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Dear Friends,
Each summer brings a renewed sense of possibility across the Fox River Valley.
Earlier this month, as we celebrated our nation’s 250th Anniversary, many local communities held events to mark this important milestone. A sense of community is important to all of us, and at the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, we get to experience our community coming together every day. Throughout the Fox River Valley, individuals in local communities are helping others and giving of their time, talent, and treasure, so that their community, and this region, thrives not only today but in the future. We are fortunate to work with so many wonderful individuals.
We see how every act of generosity is an investment in tomorrow. Each contribution, no matter the size, carries forward a shared belief: that our communities are worth caring for, strengthening, and sustaining for generations to come.
The Foundation is honored to serve as a bridge between generous people and meaningful local impact. Every day, we work alongside donors, nonprofit partners, civic leaders, and community members to connect resources with opportunities that make a lasting difference. Together, we are helping students pursue their dreams, supporting organizations that meet urgent needs, and building a stronger future for our local communities and our nation as a whole.
What makes this work so powerful is that it belongs to all of us. Philanthropy is not only about the gifts we make today; it is about the future we choose to shape together. Each donor, each fund, and each partnership becomes part of a larger story of care, commitment, and community.
As we look ahead, I am filled with gratitude for the people who continue to invest in this region with such generosity and vision. Thank you for believing in the promise of our communities and for partnering with the Foundation to turn that belief into meaningful action.
Together, we are not only meeting today's needs but also investing in tomorrow.
With gratitude,
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Julie Christman
President & CEO
Connecting people who care with causes that matter.
| | | Honoring the Legacy of John C. Dunham | | |
John C. Dunham’s legacy is one of innovation, generosity, and deep commitment to the community he called home. Raised in Aurora and a graduate of West Aurora High School, John grew his father’s company, Equipto, into a world-renowned space utilization business while remaining firmly connected to the city that shaped his life and success.
A lifelong learner and mentor, John believed in the power of education, hard work, and opportunity. Together with his wife, Judy, he envisioned a foundation that would give back to the community that had given so much to them. Established in 1996, the Dunham Foundation was created with a mission to “make the world a more comfortable, safer place for mankind to live and prosper.”
Today, the Dunham Foundation continues to carry forward John and Judy’s vision by supporting education, economic growth, and community initiatives throughout its service area. That legacy also lives on through scholarship funds held at the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, honoring individuals who helped advance the Dunham Foundation’s mission and providing meaningful support for students pursuing their futures.
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Through these funds, John Dunham’s belief in learning, service, and community continues to create opportunity for generations to come. Learn more about the Dunham Foundation scholarship funds at the Community Foundation.
| | Scholarship: Check Send-off | | |
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, 956 students will receive scholarships this year through new and renewable awards. Scholarship checks are being sent to 207 schools across the country, from American University to Yale University, the most schools we've ever supported in a single year!
Recently, Beth Christoffel, our Director of Scholarships, had the opportunity to visit Waubonsee Community College to hand-deliver this year's scholarship check for 67 students across both campuses and meet with Kathleen Smith, Financial Aid Manager, and Jennifer Lozada, Scholarship Adviser.
We're grateful to our partners at Waubonsee Community College, who help ensure that scholarship funds reach students and make a meaningful impact on their educational journeys. Together, we're investing in local students and helping them achieve their goals.
Thank you, Waubonsee Community College, for your partnership—we look forward to another great year supporting student success!
| | YEP Alumni Spotlight: Arleth Rodriguez | | |
We are pleased to feature YEP alum, Arleth Rodriguez. Arleth is an alum of YEP's first cohort, in 2019, and she has carried her YEP experience forward.
"I joined YEP because I wanted to try an experience that would teach me something new and would challenge me. There was not a meeting we had where I did not learn a new skill, including leadership, professional development, financial education, and more," shared Arleth Rodriguez.
