Generation G- CFFRV, Julie Christman

Generation G in Action- CFFRV                                         

Julie Christman, President and CEO Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

“The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley Illinois.  The CFFRV is a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and other non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowment and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students.  Over 210 different donors fund capital projects and grant scholarships to non profits and students in Kendall and southern Kane County.”

Julie Christman, president and CEO,  became involved with the Community Foundation (CFFRV) after working at the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA).  Julie brings her unique experience of being a former granter writer to now help match donors to non profits and students to create the greatest impact.

Currently the CFFRV is proud of the fact that they have been able to provide $850,000 in COVID-19 relief.  In the future they are looking toward developing philanthropy in others.  The Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP).  Through YEP the Community Foundation allows students to see ways they can make a difference  by exposing them to many different philanthropic experiences.  Students are asked to participate in at least one service project and one fundraising project a year.  YEP is also allotted $25,000 and decides which local non profits would be able to use those funds to show the greatest impact.

The YEP is one example of how the CFFRV wants to make it possible for all people to be philanthropic.  The CFFRV hopes to see the scholarship and grant making programs grow to support non profits like GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley.

CFFRV has granted GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley funds to be used in the purchase of new technology for our literacy program.  This new technology will allow GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley the opportunity to use some of the tools we have utilized during GiGi’s At Home in the Playhouse.  The use of iPads and laptops will make the learning opportunities more engaging for our participants, and also easier for our tutors to assess progress.

Thank you Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley.  The service you provide to the community and the support you give GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley is greatly appreciated.

Learn more about the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley on their website: cffrv.org.

Thank you, Julie and Cathy for taking the time to speak with GiGi’s about your wonderful work!  You are truly an example of Generation G in action- Be Accepting, Be Generous, Be Kind.