August 2026 News & Updates | | |
Dear Friends,
As this summer comes to a close and students go back to school, we look forward to another year of our Youth Engagement in Philanthropy program. This year, we are expanding the program to serve more students in the northern area of Kane County. We are reminded that we all can make a difference in our community, no matter our age.
We are inspired by their commitment to their community, even after they leave the program and go to college or stay and serve in their local community. We had the pleasure of having two interns, graduates of the YEP program, this summer, who brought their skills and talents, enthusiasm, and optimism to our office, providing us with great joy and hope for our community. We are excited for what the future holds for them.
This month, we celebrated 43 nonprofit organizations that received grants from the Foundation this year at our annual Grantee Recognition Ceremony. We are reminded of how fortunate we are to live in a community with so many social service, health and mental health, and arts and cultural organizations serving all ages throughout the Fox River Valley. We also know that they rely on all of us to be able to offer these services.
We are fortunate to work with so many generous peole who provide their time, talents, and treasure and support for our Youth Engagement in Philanthropy program and many of these nonprofits throughout the region and nation. If you have a fund with the Foundation and want to offer your financial support or volunteer, or maybe you have been thinking about establishing an endowment fund or giving to an existing one, please reach out. You may be eligible to receive a tax credit through the Illinois Gives Act.
Feel free to drop in and see us at either of our offices in Aurora or Geneva, give us a call or email. We look forward to connecting you with causes you care about.
With gratitude,
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Julie Christman
President & CEO
Connecting people who care with causes that matter.
| | | Tools, Tips and Resources | Charitable Giving: Successor Advisors | | |
Many times family legacies are not built by transferring assets, but by intentionally passing along values of generosity through shared charitable experiences and conversations.
By naming your children or other loved ones as successor advisors of your donor-advised fund, you're inviting them to continue the family's tradition of philanthropy. By designating them as successor advisors, it provides them the opportunity to help direct how your charitable contributions are handled, ensuring the preservation of your family's values and legacy.
Whether you have an established fund with us or you’d simply like to learn more about how we can support your family's charitable legacy, the Foundation is here to support you. Consider contacting Director of Advancement Maria Asher at masher@cffrv.org or (331) 208-9426.
| | Illinois Gives Act Tax Credit Opportunity Reminder | | |
Many people this year are taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity to receive a state tax credit. Did you know you may be able to receive a state tax credit for your charitable gift to an endowment held at the Foundation? You can give to an existing endowment or create your own.
Created in 2025, the Illinois Gives Tax Credit Act offers a 25% state income tax credit to donors who make gifts to eligible permanent endowment funds held at Qualified Community Foundations.
If you are interested in learning more about how the Foundation can help you pursue this opportunity, contact us today at (630) 896-7800.
| | Updates and Information from the Foundation | Grantee Recognition Ceremony | | |
On August 5, the Foundation hosted its 2026 Grantee Recognition Ceremony, where we 43 nonprofits were recognized for receiving over $564,000 total in grant awards from the Foundation's Discretionary Grantmaking program (Fall 2025 and Spring 2026) and the Youth Engagement in Philanthropy grant program (2026).
The event welcomed 89 attendees and highlighted the significant contributions of nonprofit partners to the well-being of residents in the Fox River Valley. Agency board members, executive directors, and key staff of local social service, healthcare, arts, and education agencies were recognized for their ongoing service to our community.
Photos from the event are available on the Foundation's website. (Photos by Thomas J. King Photography)
| | | Our Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 Discretionary Grant Awardees are featured in the top image, alongside our Director of Grantmaking, Jennifer Borgognoni and President & CEO, Julie Christman. The bottom image features our YEP Grant Awardees, our 2025-26 YEP members and mentors, and our Program Coordinator, Nikki Lay. | | Fall Discretionary Grant Cycle Now Open! | | |
Are you a Fox River Valley nonprofit that needs support? If so, don’t miss out on potential assistance via the Fall 2026 Discretionary Grantmaking Opportunity.
Beginning August 1, area nonprofits supporting arts and humanities, education, health care, and social services in Kane and Kendall Counties may apply for a capital grant through the Foundation.
To apply, agencies must first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) through the Community Foundation’s online grant management portal, cffrv.org/grantmaking-program. Agencies should be “project ready” with estimates and a timeline for completion within the next year.
The deadline to submit the Letter of Intent is Tuesday, September 15 at midnight CST. Once LOIs are received, agencies will be contacted to confirm eligibility and schedule a site visit. The final grant application closes on Sunday, November 1.
