Community Foundation of the Fox
The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charity based in Aurora, Illinois. Formed in 1948, it administers charitable funds that provide grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarships to area students, with the stated aim of supporting quality of life in the region.
Key facts about Community Foundation of the Fox
In short: Community Foundation of the Fox gave $6.2M across 123 grants in 2025 (avg $51K), mostly in Illinois. 32% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 36-6086742
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $6,220,479
- Grants made (2025)
- 123
- Average grant
- $50,573
- Median grant
- $20,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 32% first-time grantees (39 of 123, 2025)
- Total assets
- $169,043,583
- Primary geography
- Illinois (69% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- Applicants begin by submitting an online Letter of Intent. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- The website lists spring and fall discretionary cycles.
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$169.0M
+13.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$6.2M
+72.5% YoY
Grant Count
123
-3.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$51K
+79.5% YoY
Is Community Foundation of the Fox open to new grantees?
32%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 39 of 123 grantees (32%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $59K; repeat grants $47K. How we count
Medians: $19K first-time, $23K repeat.
- 53% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+6%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to provide effective and rewarding ways for donors to fulfill their philanthropic objectives. Its website identifies Arts and Humanities, Education, Health Care, and Social Services as designated categories for discretionary grants. It also provides scholarships to area students.
Examples of supported organizations show a range of work: The Neighbor Project says it helps working families revitalize neighborhoods through homeownership, education, and savings programs; VNA Health Care describes providing primary care and community health services; and Paramount Arts Centre says it works to make performing arts accessible and contribute to downtown Aurora’s growth.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 123 grants totaling **$6,220,479**. Grant amounts ranged from $5,064 to $1,449,475, with a median grant of $20,000. The largest grants included $1,449,475 to National Christian Foundation; $821,106 to West Aurora School District 129; $404,000 to The Neighbor Project; and $184,767 to Aurora Public Library Foundation Inc. The filing lists the purposes of these grants as general support.
Review Cycle
The website lists spring and fall discretionary cycles. Its grant-program schedule gives a spring LOI due date of March 15 and application close of May 1, and a fall LOI due date of September 15 and application close of November 1. As of September 28, 2026, the listed fall LOI deadline has passed.
Open Grants
126 open opportunities from Community Foundation of the Fox
Albert M. Zari Scholarship Fund Grant
Community Foundation of the Fox
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Albert W. Medernach Scholarship Endowment Fund Grant
Community Foundation of the Fox
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Alexander Family Scholarship Endowment Fund Grant
Community Foundation of the Fox
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Ready to take the next step with Community Foundation of the Fox?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s stated service area is the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County in Illinois. Its discretionary grant guidelines describe the area as including Greater Aurora, the TriCities, and Kendall County, and allow consideration of nonprofit agencies outside the service area that can show significant impact within it. In filing year 2025, 69% of grant dollars went to Illinois recipients; the filing also reports grants to recipients in Arizona, California, Massachusetts, and Maryland.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 123 itemized 2025 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.9M (2023) to $6.2M (2025). In 2025 it made 123 grants totaling $6.2M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was National Christian Foundation ($1.4M). Together the top 10 received $3.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
507 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 406 grants of 507 (80%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Christian Foundation Scottsdale, AZ | General Support | $1,449,475 |
| West Aurora School District 129 Aurora, IL | General Support | $821,106 |
| The Neighbor Project Aurora, IL | General Support | $404,000 |
| Aurora Public Library Foundation Inc Aurora, IL | General Support | $184,767 |
| Blue Courage LLC Aurora, IL | General Support | $137,200 |
| Paramount Arts Centre Aurora, IL | General Support | $132,741 |
| Vna Health Care Aurora, IL | General Support | $100,000 |
| Trustees of Boston University Boston, MA | General Support | $98,286 |
| Napa Valley Festival Association Napa, CA | General Support | $92,500 |
| Clearbrook Arlington Heights, IL | General Support | $90,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $169,043,583 | $20,094,278 | $11,294,899 | $6,220,479 |
| 2024 | $148,593,728 | $14,995,665 | $8,442,898 | $3,606,543 |
| 2023 | $132,715,598 | $17,492,898 | $9,166,117 | $1,914,698 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $169,043,583 | $148,593,728 | $132,715,598 |
| Revenue | $20,094,278 | $14,995,665 | $17,492,898 |
| Expenses | $11,294,899 | $8,442,898 | $9,166,117 |
| Net Investment Income | $9,698,920 | $8,438,830 | $7,248,418 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS August 24, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 14, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 15, 2024)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS August 27, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Jeffrey Cali as director and chair; Jessica Breugelmans as director and vice chair; Austin Dempsey as director and past chair; and James Eccher as director and treasurer. It also lists Kathy Birkett and Rob Hollis as directors through March 2025, along with directors Stan Free, Matt Gilmore, Joyce Hemphill, and Brian Konen.
