We are pleased to announce that we awarded $1.3 million to DuPage County nonprofit organizations as part of our Spring Community Impact grant program. Grants were awarded to 71 organizations in the health and human services sector—supporting mental health services, housing programs, food insecurity, healthcare and recreation access, as well as seed funding for newer DuPage nonprofits.
During two grant cycles each year, our Community Impact grant program supports local nonprofit projects and initiatives that enrich the quality of life for DuPage County residents. The Foundation’s network of donor-advised fund representatives and area donors provided more than $820,000 in additional funds to boost its Community Impact grant budget this cycle—magnifying our local impact with 80% of eligible grant applications funded, a significant increase from 2025.
“It’s remarkable to see consistent growth in impact each year,” said Barb Szczepaniak, Foundation vice president for programs. “In response to rising needs throughout DuPage County, we increased our Health & Human Services grantmaking by 40% compared to last spring. This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening the network of care that supports our community.”
Grant Open House Celebrates Recipients
Spring Community Impact grantees celebrated alongside DuPage Foundation staff, volunteer leaders, donors, and community partners at a Grant Open House held last Thursday, June 11. Recipients received their grants and connected with fellow changemakers and philanthropists to discuss the current landscape within DuPage County.
“One of my favorite parts of working with the Foundation is getting to celebrate the incredible organizations that make DuPage County stronger,” said Betsy Goltermann, DuPage Foundation Trustee and Grant Committee Chair. “Thanks to the generosity of our donor advisors and funding partners, we were able to make this our largest Community Impact grant cycle ever. Seeing so many people come together in support of these nonprofits is truly inspiring.
Images from the celebration can be found here.
The following organizations received a Spring Community Impact grant (see here for more information about their funded projects):
Mental Health (25) $500,276
360 Youth Services 25,000
Bartlett Learning Center 25,000
Center for Advancing Domestic Peace 15,000
DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform 25,000
Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley 25,000
Educare West DuPage 25,000
Embrace Living Charities 22,400
Gateway Charitable Foundation 15,414
Glen Ellyn Youth & Family Counseling Service 25,000
Grow Wellness Foundation 5,000
Healthcare Alternative Systems, Inc. 25,000
Marklund 7,500
Metropolitan Family Services DuPage 25,000
NAMI DuPage 25,000
Northeast DuPage Family and Youth Services 25,000
Ray Graham Association 24,962
Reclaim13 5,000
Riverwalk Adult Day Services 5,000
SamaraCare 25,000
Senior Home Sharing, Inc. 25,000
Serenity House Counseling Services, Inc. 25,000
The Carlton Center 10,000
The Rosecrance Foundation 15,000
WeGo Together for Kids 25,000
YWCA Metropolitan Chicago 25,000
Housing & Emergency Assistance (25) $365,000
Bridge Communities, Inc. 25,000
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet 25,000
DuPage and Chicago South Suburbs Habitat for Humanity 25,000
DuPagePads 25,000
Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network 24,000
Fellowship Housing Corporation 22,000
H.O.M.E. DuPage, Inc. 25,000
ICNA Relief 15,000
Little City Foundation 20,000
Loaves & Fishes Community Services 25,000
LOVE Christian Clearinghouse 12,000
Love Your Neighbor 5,000
Mercy Housing Lakefront 20,000
Outreach 25,000
Sharing Connections 25,000
The Salvation Army Oakbrook Terrace 25,000
Warm Coats for Cool Kids 22,000
Food Security (12) $222,384
Assistance League Chicagoland West 20,000
DuPage Senior Citizens Council 5,000
Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry 25,000
Glen House Food Pantry 5,000
HCS Family Services 20,000
Neighborhood Food Pantries 25,000
OLI Gardens 25,000
People’s Resource Center 25,000
R.E.A.C.H. Ministries, Inc. 9,709
The GardenWorks Project 18,000
The Outreach House 19,675
West Suburban Community Pantry 25,000
Access to Healthcare (12) $222,500
Chicago Dental Society Foundation 25,000
DuPage Health Coalition 25,000
Evangelical Child & Family Agency 12,000
Family Focus 25,000
Hope’s Front Door 15,000
Mayslake Village 3,000
Midwestern University 10,000
Ride Assist Naperville 12,500
Teen Parent Connection 25,000
United Cerebral Palsy Seguin of Greater Chicago 25,000
Xilin Association 25,000
Youth Outlook 20,000
Access to Recreation (3) $25,000
Access Sports 5,000
Special Kids Day 5,000
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association 15,000
Seed Grants (2) $10,000
Empower Futurewave Foundation 5,000
Evergreen Shared Housing 5,000
Fall Grant Cycle Now Open
Applications for our Fall Community Impact grant cycle are now being accepted. DuPage County nonprofits that provide programs in the areas of youth education, workforce development, environment, and animal welfare that meet the application criteria are welcome to apply. Grant applications are due by Friday, September 4, 2026. For more information on the 2026 grant guidelines and to apply, visit dupagefoundation.org/community-impact.
