October 2026 News & Updates | | |
Dear Friends,
Fall is around us; we see it in the shorter days, cool nights, leaves changing colors, and leaves falling. Have you ever noticed, especially after it rains and leaves have fallen, that there are leaf impressions left on the ground? The leaves are no longer there, but the impressions were left for us to see. Maybe you remember making leaf impressions as a child by placing a leaf under a piece of paper and rubbing over its outline.
Amid our day-to-day interactions and busy lives, we are often too busy to consider the impression we are making on the world and on others. Sometimes it is only for a moment, and other times it is a lasting impression.
Taking the time to reflect on the impressions you are making, and want to make, can be very fulfilling. If you want to make a deeper impression on the community, consider volunteering with a local nonprofit or creating a charitable fund with the Community Foundation. If you are preparing or revising your estate plan, consider how you can make a lasting impression on the entire community.
We hope you get a moment to take in the season, notice the leaves, and the impressions they are making, and consider your own.
Sincerely,
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Julie Christman
President & CEO
Connecting people who care with causes that matter.
| | | Tools, Tips and Resources | | Charitable Giving: Estate Planning Month | | Illinois Gives Act Tax Credit Opportunity Reminder | | |
October is Estate Planning Month, and it is the perfect time to think about your charitable legacy. Whether you already have a plan in place or are just beginning the process, Estate planning is for everyone, and it can be done at any time.
A plan is necessary to manage one’s accumulated wealth over a lifetime, in turn providing support for family members and the local community for years to come. Having an estate plan will save your family members from having to make tough decisions down the road and from going to probate court.
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Looking for a meaningful way to make a lasting impact?
Through the Illinois Gives Tax Credit Program, Illinois taxpayers may be eligible for a 25% Illinois state income tax credit when they make a qualified gift to a permanent endowment fund at a qualified community foundation. Donors can support an existing endowed fund or create a new endowed program to provide ongoing support for the causes they care about, while taking advantage of this unique tax benefit. Contact our team to learn how to establish an endowed fund and make the most of the Illinois Gives opportunity.
| | | Ease of Giving through the Foundation | | |
The Foundation is here to let you know that charitable giving does not need to be stressful, complicated, or overwhelming.
Through a straightforward process and the handling of administrative details, the Foundation helps to make giving easy and accessible. Our team understands the needs of our community, and they can help you create a lasting impact through your charitable contributions.
| | Contact our Director of Advancement for support | | Whatever your charitable goals may be, the Foundation is here to support you. Consider contacting Director of Advancement Maria Asher at masher@cffrv.org or (331) 208-9426. | | Updates and Information from the Foundation | | Scholarship Application Opens November 1! | | |
Mark your calendar! Scholarship applications for the 2027-2028 academic year open on November 1. Whether you're a graduating high school senior, a current college student, or an adult learner returning to school, our scholarship opportunities support students of all ages as they pursue their educational goals. New this year, we are excited to offer scholarship opportunities for students in the Elgin area. We look forward to helping local students take their next steps toward achieving their educational and career goals.
A little preparation now can help you put your best foot forward:
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Get a head start. Gather your transcripts, speak to those you would like to be recommenders, and give yourself plenty of time to write your essays.
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Let your voice shine. Share the experiences, goals, and challenges that make your story your own. AI may help you organize your ideas, but your responses should reflect your voice and experiences.
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Give it one more look. Check that every section is complete and your answers are clear. Ask someone you trust to review your application before submitting.
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Make time for the FAFSA. Complete the 2027–2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for need-based scholarships.
Applications will be available on our website November 1 through January 20 at 4:00 p.m. We encourage students to start early and allow time for each step.
Want to help local students pursue their goals? You don’t need a scholarship fund of your own to make a difference. Consider a gift to the Fox River Valley Community Scholarship Fund.
| | Grantee Spotlight: Mutual Ground | | |
This month, the Foundation highlights Mutual Ground, in observation of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Through counseling, emergency shelter, prevention education, community trainings and more, Mutual Ground supports individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, and substance use.
Through YEP funding, Mutual Ground purchased and distributed 678 pairs of socks and 847 pairs of underwear to children and youth served through the shelter. Approximately 135 children and youth benefited from the project.
Providing these essential items helped ensure that children were ready for school. Beyond meeting a practical need, having these items available helped promote a sense of normalcy for children experiencing significant disruption in their lives. The grant also strengthened Mutual Ground’s ability to respond immediately to families entering shelter.
Consider supporting Mutual Ground today by donating to their endowment fund with the Foundation, where you can support their mission and get a 25% tax reduction on your charitable gift through IL Gives.
| | Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) Service Projects | | |
Each October, YEP members take time to reflect on the community causes that matter most to them. Through creating posters and participating in group discussions, they explore the issues they care about and discover meaningful ways to make a difference. They also put their passion into action through hands-on service projects.
Recently, YEP North members participated in a service project with Support Over Stigma, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the mental health of military service members, veterans, first responders, and their families. Students helped pack supplies that will be donated at upcoming community events, supporting the organization’s efforts to raise awareness and provide resources to those who need them.
Know a student who’s passionate about making a difference in their community? YEP North still has spots available! Contact YEP Program Coordinator Nikki Lay at nlay@cffrv.org to learn more and discover how to get involved.
If you are interested in supporting the YEP program, you can donate here.
| | | Board Member Spotlight: Stan Free | | |
Foundation Board Member since: 2018
Committee(s) participation: Current Chairman of Finance Committee
Local community: Sugar Grove
Profession: Worked as a banker for 41 years prior to retirement
Other community involvements: Stan has served on a number of nonprofit boards. Currently, he is the Board Treasurer for the Kendall County Community Food Pantry.
When reflecting on why he chose to serve on the Foundation's Board, Stan explained, "I have always believed in giving back to the community that has been so good to me and my family. I love our mission at CFFRV - to help connect generous donors to local needs that matter in ways that can last for generations to come."
"It's been my honor to serve on the CFFRV board for the past 8 years. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our dedicated staff and other board members who share a passion for giving back and strengthening our local communities. It's been rewarding to see the lasting difference our foundation makes in the lives of those who call these local communities home," shared Stan. Thank you for your many years of service.
If you are interested in volunteering with the Foundation or becoming a board member in the future, visit our website to learn more.
| | Are you driven and passionate about making a difference in the community? Do you have experience in philanthropy or nonprofit work? Consider applying to out team today! | | Upcoming Dates and Deadlines | | |
Nov 1 - Scholarship Application Opens
Nov 1 - Fall Discretionary Grant Application Due
Dec 1 - YEP Grant Application Opens
Dec 1 - Giving Tuesday
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