Simons-Minkler Scholarship Endowment Fund Grant

Simons-Minkler Scholarship Endowment Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Last Updated: January 18, 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. Simons-Minkler Scholarship Endowment Fund This endowment was created upon receipt of a bequest from Katharyn Simons. Miss Simons (1885-1969) lived her early years in Yorkville. Upon graduation from Beloit College, she taught at Morton High School in Cicero for thirty-six years. After her retirement, she returned to Yorkville. Her maternal grandfather was an early settler of Kendall County and developed the famous “Minkler Apple.” Simons bequeathed a large portion of her estate to the Foundation in honor of her family. The Simons-Minkler Fund provides income for scholarships to graduates of East Aurora, West Aurora or Yorkville High School. Created in 1970, the fund was established as an endowment in 1989.

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. 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.