Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley

03/19/2026

We had a wonderful time at the United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties Women United Breakfast yesterday morning. It was inspiring to hear from such incredible women and to make meaningful connections with everyone in attendance. Thank you for hosting such a fantastic event.

03/18/2026

Thank you to everyone who has shared their generosity through volunteer hours and donations. Because of your support in building our Emergency Response Fund, we are now ready to launch Emergency Response Fund grants.

As our community continues to heal and rebuild, these grants are designed to support qualifying nonprofits and quasi-governmental agencies that are serving individuals and families impacted by the recent disaster.

The Emergency Response fund is a collaborative effort between the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley and United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties

Applications are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Visit our website www.cfkrv.org to learn more about grant guidelines and to apply.

03/14/2026

In response to the recent storms impacting our community, the Community Foundation and United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties activated the Emergency Relief Fund to support local recovery efforts. Donations will help provide critical assistance to individuals and families affected by the disaster.

Watch the video to learn more about how the fund will support our community and how you can help.
Donate: https://bit.ly/DonateToRelief
Learn More: myunitedway.org/disaster.

03/12/2026

Emergency Response Fund of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties has been activated to support local recovery efforts. This fund, maintained through a partnership between the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley and United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties, allows our community to respond quickly when disasters strike.

⚡ Rapid Response – Funds are deployed quickly to address urgent needs after natural or man-made disasters.
🤝 Community Collaboration – Local nonprofits and partners work together to identify needs and coordinate support where it’s needed most.
🏡 Long-Term Recovery – Beyond immediate relief, the fund also supports long-term recovery as families and communities rebuild.

Together, we can make sure help reaches our neighbors when they need it most. 💙

03/11/2026

Following the tornadoes that touched down in Kankakee County, the Emergency Response Fund of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties has been activated to support local recovery efforts.

Originally created during COVID-19 in partnership with the United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties, the fund provides rapid support to trusted local organizations helping families recover and rebuild.

💙 Donate: https://bit.ly/DonateToRelief

Your gift helps provide both immediate relief and long-term recovery for neighbors impacted by the storms.
Residents seeking assistance can dial 2-1-1 or visit kanihelp.org to find local resources.

03/10/2026

🎓 A quick shoutout to our amazing senior students in the Kankakee & Iroquois County area!

This year, 581 scholarship applications were submitted through our online portal! Such an incredible accomplishment. We are so proud of all the seniors who put in the time and effort to apply and invest in their future. 🏆 Stay tuned for scholarship award announcements in May.

And a heartfelt thank you to our generous donors and sponsors who continue to support the Class of 2025–2026 and help make these opportunities possible. Your investment in our students truly makes a difference.

03/10/2026

Save the date for our Annual Luncheon on May 28.

This luncheon is one of our favorite ways to come together as a community. It’s where we look back at what your generosity helped make possible in 2025, share what’s ahead for 2026, and celebrate the grants and scholarships that are touching lives here in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties.

We’ll also take a moment to welcome new board members and thank those who have finished their service. It’s a simple way to say, “thank you for caring about this place we call home.” Tickets will be required, and full details (time, location, and registration) are coming soon.

We hope you’ll circle the date and plan to join us.

02/27/2026

⏰ Deadline alert!
Scholarship applications are due 2/28.

Apply now before it’s too late!

02/25/2026

If you are a professional advisor and your clients are thinking about charitable giving this year, here are a few simple strategies that can make a gift go even further.

One option is donating appreciated stock, which may support a cause while also offering tax advantages. Some donors also “bunch” gifts into one year to make the most of deductions. And for those who qualify, a Qualified Charitable Distribution from an IRA can be another thoughtful way to give.

We’ve gathered more helpful tips here, written in easy language you can share:
https://www.cfkrv.org/about-us/standard-deduction-planning
https://www.cfkrv.org/blog/five-tax-reminders-for-charitable-giving

If you ever have questions when working with clients, we’re always glad to talk through charitable planning options together.

02/23/2026

02/23/2026

🌸 Spring grant applications are due Monday, March 2!

Don’t miss your chance to apply for funding, submit your application before the deadline.

02/18/2026

One of the most meaningful investments we make as a community is in young children and the families who raise them. Programs like Success By 6 and Kan-I Help meet families where they are and connect them with tools that make daily life a little easier.

Success By 6 supports parents and caregivers of children from birth to age six with developmental screenings, early learning resources, and guidance that helps kids thrive.

Kan-I Help brings hundreds of local services into one easy-to-use hub, making it simpler for families, caregivers, and providers to find support quickly.

If you know a family, teacher, childcare provider, or community partner who could benefit from these resources, please pass this along. These programs are here for everyone in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties.

Learn more about who we support by visiting https://www.cfkrv.org/who-we-support/