Start a Fund with Us

The Foundation has the drive and determination to serve our community and make a difference—but we can’t do it without your donations! One of the easiest, ongoing ways to create opportunity and serve the greater good is setting up a charitable fund. Funds come in several forms, allowing you to provide financial support through cash, securities, and other assets.

You can name funds for a particular individual or family, or contribute anonymously. Distributions can be made to qualified organizations serving those in Oak Park, River Forest, and the West Cook County region — or anywhere in the United States.

If you’re interested in starting a fund with the Foundation, please contact Development Director Brian Biederman at [email protected], or reach out to us at 708-848-1560.

  • Agency Endowment Fund

    Established by a nonprofit agency, annual distributions from the fund support the activities and programs of that agency. Should a particular agency cease to do business, the Foundation will search for another organization providing similar programs.

  • Donor Advised Fund

    Donor Advised Funds are the most commonly known fund type in philanthropy. You make recommendations to the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation’s Board of Directors for distributions from the fund to support the charitable, cultural or educational programs that interest you and that meet policies established by the Board of Directors. Work with our experts to learn about emerging needs in our community, or to further deepen your knowledge on a specific concern.

  • Endowment Fund

    An endowment is a fund that is designed to live on in perpetuity, supporting a cause or providing a nonprofit agency a reliable, annual stream of income through its earnings in the market.

    A gift or group of gifts totaling $10,000 or more can be established as a named or designated endowment fund. It may be named for a loved one or to honor the memory of someone special to you. Such a fund ensures funds for your charitable interests in perpetuity. These funds may be created now, as a living donor, or may be created though an estate plan and funded upon the death of the donor. The fund agreement names specific charities or programs to receive annual distributions.

  • Field of Interest Fund

    Field of Interest Funds provide distributions for specified causes such as environmental sustainability or human health.

    The organizations that further the cause may change over time, but our staff and Board of Directors will ensure any dollars entrusted to the Foundation are used for the designated purpose. Select from existing field of interest funds or establish a new fund designating a particular area of interest as broadly or as narrowly as desired.

  • Scholarship Fund

    The Foundation manages a variety of scholarships for students and graduates of area schools. 

    You can create a new scholarship fund through the Foundation at any time. As the donor, you specify the schools the applicants come from or ones they are to attend. Scholarships may be applied to any educational level, from preschool to post-graduate.

    In addition we are closely partnered with the Oak Park-River Forest Scholarship Foundation who offers a variety of scholarships for Oak Park & River Forest High School students and graduates.