Community Foundation of the Fox is led by Julie Christman, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 2 of 21 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Julie Christman
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$153K (2020) → $185K (2025)
Jeffrey Cali
Director & Chair
Director → Director & Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Austin Dempsey
Director & Past Chair
Vice Chairman → Chairman, 2022
Chairman → Director & Past Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cheryl Vonhoff
Director & Secretary
Director → Director & Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
James Eccher
Director & Treasurer
Treasurer → Director & Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joyce Hemphill
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stan Free
Director
Director → Director & Vice Chair, 2024
Director & Vice Chair → Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jessica Breugelmans
Director & Vice Chair
Secretary → Director & Secretary, 2024
Director & Secretary → Director & Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brian Konen
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Don Kremin
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mariana Martinez
Director
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amy Pagels
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kathy Birkett
Director
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Matt Gilmore
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nicholas Richard Thompson
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rob Hollis
Director
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jim Griffin
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Melinda Kintz
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mollie Peskind
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott McClearly
Director
New on the 2025 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cathy Schweiger
Vice President Marketing & Communications
New on the 2025 filing
50 hrs/week
$108K (2025)
Former officers (11)
- Former: Wendy White Eagle (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Duane Suits (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Duncan Alexander (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Kathryn Birkett (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Lourdes Blacksmith (2020–2022) — Secretary
- Former: Rick Guzman (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Robert Hollis (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Nicolas Richard-Thompson (2022) — Director
- Former: John Diederich (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Scott Voris (2020–2021) — Chairman
- Former: F Keith Brown (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $185K, to Julie Christman (President and CEO). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 1971 West Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60506
Phone: (630) 896-7800
Website: https://cffrv.org
Frequently asked questions about Community Foundation of the Fox
How much does Community Foundation of the Fox give each year?
Community Foundation of the Fox gave $6.2M across 123 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $3.6M across 128 grants.
What is Community Foundation of the Fox's typical grant size?
Community Foundation of the Fox's median grant in 2025 was $20,000, and its average grant was $50,573, across 123 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Community Foundation of the Fox that year got $59K on average.
Where does Community Foundation of the Fox give grants?
Community Foundation of the Fox gives mostly in Illinois: 69% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was Arizona (25%). The most frequent recipient cities were Aurora, IL (41 grants), Saint Charles, IL (17 grants), Geneva, IL (10 grants) and Batavia, IL (6 grants).
Does Community Foundation of the Fox give general operating support?
Yes: 83% of Community Foundation of the Fox's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (102 of 123) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Annual Distribution" (20 grants).
Who are Community Foundation of the Fox's largest grantees?
Community Foundation of the Fox's largest 2025 grantees include National Christian Foundation ($1,449,475), West Aurora School District 129 ($821,106) and The Neighbor Project ($404,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 43% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Community Foundation of the Fox?
Community Foundation of the Fox reported $169.0M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $20.1M.
What does Community Foundation of the Fox fund?
The foundation’s mission is to provide effective and rewarding ways for donors to fulfill their philanthropic objectives. Its website identifies Arts and Humanities, Education, Health Care, and Social Services as designated categories for discretionary grants. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Community Foundation of the Fox?
Applicants begin by submitting an online Letter of Intent. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Community Foundation of the Fox's EIN?
