Jack & Naomi Hastert Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund Grant

Jack & Naomi Hastert Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Last Updated: January 15, 2026

Summary

Overview

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois. We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation. Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community. The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois. Scholarship Program Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis. Jack & Naomi Hastert Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund This fund was created in 1998 by former Congressman and Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert as a memorial to his parents Jack and Naomi Hastert. The fund, which provides scholarships to students in Kendall County, Illinois, became an endowment in 2010. Jack Hastert (1913-1998) was born in Joliet, Illinois of second generation Luxembourg and Norwegian immigrants. He was a graduate of Joliet Township High School and the Worsham College of Mortuary Science. He worked for the George Boyle Funeral Home of Aurora and the Fred Dames Funeral Home of Joliet. From 1940 to 1960, Mr. Hastert was the proprietor of Hastert Farm Supply of Aurora and rural Oswego. From 1960 through his retirement, he owned and operated the Clock Tower Restaurant in Plainfield and was Food Services Director at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Joliet. Naomi Hastert (1914-1994) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania of second generation German immigrants. She had to quit high school (Joliet Township) at the height of the depression to support her family (mother, father and three younger brothers and sisters). She was the sole supporter of her family through most of the depression. Mrs. Hastert was a straight A student when she left high school and always valued education. She worked hard throughout her life to make sure her children and grandchildren received the education she had not been able to receive. Her sons were the first in their family to earn college degrees. Mr. and Mrs. Hastert were married in 1940 and had three sons – Chris, David and J. Dennis Haste

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must complete their high school education during, at the conclusion of, or prior to the current academic year as follows. High School Diploma from a public, private, parochial, or online schoolHome-Schooled High School EducationGeneral Educational Development (GED) certificate or state certificate Applicants must attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America during the upcoming academic year.Applicants must pursue studies (career/technical/vocational, undergraduate, graduate, etc.) on a full-time basis during the upcoming academic year. Applicants must maintain a permanent address located within the Community Foundation Scholarship Program service area.A permanent address is usually a parent’s home or the address listed on a driver’s license, voters registration card, FAFSA, etc. It is most likely NOT a temporary on/off college campus address.