"YEP helped me realize I am passionate about helping others access resources that are available to them and/or problem solving to acquire resources," said Rodriguez. Inspired by her time in YEP, she is pursuing a career in Social Work and continuing to support the community that she calls home. We are proud to call her a member of our YEP family!
| | Board Member Spotlight: Jim Eccher | | |
Jim Eccher has served on the Community Foundation's Board of Directors since 2018 and currently serves as the Board Treasurer. A
dedicated community member, he is passionate about making a difference in the lives of Fox River Valley residents. When reflecting on his role with the Community Foundation, Jim shared:
"Giving back is personal for me. Over the last eight years with the Foundation, I’ve seen firsthand how a timely investment of resources, time, or belief can change the trajectory of someone’s life. This community raised me, shaped me, and gave me opportunities I want every person here to have."
"For me, service isn’t just a responsibility, it’s a way of expressing gratitude and ensuring that the next generation inherits a stronger, kinder, and more connected place to call home," said Eccher. At the Foundation, we share Jim's belief that the generosity of today builds a better future for tomorrow. Thank you for your many years of service, Jim.
| | Grantee Spotlight: Batavia Historical Society | | |
This summer, the Batavia Historical Society is raising awareness and interest among residents and visitors by offering opportunities to explore several prominent historical sites and their connections to important moments in local and national history.
With support from a Discretionary Grant from the Community Foundation, the Batavia Historical Society expanded its project from 10 historical markers to 18 and also developed an informational website.
"Your support played a crucial role in helping us achieve our mission of placing Historical Markers throughout Batavia. We are grateful for your commitment to our cause and your belief in the work we do", shared Dan Hoefler, President of the Batavia Historical Society.
| | Charitable Giving: Check in on your Charitable Plan | | |
We all want to experience the joy of giving—not add administrative layers! Many donors appreciate opportunities to simplify their philanthropy. Whether through a donor-advised, scholarship, field of interest, or another type of fund at the community foundation, or a combination of funds designed to achieve different goals, the right structure can make giving more organized and enjoyable for anyone.
We are here to help you find the right vehicle whether you are starting out or have been giving to many charities for years. Updating your charitable giving plan does not necessarily require major changes. Sometimes a simple conversation with a member of our team may help you discover opportunities to strengthen your impact, engage family members, or support causes in new ways. Consider calling one of our team members today at (630) 896-7800.
| | Call for YEP North Members! | | |
Do you know a high school student in Northern Kane County or the Tri-Cities who is passionate about making a difference?
We invite you to encourage them to apply for the Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program. The new YEP North cohort will host monthly meetings at Elgin Community College.
YEP provides high school students with a unique opportunity to learn about philanthropy, community needs, and charitable grantmaking while developing leadership, teamwork, and decision-making skills. Participants work together to review funding requests, discuss local issues, and recommend grants that support nonprofit organizations serving our community.
If you know a student who would benefit from this experience, please encourage them to visit our website (cffrv.org) or Instagram (cffrv.yep) to learn more and apply!
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After six years with the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, Cathy Schwieger, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, is moving on to her next chapter. We are thankful for the dedication, creativity, and care she has brought to her work, as well as her commitment to sharing the stories of generosity and impact throughout our community.
"Cathy was initially hired as the Director of Grantmaking, coordinating the grantmaking and YEP programs, and after a couple of years, was moved into the VP of Marketing and Communications role. This was a natural fit for Cathy, given her background and skill set," shared Julie Christman, President & CEO. "Over the years, Cathy has elevated our branding and supported the organization's major events, including the 2023 gala, our 2024 move, and the 2025 open house. Cathy is a very talented writer and helps our donors feel comfortable and confident in sharing their stories. She has been a team player, providing support across many aspects of the organization, and we will miss her friendly presence in the office. We wish Cathy every success and happiness in all that lies ahead."
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the Community Foundation for the past six years," said Cathy Schwieger. "It has been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated colleagues and board members, and to connect with the generous donors, nonprofit partners, and community members who make the Fox River Valley such a special place. I am proud of all that we have accomplished together and look forward to seeing the Foundation’s continued impact in the years ahead."
| | Upcoming Dates and Deadlines | | |
July 31 - YEP North Membership Application Due
Aug 1 - Fall LOI Opens for Discretionary Grantmaking Program
Sept 15 - Fall LOI Due for Discretionary Grantmaking Program (Note new date!)
Nov 1 - Fall Discretionary Grant Application Due
Don't forget about the IL Gives Act Opportunity - learn more by visiting our website.
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