Please contact our Director of Grantmaking, Jen Borgognoni with any questions.
| | Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board Scholarship Event | | |
On July 18, the City of Aurora’s Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board (IACOAB) hosted a Youth Scholarship Celebration, honoring the recipients of the Swami Vivekananda Scholarships for their academic achievements and commitment to their futures.
The IACOAB created the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship Fund to support college-bound high school seniors to further their education in a field of their choice. Applicants must have demonstrated exemplary community service.
"Our youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow. They are leading today. Empowering youth also empowers their families," shared Board member Nadia Kanhai.
As Swami Vivekananda said, “Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is achieved.” The Board shared that his message continues to inspire young people to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams with confidence and determination.
"The recipients have expressed such gratitude, authenticity, and humility. If we can help just one student -- one family -- with educational expenses, it's worth it. The truth is, we don't know where or when we'll see the impact of these scholarships. We trust the students to become who they're meant to be and to continue serving the community in their own way," shared Nadia.
| | Featured Fund: Kiwanis Club of Aurora, IL Endowment Fund | | |
This month, we are honored to highlight the Kiwanis Club of Aurora, IL Endowment Fund. Chartered in 1916, the club has created a positive impact in the lives of youth in our community for over 110 years. Their endowment fund allows them to participate in a number of philanthropic activities including grant making, scholarships, and financial support for youth Kiwanis clubs at local middle and high schools and universities.
"The Aurora Kiwanis Club’s primary charitable focus is supporting the youth of the greater Aurora Area. It gives our membership and our supporters great confidence that our foundation assets are invested and managed by the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley" shared long-time Kiwanis member Frank Voris.
We are grateful for the partnership of the Aurora Kiwanis Club and their ongoing commitment to empowering the next generation to serve their community.
| | Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) Kicks off the 2026-27 Year | | |
Our Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program will officially begin the 2026-27 year at their orientation sessions at the end of the month! As we look ahead, the Foundation is excited to host a new cohort for students in northern Kane county.
Over the past few weeks, members from YEP North supported activities at Geneva's National Night Out celebration, and the YEP South leadership team gathered for an engaging planning meeting.
If you are interested in supporting the YEP program, please visit our website.
| | Board Member Spotlight: Cheryl Vonhoff | | |
Cheryl Vonhoff has served on the Community Foundation's Board of Directors since 2020 and currently serves as the Corporate Secretary. A passionate philanthropist, Cheryl is making a difference in the lives of others each day through her endowment fund with the Foundation and her long-standing involvement in our community. When reflecting on her role with the Community Foundation, Cheryl shared:
"Serving as a CFFRV Board Member for the past six years has been both enlightening and rewarding for me. I have been fortunate to be a member of the Foundation’s Grant Distribution Committee for my term thus far and by being part of this committee, I have learned of the many worthwhile causes that exist in our community, most of which I would never have had knowledge of without being a part of the Foundation," shared Cheryl.
"I am also grateful to be part of a bigger mission of helping our youth become productive adults. The youth that are part of the Foundation’s YEP Program have demonstrated time and again that this program has helped them grow into more responsible leaders for tomorrow, taking with them the tools of true leadership they have learned and with a new-found passion for philanthropy that they will be able to carry with them throughout their adult lives."
Thank you for your many years of service, Cheryl.
If you are interested in volunteering with the Foundation or becoming a board member in the future, visit our website to learn more.
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We are thrilled to introduce our newest team member, Maria A. Asher, Director of Advancement for the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley. In this role, Maria will lead the Foundation's fundraising and donor engagement efforts, helping to strengthen relationships with donors, fundholders, nonprofit partners, and community stakeholders to expand philanthropy throughout Kane and Kendall Counties.
With more than 15 years of experience in fundraising, advancement, and relationship management, Maria brings a passion for connecting people with meaningful opportunities to make a lasting impact. Her expertise in donor stewardship, major gifts, community engagement, and philanthropic strategy will help further the Foundation's mission of improving quality of life across our region.
"I am honored to join the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley and be part of an organization that helps people turn donor generosity into a meaningful and lasting community impact," shared Maria. "I look forward to building relationships and partnering with donors, nonprofits, and community leaders to strengthen the communities we serve."
If you would like to reach out to Maria, you can call her at (331) 208-9426 or email her at masher@cffrv.org.
| | Upcoming Dates and Deadlines | | |
Aug 1 - Sept 15 - Fall LOI Available for Discretionary Grantmaking Program
Nov 1 - Scholarship Application Opens
Nov 1 - Fall Discretionary Grant Application Due
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