Reasons to Work with Us

We're On a Mission

Our mission is to unite community members to mobilize resources to advance a racially just society and equitable outcomes for residents of Oak Park, River Forest, and surrounding communities.

  • We See a Better Future

    Our vision is a racially just society in which all members of our community thrive and prosper.

    learn more about us

  • Your goals are our goals.

    The primary focus of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation is to help our community members identify and achieve their long-term philanthropic objectives.

    Start a fund with us

  • Philanthropy is our job.

    It’s not a sideline for us — our sole mission is philanthropy, free from conflicts of interest or any motivation other than to serve donors and grant recipients.

    Get a glimpse of our giving

  • We know the community.

    The Foundation has served Oak Park, River Forest and the greater West Side for over 60 years. We understand the needs of the community and can help you make the greatest impact with your giving.

    See our impact

  • Our reach is broad.

    We know your philanthropic interests extend beyond the local community. We can assist with charitable giving wherever those interests lie, whether it’s a mission-based organization, a national nonprofit, or your alma mater.

    Meet our partners

  • Broad philanthropic expertise.

    From addressing the diverse needs of our community to managing complex asset portfolios, our areas of expertise span the full range of challenges faced by philanthropic individuals and families.

    see how we invest in change

  • We're part of your advising team.

    We work collaboratively with your own legal, accounting, financial and other advisors to carry out your philanthropic plan and ensure its success.

    learn about our mission-aligned investing

  • We're with you at every step.

    Philanthropic needs and goals change over time, and the OPRFCF is ready to help at every stage. From educating youth in our Future Philanthropists program to creating a donor advised fund to assisting with estate planning, we provide advice and address practical matters in a sensitive, thoughtful way.

    start a fund with us

  • We offer tax advantages.

    As a public charity, the OPRFCF offers the maximum tax advantage under federal law for most gifts.

    learn about IL Gives

  • We can make your gift go farther.

    The Foundation can amplify the impact and reach of your charitable giving by pooling it with other gifts and grants, if you so choose.

    Our grants strategy

Answers are a phone call or email away.

If you have a question or need anything in connection with your philanthropic projects, a member of our staff will work personally with you to resolve it.

Brian Biederman, Development Director
[email protected]
708-848-1560

Professional Advisor Resources

For professional advisors, the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation makes an ideal partner to assist with a clients’ charitable giving. Our goal is to enhance both the advisor/client relationship and client satisfaction by helping investors fulfill their philanthropic plan with minimum fees, simplicity, flexibility and maximum tax benefits.