DuPage Foundation

Last week, we were grateful to gather with partners, neighbors, and friends at our Grant Open House to celebrate this community and recognize our Spring Grantees!

Grants were awarded to 71 nonprofits, totaling over $1.3 million through our Community Impact spring grant cycle, supporting health and human services programs. Special thank you to our donor advisors and partners—with their support, we were able to more than double the award amount budgeted for this grant cycle!

Together, these organizations are driving impact across DuPage County, and the dedication they show to their work is a consistent inspiration to all. As summer warms up, we’re thankful for everyone helping make our community shine.

Learn more about the organizations we supported: https://www.dupagefoundation.org/dupage-foundation-awarded-more-than-1-3-million-to-local-nonprofits-during-spring-grant-cycle/

After a fantastic Grant Open House Celebration yesterday, it was a pleasure for staff to enjoy a summer Friday ☀️ of team building at The Forge Lemont Quarries. The weather was perfect and we had a ball exploring everything the park had to offer. From archery and axe throwing to multiple ropes courses, zip lining and mini-golf, it was an action-packed day of challenges and connection. This stellar group works exceptionally hard throughout the year accomplishing much for our community and partners. While that’s the call to action, the fact that they are each such tremendous people and enjoy one another so much is the icing on the cake. Cheers to this outstanding team! 🏹🪓🧗⛳️👏

🎉 Join us in celebrating two well-deserved promotions at DuPage Foundation!

Congratulations to Karen Vicary, who, as she celebrates eight years with the Foundation, has been promoted to Director of Administrative Services. Karen is an invaluable member of our leadership team, leading key efforts including Board and Committee relations, HR, our Community Foundation National Standards Certification, and office administration.

We’re also excited to congratulate Clarice Vidmar on her promotion to Donor Services & Events Manager. Clarice is a key member of the team, leading the Next Generation Initiative and Annual Benefit and managing a portfolio of donors. Clarice also keeps the Advancement Team running behind the scenes by managing our donor services efforts.

Please join us in congratulating Karen and Clarice! 👏

Currently celebrating its 10th year, Arts DuPage awards grants across the arts sector, supporting organizations who expand access to high-quality arts education so more young people can learn, express themselves, and thrive.

Meet three Arts DuPage grantees making an impact through youth arts education:

🎤 Anima - Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus provides choral education for students in grades 3–12 through age-based ensembles, delivering rigorous instruction, meaningful performance opportunities, and a strong sense of community, while also providing financial assistance to ensure equitable access to musical training for students.

🎼 DuPage Symphony Orchestra ‘s Guest Artist Residency program brings internationally recognized musicians into DuPage County classrooms. During the 2025-2026 season, more than 30 residencies are reaching more than 7,500 students, many of whom are experiencing live symphonic music for the first time.

🎭 Illinois Conservatory for the Arts offers pre-professional training in musical theater and dance for youth across DuPage County. Arts DuPage funding supports tuition assistance, faculty artist stipends, and core programming, helping reduce financial barriers for students from underserved communities.

To learn more about these grantees and how you can support the arts, visit:
https://www.dupagefoundation.org/grantee-spotlight-youth-arts-education/

We would like to take a moment to express our gratitude to our printing partner, Blooming Color. Their commitment to quality, attentiveness, and clear communication has played an integral role in creating top-notch finished materials, from newsletters and event invitations to banners and stationery. Thank you for continuing to be such a valued printing partner.

You’re invited! ☀️

Join us for the 2026 NGI Summer Social on June 25 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at The Crawford for an evening of connection, community, and collective impact.

The Next Generation Initiative (NGI) brings together emerging philanthropists to learn, connect, and support critical needs across DuPage County.

This summer, we’re proud to spotlight Parents Alliance Employment Project (PAEP), which helps people with disabilities prepare for meaningful employment through individualized services and hands-on training. Support from this event will help equip PAEP’s new Learning Lab with adaptive technology and job-readiness tools for neurodiverse job seekers.

Thanks to a generous $2,500 matching challenge from the Edward and Wanda Jordan Family Foundation, every gift can go even further.

The event is free and all are welcome! Register or donate here:
https://www.dupagefoundation.org/event/ngi-summer-social-2026/

Thank you to our generous sponsors:
Catering Partners: BusyButternut and Cinnaholic Naperville
Venue Partner: The Crawford
Silver Annual Partners: Duly Health and Care and Kaskov Valuations
Bronze Annual Partners: Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Chris Phalon and Kuhn, Heap and Monson

We're proud to share that two members of the DuPage Foundation team were recently recognized in Crain's Chicago Business People on the Move.

Congratulations to Natalie Knight on her appointment as Vice President for Advancement and to Kait Miller Balsewicz on her promotion to Director of Executive Operations & Planning. We’re excited to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and all Natalie and Kait bring to our team.

Read more: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/people-on-the-move/ccb-natalie-knight-and-kait-miller-balsewicz/

Save the date! ☀️

Join us for the 2026 NGI Summer Social on June 25 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at The Crawford for an evening of connection, community, and collective impact.

The Next Generation Initiative (NGI) brings together emerging philanthropists to learn, connect, and support critical needs across DuPage County.

This summer, we’re proud to spotlight Parents Alliance Employment Project, which helps people with disabilities prepare for meaningful employment through individualized services and hands-on training. Support from this event will help equip PAEP’s new Learning Lab with adaptive technology and job-readiness tools for neurodiverse job seekers.

Thanks to a generous $2,500 matching challenge from the Edward and Wanda Jordan Family Foundation, every gift can go even further.

The event is free and all are welcome! Register or donate here:
https://www.dupagefoundation.org/event/ngi-summer-social-2026/

Thank you to our generous sponsors:
Catering Partners: BusyButternut and Cinnaholic
Venue Partner: The Crawford
Silver Annual Partners: Duly Health and Care and Kaskov Valuations, Inc
Bronze Annual Partners: Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Chris Phalon and Kuhn, Heap and Monson

Fall grant applications are now open! 📣

We are accepting applications for three funding opportunities through DuPage Foundation:

💜 Community Impact Grants – Our signature grantmaking program, supporting initiatives that improve the quality of life for residents of DuPage County. This round of grants is open to nonprofits across the areas of youth education, workforce development, environment, and animal welfare. Applications due Friday, Sept. 4.

💪 Capacity Building Grants – Supporting projects that strengthen nonprofit organizations through initiatives like donor engagement, fundraising strategy, and technology upgrades. Eligibility is limited to nonprofits that have received a grant within the past three years through our Community Impact or Arts DuPage Grant Program. Applications due Friday, Aug. 7.

🌱 Glen Ellyn Fund Grants – Supporting projects that enhance the quality of life for residents of Glen Ellyn, including arts and culture, recreation, sustainability, green space, and infrastructure improvements. Applications due Friday, Sept. 4.

If your organization is working to strengthen our community, we encourage you to learn more and apply at the link in bio.