CFFRV Discretionary Grantmaking Program

CFFRV Discretionary Grantmaking Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Amount: US $2,500 - US $20,000
Last Updated: February 14, 2026

Summary

The CFFRV Discretionary Grantmaking Program supports nonprofits in Kane and Kendall counties across various categories including arts, education, health care, and social services. Aimed at capital projects, the grants range from $2,500 to $20,000, with an average size of $12,000. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and project-ready, while former recipients must wait two years before reapplying. This initiative emphasizes local impact and encourages collaboration with area vendors.

Overview

Discretionary Grant Program The discretionary grantmaking program supports the work of nonprofits within our service area (Kane and Kendall counties) in the following designated charitable categories: Arts and Humanities, Education, Health Care, and Social Services. These grants are for capital purposes only. Agencies should be “project ready” with estimates and a timeline for completion within the next year. Grants are ordinarily made for one year only. In light of the Community Foundation’s limited resources and in fairness to the many organizations seeking support, former grant recipients are asked to wait at least two full years from the date they received payment of a grant from the Community Foundation before applying for a new grant. Funding Over the past five years, the average grant size is approximately $12,000. The size of grants awarded ranges primarily between $2,500 and $20,000. It is not suggested that you apply for a grant beyond this range. Grants are rarely awarded over $20,000. If you have a project or would like to discuss a grant request that does not fall within this range, please contact Jen about it prior to submitting a Letter of Intent.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. An organization must meet the following criteria to apply:Agency’s services must fall into one of the following designated charitable categories: Arts and Humanities, Education, Health Care or Social Services. Grant requests are for capital purposes only.Examples include: technology, furniture, equipment, or if the building is owned by the nonprofit, can include improvements such as carpeting, windows, and HVAC.Nonprofit agencies must be located in the Community Foundation service area which includes the Greater Aurora Area, the TriCities, and Kendall County in the State of Illinois. Consideration is also given to non-profit agencies outside of the service area that can show significant impact within the service area. Organizations must be qualified tax-exempt public charities and submit evidence of 501c3 or 170b1a tax status.Grants are typically made for one year only, so agencies should be project ready. The Foundation rarely provides full funding of a project. Former grant recipients are asked to wait at least two full years from the date they received their grant payment, before applying for a new grant. Grants are intended to support charitable projects that utilize companies, firms, or vendors whose principal offices are located within the Community Foundation service area of the Greater Aurora Area, the TriCities and Kendall County in the State of Illinois.Your request may only include costs that will occur in the future, after the grant is approved.)

Ineligibility

Grants are not awarded for:Agencies and institutions that are funded primarily through tax support. Grade schools, middle schools, and high schools (both public and private) Churches, congregations, and other member organizations are generally not eligible to apply. Land or real estate purchases Rent, salaries or general operating expenses Programmatic expenses, IT services, annual or ongoing fees for services or memberships Political purposes or lobbyingReimbursement of costs incurred prior to the approval of your application.