant or to donate, visit our website to read their fund profile page.
| | Video: Fueling Futures with Community Support | | |
Our scholarship program does more than ease the cost of education—it connects students with a network of encouragement from right here at home. By investing in local talent, we help students pursue their goals, knowing their community believes in them.
Every scholarship awarded is a step toward a stronger, brighter future for us all.
In this video, Jeff Cali, Board Chair shares a few thoughts on the scholarship program.
| |  | | | Rosie Ogawa is the new Donor Services Coordinator | | |
Rosie Ogawa has been promoted to Donor Services Coordinator. She has been with the Foundation for over a year and is a valuable part of our team. Rosie brings eleven years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She has already immersed herself in this new role and enjoys working more closely with our donors. Please feel free to reach out to her with any questions. Email Rosie
"I’m so grateful for the opportunity to continue working for such an incredible organization. As Donor Services Coordinator, I am excited to connect more directly with donors and fund advisors. I am committed to fostering meaningful relationships and enhancing our communication efforts. I am eager to collaborate with stakeholders, including community partners and donors, to ensure that their contributions are effectively directed and create a meaningful impact on our community", shared Rosie.
| | | Grantee Spotlight: Joshua Tree Community | | |
The Joshua Tree Community, based in Geneva, is a nonprofit that serves intellectually disabled adults with field trips, recreation, volunteering, and other activities requiring transportation. Through these group activities, Joshua Tree participants have grown in independence, confidence, and community awareness.
Thanks to the generosity of several donors, including the Community Foundation, the Joshua Tree Community now owns a 12-seat passenger van to help transport its participants.
"This van represents far more than just transportation; it is a bridge to greater independence, community, and personal growth for our participants," said Amy Singer, Joshua Tree founder. The donors who made the purchase possible are: The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, Dunham Foundation, Congregational United Church of Christ in St. Charles, AJR Specialty Products, and Continental Envelope.
| | | YEP Members Volunteer with CASA Kane County | | |
This past month, several of our Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) members dedicated their time and talent to painting colorful murals in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Caroline, Logan, Therese, and Faustina collaborated with CASA Kane County volunteers to bring joy and spread awareness in the community by painting the windows of Montgomery Hall and Two Brothers Roundhouse.
Another wonderful example of YEP members striving to #BeTheGood in our community. Thank you, YEP! To learn more about the YEP Program, visit our website.
| | Charitable Giving Tax Reform "Step-up in Basis" | | |
As you’ve watched the news about potential tax reform, a principle known as the “step-up in basis” might have caught your attention. Over the years, from time to time, draft legislation has proposed that this principle be changed or eliminated. Although tax law changes to eliminate the step-up in basis are not part of recently introduced “death tax repeal” legislation, it’s still a good idea to be aware of the potential implications on the charitable giving strategies in your estate plan.
"Step-up in basis" is a tax provision that allows inherited assets to have a new cost basis equal to their fair market value at the time of the owner's death. You and your advisors might have discussed this principle in deciding which assets to leave to a charity in your estate plan and which assets to leave to your heirs. The implications can be huge. Consider these scenarios:
IRA to kids, stock to charity
If you were to name your children as the beneficiaries of an IRA, and then provide for charitable gifts in your will or trust, your children will pay ordinary income tax on distributions from your IRA following your death. Assets passing under your will or trust, such as appreciated stock, get a step-up in basis, but if a charity is the ultimate beneficiary, it doesn’t really matter because charities are not subject to tax. Tax result? Less than ideal.
IRA to charity, stock to kids
If, instead, you name your fund at the community foundation as the beneficiary of your IRA, the community foundation pays no income tax. Then, any stock that passes to your children through your will or trust will receive a step-up in basis, meaning your kids can sell the stock and avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation during your lifetime. Tax result? Very good!
Consider discussing this principle with your professional advisors and reach out to Julie Christman to learn more about leaving a legacy in your estate plan to support your favorite charities. We are happy to work with you and your advisors to maximize both the community impact and tax efficiency of your charitable gifts.
| | | Upcoming Dates and Deadlines | | |
Aug 1 - Fall LOI Opens for Discretionary Grantmaking Program
Sept 30 - Fall LOI is Due for Discretionary Grantmaking Program
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