December 2017 e  - Memorandum


Our Mission 
"To provide effective and rewarding ways for donors to fulfill their philanthropic objectives."

Our Vision
"To be recognized as a trusted philanthropic leader in the communities we serve through the delivery of the highest quality donor services, customized and unique grant and scholarship programs, and bold initiatives to address community needs."


The Community Foundation would not exist without your generosity. We thank you for all that you do to make our communities better places to live and work. Many blessings to you and your family this holiday season!


Upcoming Events
Now Through January 7
Paramount Theatre's Broadway Series Presents Elf the Musical

December 10 - December 29
Tanner House Holidays

Monday, December 25
Lazarus House Annual Christmas Brunch
Click here for more information

Saturday, December 30
SciTech's Noon Year's Eve Squared
Click here for more information

Saturday, January 13
Kristoffer Larsen Big Heart Memorial Foundation Fundraiser at Panera
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Office Closures
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In celebration of Christmas and the New Year, the Community Foundation offices will be closed on:

Monday, December 25
Tuesday, December 26
and Monday, January 1.
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Grantee Spotlight
Triple Threat Mentoring



Community Foundation Board Member Rick Guzman; President & CEO Jeff Hartman; and Director of Community Involvement and Partnerships Julie Christman visited Triple Threat Mentoring last month.  They observed Triple Threat's program, Introduction to Digital Art, where students learn to apply fundamental elements and principles of design using iPad technology to create unique digital art. 

Students individually shared the messages behind their compositions and received their final artwork printed and framed to take home. The kids are learning skills that will help them compete in an increasingly digital world, and they are having fun too!

A grant from the Community Foundation provided funding to purchase iPads and speakers for programs like this one. Triple Threat's mission is "empowering urban youth to develop confidence, character and life skills." For more information: visit  www.triplethreat.org .
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Our Donors
We are deeply grateful to the individuals, businesses and organizations that commit to the charitable needs of the community. Follow the link below to view this year's donors. 


The lists of our donors are updated quarterly. They are available to view on our website.
Congrats to Our Grantees!
Nine Nonprofit Agencies Awarded Grants
Congratulations to the nine agencies awarded a total of $116,798.44 in grants during the Community Foundation's Fall 2017 Grant Cycle!  

Follow the links below to learn about each awarded agency.

Letters of Intent for our spring grant cycle will become available on February 1, 2018, and close on March 31, 2018.   Visit our website for details.
Ben Smiles Gives Back
Serving Up Smiles at Ronald McDonald House
On November 15,  Ben Smiles Memorial Foundation brought dinner to families at Ronald McDonald House in Chicago. 

Ben Smiles Memorial Foundation founder Elizabeth Gerlach organized the dinner, supplied the food, and rounded up volunteers for the event. Ronald McDonald House holds a special place in her heart. 

"We had the opportunity to stay [at Ronald McDonald House] when Ben was at Lurie Children's Hospital the last time - it really was a blessing to be within a few blocks from the hospital," Elizabeth recalled. "The facility is welcoming, comfortable and can be treated as if it's home. "


The Community Foundation's own Julie Christman and her daughter were among the volunteers at the dinner. 

"What a wonderful night!" Julie said. "Thank you to the Gerlach family and the Ben Smiles Memorial Foundation for organizing this event. Ronald McDonald House Charities offers a warm, welcoming home to so many families in need."

Apply Now For Scholarships!
Application Deadline is February 5, 2018
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Winter break is the perfect time to work on your scholarship application! Apply early to ensure all supporting documents are completed on time.  Scholarship applications are due Monday, February 5, 2018, by 4 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted.

Apply online by visiting  http://cffrv.gives/scholarship2018 . 
The first step is to answer a few scholarship eligibility questions
to help us determine your eligibility. Once you have completed the eligibility questions, you will be presented with an access code and a link to the full scholarship application. Visit our  Scholarship FAQ page for more information.
                   
  111 W. Downer Place, Suite 312,   Aurora, IL 60506
  127 South First Street, Suite 215, Geneva, IL 60134
  Ph: 630-896-7800      Fx: 630-896-7811