Discretionary Grantmaking Program

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley operates the Discretionary Grantmaking Program to support nonprofit organizations within its defined service area, which includes Kane and Kendall counties in Illinois, particularly the Greater Aurora Area and the TriCities. The foundation is a private philanthropic entity that works to strengthen communities by offering financial support to organizations engaged in charitable causes. Its mission through this program is to enhance the impact of nonprofits by providing funding for capital purposes within specific categories including Arts and Humanities, Education, Health Care, and Social Services. The grants provided under this program are restricted exclusively to capital purposes. Eligible expenses may include technology, equipment, furniture, and building improvements such as HVAC, carpeting, or windows, provided the building is owned by the nonprofit organization. The program is not designed to cover salaries, rent, programmatic expenses, political activity, or land purchases. Instead, it focuses on tangible improvements that enable nonprofits to expand or improve their capacity to serve communities. Importantly, the Foundation rarely provides full project funding, so applicants are encouraged to seek additional resources to complement the grant. To participate, nonprofits must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) through the foundation’s online portal. The LOI serves as the first stage of the application process, allowing the foundation to assess project readiness, eligibility, and alignment with funding priorities. Following the LOI, the foundation conducts a site visit to further evaluate the project and ensure organizational capacity. If deemed eligible, applicants are invited to proceed with the full grant application. All applicants must be recognized as tax-exempt under IRS codes 501(c)(3) or 170(b)(1)(A). Preference is given to those also holding state-level tax-exempt status in Illinois. Agencies must demonstrate that their projects can be completed within one year of receiving the grant. The program maintains a structured biannual application cycle. In the spring cycle, Letters of Intent open on February 1 and are due by March 31, with full applications closing on May 1. In the fall cycle, Letters of Intent open on August 1 and are due by September 30, with full applications closing on November 1. This recurring schedule ensures consistent opportunities for nonprofits to apply. Agencies that have previously received funding must wait at least two years before reapplying. The foundation emphasizes that grants should benefit local economies by encouraging the use of vendors and service providers based in the Fox River Valley service area. The average grant size over the past five years has been approximately $12,000, with awards generally ranging from $2,500 to $20,000. Rarely do grants exceed this range, and organizations interested in requesting larger amounts must consult with the foundation prior to submission. Grant funds are typically distributed once approval is finalized, with awards covering only costs incurred after the application has been approved. The foundation stresses that reimbursement for pre-approved costs is not permitted. Nonprofits considering application are encouraged to be project ready, meaning they should have detailed cost estimates and a timeline for completing their projects within the grant period. Evaluation criteria include alignment with funding categories, the ability of the project to generate meaningful impact within the service area, and the organization’s overall readiness to successfully implement the project. The program’s structure, with its LOI stage, site visits, and preference for local vendors, reflects the foundation’s focus on accountability, readiness, and long-term community benefit. For guidance, applicants can reach out to Jen Borgognoni, Director of Grantmaking at the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley. She can be contacted at jen@cffrv.org, by phone at 630-896-7800 extension 1002, or at 331-208-9422. The foundation provides resources such as FAQs, sample applications, and tips for managing online accounts, helping organizations navigate the application process. This comprehensive program underscores the foundation’s dedication to supporting capital improvements for nonprofits in Kane and Kendall counties while maintaining high standards of eligibility and impact assessment.

Agencies should be project ready with estimates and a one year timeline. Contact the foundation if requesting more than $20000.