We are pleased to announce we recently awarded nearly $1 million to DuPage County nonprofit organizations as part of our Spring Community Impact grant program. Grants were awarded to 57 organizations in the health and human services sector—supporting mental health services, housing programs, food insecurity, and more.
During two grant cycles each year, the Community Impact grant program supports local nonprofit projects and initiatives that enrich the quality of life for DuPage County residents. Our network of donor-advised fund representatives and area donors provided more than $500,000 in additional funds to boost our Community Impact grant budget this cycle—more than doubling our local impact with nearly 70% of eligible grant applications funded!
Seed Matching Grants Awarded to Four Inaugural Recipients
New for this year’s Spring Community Impact grant cycle, we introduced Seed matching grants. Designed for nonprofits with a 501(c)(3) designation for less than three years, these grants help new agencies raise funds from individual donors and fundraising events. For recipients, funding is distributed when the matching dollar amount has been secured during the grant period.
“The goal is to meet organizations where they are and help them build a strong foundation through fundraising skills,” said Barb Szczepaniak, vice president for programs. “By expanding the breadth of our Community Impact grant program with Seed grants, we can help a new nonprofit scale for effective long-term impact, changing their trajectory and the benefit they provide to the community.”
The four inaugural recipients of Seed matching grants are: Grow Wellness Foundation, Josiah’s House & Esters Throne, Kits 4 Kids, and Light of Hope Wellness and Counseling.
Grant Open House Celebrates 57 Recipients
Spring Community Impact grantees celebrated alongside our staff, volunteer leaders, and community partners at a Grant Open House held Wednesday, June 4. Recipients received their grants and connected with fellow changemakers and philanthropists to discuss the current landscape within DuPage County.
“It was a joy to celebrate our Community Impact grantees at our Open House,” said Betsy Goltermann, DuPage Foundation Trustee and Grant Committee Chair. She added, “This grant program continues to be the backbone of the Foundation’s work. It was inspiring to meet so many grantees and experience their gratitude, determination, and passion.”
The following organizations received a Spring Community Impact grant:
Sustain Grants (53) | $947,795
360 Youth Services: $25,000
Access Sports: $5,000
AKA-Lade Foundation: $5,000
Assistance League Chicagoland West: $24,000
Bridge Communities, Inc.: $25,000
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet: $10,000
Center for Advancing Domestic Peace: $5,000
DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform: $10,000
DuPage Health Coalition: $25,000
DuPage Senior Citizens Council: $10,000
DuPagePads: $25,000
Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network: $18,000
Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry: $25,000
Evangelical Child & Family Agency: $12,000
Fellowship Housing Corporation: $22,000
Glen House Food Pantry: $24,500
H.O.M.E. DuPage, Inc.: $25,000
HCS Family Services: $10,000
HOPE Fair Housing Center: $12,000
Hope’s Front Door: $13,500
Little City Foundation: $5,000
Loaves & Fishes Community Services: $25,000
Marklund: $7,695
Metropolitan Asian Family Services: $25,000
Metropolitan Family Services DuPage: $15,000
Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, Inc.: $25,000
NAMI DuPage: $25,000
Naperville Elderly Homes: $17,500
Neighborhood Food Pantries: $19,600
Northeast DuPage Family and Youth Services: $25,000
Peoples Community Church: $6,500
People’s Resource Center: $25,000
Prairie State Legal Services: $25,000
Ray Graham Association: $15,000
Repeat Boutique Center: $25,000
Ride Assist Naperville: $10,000
SamaraCare: $25,000
Senior Home Sharing, Inc.: $25,000
Sharing Connections: $18,000
Special Kids Day: $6,500
Special Olympics Illinois: $10,000
Teen Parent Connection: $25,000
The GardenWorks Project: $18,000
The Rosecrance Foundation: $5,000
The Salvation Army Oakbrook Terrace: $25,000
United Cerebral Palsy Seguin of Greater Chicago: $25,000
VNA Health Care: $25,000
Warm Coats for Cool Kids: $23,000
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association: $15,000
World Relief Chicagoland: $25,000
Xilin Association: $5,000
Youth Outlook: $20,000
YWCA Metropolitan Chicago: $25,000
Seed Grants (4) | $16,500
Grow Wellness Foundation: $5,000
Josiah’s House & Esters Throne: $5,000
Kits 4 Kids: $1,500
Light of Hope Wellness and Counseling: $5,000
Fall Grant Cycle Now Open
Our Fall Community Impact and Arts DuPage grant applications are now open for submission. DuPage County nonprofits that provide programs in the areas of youth education, workforce development, environment, animal welfare, and arts & culture that meet the application criteria are welcome to apply. Grant applications are due by Friday, September 5, 2025, by 5pm CT. Get more information on the 2025 grant guidelines and apply.