Community Foundation of the Fox's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-6086742. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Community Foundation of the Fox by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Community Foundation of the Fox's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds nonprofits addressing economic mobility, wealth gaps, and urgent community needs, with priorities including homeownership, small businesses, education, quality jobs, and investment in underinvested communities. Its 2025 itemized grants had a median of $26,500, though awards vary widely; grants generally benefit Chicago-region residents, and the Trust directs applicants to open opportunities but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
The Allstate Foundation
Northbrook, IL
The Allstate Foundation funds youth empowerment, efforts to prevent and address relationship abuse, nonprofit leadership, and related economic opportunity and equity work. Its 2024 grants ranged from $250 to $2 million, with a median of $1,000, and awards must support work in the United States. It accepts proposals from organizations beyond a preselected list; proposals are reviewed as received.
Assets
—
Grants
2,010
Total Given
$38.0M
Elks National Foundation Inc
Chicago, IL
The Elks National Foundation funds scholarships, youth programs, veterans services, disaster relief, and community projects, primarily through Elks Lodges and state associations in communities across the United States where Elks live and work. Its 2025 grants had a median of $8,500, though amounts varied widely; the listed Beacon and Freedom Grants are limited to Elks Lodges. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$954.1M
Grants
1,536
Total Given
$36.5M
John D and Catherine T Macarthur
Chicago, IL
The foundation funds a broad range of work, including journalism, arts, Chicago communities, climate and clean energy, homelessness, human rights, and criminal justice reform. Its 2024 grants had a median of $160,000, with awards ranging from $450 to $21 million; funding is nationwide, with the largest shares going to New York, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. Application rules vary by program: some accept self-nominations or Letters of Inquiry, while others generally do not fund unsolicited proposals.
Assets
$9.3B
Grants
1,086
Total Given
$356.1M
Arie and Ida Crown Memorial
Chicago, IL
Arie and Ida Crown Memorial supports a broad range of organizations, including education, Jewish organizations, and community foundations. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $3 million, with a median of $55,000; 55% of grant dollars went to Illinois, with additional funding in New York, Washington, DC, California, and Minnesota. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
—
Grants
897
Total Given
$115.2M
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan
Chicago, IL
The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan funds human services, education, community programs, Jewish life, and crisis relief in the Chicago area, as well as support for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. Its 2025 grants ranged from about $5,000 to $27.4 million, with a median of about $20,000. Unsolicited requests are not addressed for the Federation overall; its separate Jewish Women’s Foundation accepts letters of intent, with proposals by invitation only.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
896
Total Given
$166.6M
Circle of Service Foundation
Chicago, IL
Circle of Service Foundation funds community services, education, medical research, and Jewish causes, with nearly all grants going to organizations in Cook and Lake Counties, Illinois. Grants typically range from $100 to $500,000, with a median of $25,000. It accepts unsolicited pre-applications for community services and Jewish community needs; education and medical research grants are typically by invitation, and unsolicited capital proposals are not accepted.
Assets
—
Grants
637
Total Given
$37.0M
Ea Mellinger Educational
Monmouth, IL
The foundation primarily funds undergraduate scholarships and makes a small number of educational grants to charitable organizations; in 2025, awards ranged from $183 to $15,000, with a median of $2,100. Scholarships are limited to residents of six Illinois counties, and most grant dollars go to Illinois recipients. It provides an online scholarship application, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests for organizational grants is not stated.
Assets
$25.0M
Grants
582
Total Given
$1.2M
Polk Bros Foundation Inc
Chicago, IL
Polk Bros Foundation funds community-driven Chicago nonprofits working to close the life expectancy gap, build community wealth, and foster participatory, multiracial democracy. Recent grants ranged from $100 to $250,000, with a median of $25,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests during its transition period, which ends in fall 2026; it currently offers targeted RFPs.
Assets
$334.3M
Grants
568
Total Given
$19.3M
National Council of YMCAs of the USA
Chicago, IL
Y-USA funds YMCA and affiliated World Alliance of YMCAs members for youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, and related program support. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,000 to $799,726, with a median of $55,000, and supported organizations across the United States. It states that proposals are evaluated by staff and approved through its International Group process; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$260.5M
Grants
540
Total Given
$44.1M
More Funders in Illinois
Community Foundation of the Fox down — hundreds of funders to go?