Community Foundation Gives $103K to 17 Local Groups

The Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley gave a total of $103, 350 to 17 different nonprofits during its 2026 awards luncheon. The money will help projects that focus on early learning, job training, mental health care, food safety, and reading programs in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. In the same event, the Foundation also announced an extra $40, 000 for community projects. Three new charitable funds were created: the Glenn E. Koets Music Scholarship Fund, the Goldstar Resources and Community Engagement Foundation Fund, and the Army of Boomers Fund. The Foundation’s executive director said that every donation, partner, and act of kindness moves the community forward. She praised a year of growth and teamwork. Last year, the Foundation worked with local agencies to host “Nonprofit Coffee Talks” and a Board Bootcamp. These events helped strengthen nonprofit leaders in the area. It also started Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Iroquois County and expanded it to Kankakee County with United Way. More than 1, 450 children now receive books each month.After the tornado on March 10 and other severe storms, the Foundation chaired a recovery group called COAD. It coordinated with government, businesses, volunteers, and nonprofits to rebuild the region. During that crisis, the Foundation’s director highlighted how people came together. She noted that nonprofits worked side by side and strangers helped each other. The Foundation also launched a matching challenge for the Fine Arts Fund. A gift from Norm Strasma will match every donation up to $50, 000. At the luncheon, Andy Hamilton was elected to the board of directors. Retiring member Jake Lee received recognition for nine years on the board, including two as chair. The grant recipients include groups such as Blessings in a Backpack ($10, 000), Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet ($3, 500), Central Citizens’ Library ($2, 500), and many others. Additional community investments went to the Success By 6 Initiative ($20, 000), Riverfront Trailways Fund ($10, 000), and Workforce Development Programs ($10, 000). Small grants were also awarded to the Rosie Fund for organizations like Agape Community Outreach Mission ($1, 000) and Harbor House ($1, 000).