Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation (OPRFCF)

Oprfcf provides a central resource for donors, professional financial advisors, student scholarships and non-profit organizations serving Oak park and river Forest and surrounding communities. For donors, we provide value and expertise in helping them explore and implement giving options. For non-profits serving our residents, we provide informative and topical presentations through our impact excellence program, manage endowment funds for several and provide opportunities to apply for and receive grants. We also manage scholarship programs for several of our fundholders. In fy23 the Foundation published the Community voices report, reflecting results of the comprehensive Community needs assessment conducted in fy22.

Future philanthropist program provides young people with opportunities to participate in a uniquely adapted philanthropic experience. