The Community Foundation offers a number of educational enrichment grants. Click any title in the list below for more information and eligibility requirements. You may view application instructions and download forms where available.
Spring break and summer provide breaks from the regular school rigor, but it doesn’t necessarily mean relaxation from learning. Both can become times of significant experiential opportunities. Students can learn biology in Costa Rica or Africa, can attend a course at a college campus, or participate in a program in Europe. Some students may qualify and want to participate in these enrichment opportunities, but due to the cost of a program, cannot participate. By giving to an enrichment fund, your gift can assist many students in achieving their goals for summer or spring break enrichment.
Donate online to an enrichment fund or contact Carrie Summy, Philanthropic Advisor, 708-848-1560, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., to learn how you can support students in our community.
A number of college scholarships and professional development grants are also available.
Educational Enrichment Grants
A & D Hewitt Memorial Scholarship
Amount: Up to $500 will be awarded to cover either a) the cost of program fees or b) tuition to attend classes, workshops or camps.
Description: The A&D Hewitt Memorial Fund has been established under the auspices of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation in memory of brothers Abel and Don Hewitt. We believe you inspire others when you are your most authentic self and that personal communities today must be inclusive (reflecting persons across all races, cultures, religions, etc.) The fund encourages and enables students to explore possibilities in new and varied areas of interests, expanded cultural experiences, leadership training, and new skills development (i.e. through internships).
Eligibility: Open to students in middle school and up to 9th grade in the Oak Park, River Forest and surrounding communities.
How to Apply: The application period closed on March 17, 2023. Any questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Thanks for your interest!
Carlos Baldoceda Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1000 for programs, materials, equipment, or instruction that furthers the applicant's musical goals. The award cannot be used for high school or college tuition or fees.
Description: Carlos Baldoceda was an Oak Park resident who loved music but passed away too soon from brain tumor complications.
Eligibility: Chicago area resident, 14-25 years of age, interested in music.
How to Apply: The application period closed on March 17, 2023. Any questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Thanks for your interest!
Carlos Baldoceda Senior Music Award
Amount: $1500 for programs, materials, equipment, or instruction that furthers the applicant's musical goals. The award cannot be used for high school or college tuition or fees.
Description: Carlos Baldoceda was an Oak Park resident who loved music but passed away too soon from brain tumor complications.
Eligibility: Oak Park and River Forest High School Senior; overall Grade Point Average of 3.0 or above; interested in music.
How to Apply: The application period closed on March 17, 2023. Any questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Thanks for your interest!
Cassin-Germanson Rotary Fund Grant
Amount: Up to $600
Description: This Fund was established by the Rotary Club of OPRF in 2020 to honor the memory of two of its most dynamic female members, Virginia Cassin and Sister Michelle Germanson, O.P. The grant enables each girl to explore learning and develop personal interests outside the classroom. Financial need is required.
Eligibility: Young female students in grades 6-8 with financial need.
Application Information and Deadline: Applications will be accepted until August 1st for the next round of grants. Link HERE for paper application and guidelines.
Crystal Charitable Fund
Description: The Crystal fund provides grants up to $4,000 per student to support extended cultural or educational experiences “away from home.”
Eligibility:The Crystal Fund provides grants up to $4,000 per student to support extended cultural or educational experiences “away from home.” Grants are limited to youth from the Chicago area aged 13 to 19 years from financially impoverished family situations, and with good academic standing.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on an on-going basis. Students must apply at least 6 weeks before their travel date.
How to Apply: All applications must be completed online by a sponsor. Students interested in applying for our Crystal Charitable Fund Grant should contact the sponsoring organization and have them register to fill out the online application on behalf of the student.
More information for Sponsors: Link Here
More information for Students: Link Here
Dring Language Fellowship
Amount: Up to $2,500 to assist one or more recipients for an international travel experience for the purpose of improving or perfecting foreign language skills.
Description: We believe that communication between people of the world is not truly possible without common languages. The Dring Language Fellowship is intended to encourage young people to reach competency and fluency in any foreign language of their choice by providing financial assistance grants for language training, foreign travel and related expenses.
Eligibility: Limited to current students or graduates of OPRFHS.
How to Apply: APPLY at https://dringfellowship.wordpress.com. Applications for 2022-2023 closed on March 17. 2023. Thanks for your interest!
Laura Southwick Award
Amount: $500 - $1,000 awards to encourage work in the fine and applied arts
Description: This award honors the memory of Laura Southwick who loved the arts and was an Oak Park and River Forest High School graduate in 1986.
Eligibility: High school Freshmen - Juniors
Eligibility: The application period closed on March 17, 2023. Any questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Thanks for your interest!
Tom Neumann Summer Learning Fund
Amount: Up to $6,000 enrichment scholarship(s) will be awarded towards participation in an academic, cultural or travel enrichment activity between the junior and senior year of high school.
Description: The Tom Neumann Memorial Fund honors Mr. Neumann's love for travel, appreciation for all types of culture and respect for the inherent worth of all people.
Eligibility: Oak Park and River Forest High School juniors and Trinity High School juniors.
How to Apply: The application period closed on March 6, 2023 for this academic year. Thank you for your interest!
Tibensky Academic Enrichment Scholarship
Amount: Up to $3,500 enrichment scholarship(s).
Description: The Tibensky family established this scholarship to provide mentoring and opportunities like those their family received through other programs.
Eligibility: Oak Park and River Forest High School students
How to Apply: The application period closed on March 17, 2023. Any questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Thanks for your interest!
Youth Engagement Scholarship (YES) Fund
Description: Provides an avenue for youth in need of financial resources to participate in low cost/no-cost fee-based enrichment programming and activities offered in Oak Park and River Forest.
Eligibility: Eligible organizations in Oak Park and River Forest that offer enrichment programs to children and youth under 18 who live in Oak Park or River Forest; are currently enrolled in school; and qualify for free and reduced lunch.
Application Information: The sponsoring organization application for 2022-2023 has closed. Please contact Elizabeth Chadri with any questions at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Many thanks for your interest.
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