Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

Yesterday was a beautiful night for the unveiling of the mural "Blue Eyes and Butterflies" in St. Charles for Kendall's Kindness. Catherine Tilly Design did an amazing job on the mural which is located on the side of Smitty's on the Corner at 15 E. Main Street. Be the reason someone smiles today! #BeKindPassitOn

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley would like to congratulate?TD Synnex on a successful golf tournament for their Share the Magic Fund this year! It's an honor to support the positive impact that TD Synnex's Share the Magic is making in our local community. We'd like to give a special shout-out to the worthy beneficiaries of this fundraiser: Clearbrook, Fox Valley Special Recreation Association, and Little Friends.

Philanthropy is for everyone, just ask our Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) members. They quickly learn that everyone, at any age, can make a difference and have a positive impact on the community. Athena Ly, YEP Alumni, shares a few thoughts on being able to give back. "We all have the potential to have a great impact on the community. When it comes to giving back, anyone can do it." https://ow.ly/mNvi50TmqmQ

The LOI for our fall Discretionary Grant Cycle is due by September 30. Please visit our website for more information. https://lnkd.in/gj8bzX-J

The Community Crisis Center, located in Elgin, provides safety, hope, advocacy, respite, and education for those impacted by crisis and violence. It is one of the oldest domestic violence shelters in Illinois. Recently, the Community Foundation supported the Center with a grant to replace its basement elevator lifts. The new elevator lifts allow the agency to transport larger food pantry containers into their basement food pantry instead of carrying them down circular steps. This reduces the chance of injury and allows them to provide an increase in emergency food pantry staples to those in need in our community. The other basement lift provides easier access to disabled children or children in strollers to access their children's program area, reducing the chance of injury on their steps and allowing more children into the program.

A charitable remainder trust (CRT) is an irrevocable trust that generates a potential income stream for you as the donor to the CRT or other beneficiaries, with the remainder of the donated assets going to your favorite charity or charities upon your passing. CRTs can offer flexibility and some control over your intended charitable beneficiaries as well as lifetime income, helping with retirement, estate planning, and tax management. You can name yourself or someone else to receive a potential income stream for a term of years or the life of one or more non-charitable beneficiaries and then name one or more charities to receive the remainder of the donated assets.

We have officially moved into our new space. Although we still have some finishing touches to take care of, it already feels like home. The new location offers plenty of parking and is easier for visitors to access. We look forward to hosting future events and meetings in the new space. Feel free to stop by. Please be sure to update your records with our new address: Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley 1971 West Downer, Aurora, IL 60506

Mark your calendar, our scholarship application opens November 1. It's never too early to start thinking about college scholarships! Applying for a Community Foundation scholarship is a fantastic step toward reaching your academic goals. Last year, we had applicants ranging in age from 16 to 47. We truly have a scholarship for everyone! If you know a college-bound student, we encourage you to share these helpful application tips with them. Visit our website for more information. 1. Do your Homework! Understand the scholarship's basic requirements and tailor your application specifically to the Foundation. Know the deadline to submit in order to ensure that you have enough time to review and complete your application. 2. Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it opens. The FAFSA form can be used to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school. It is also the tool we use to determine financial need. Although the FAFSA won't be available until December, you can get a head start by creating an FSA ID here. This will allow you to file as soon as the form opens. 3. Do not wait until the last minute. Start early rather than late, as completing a great scholarship application takes time. Make sure you don't forget a document or an attachment by using a checklist. When you feel that your scholarship application is complete, you should let someone you trust take a critical look at it for valuable feedback.

The 2024 issue of Connections magazine is now available. This cover features several of the Community Foundation's 2024 scholarship recipients. The Foundation reached a milestone this year by awarding over $3 million dollars in scholarships to 509 students over the next four years. This issue also includes articles on scholarship recipients, committee members, Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) members, donors, grantees and more. So many wonderful people all coming together to make a difference in the community. The electronic version can be accessed on our website. If you would like to subscribe to our mailing list, please sign up here. https://lnkd.in/gha-U4Zb

In 1985, Sharon Stredde was hired as the Foundation's first full-time Executive Director. Stredde opened the first official Community Foundation office located in the Old Second National Bank building in downtown Aurora. We are so grateful that Old Second has allowed the Foundation to be a tenant for the last 39 years. We have truly enjoyed being a part of the Old Second family and appreciate your support. Today is our last day in the Old Second building. The Community Foundation is moving to its first stand-alone building beginning September 3. We look forward to sharing the new space at 1971 West Downer Place with everyone!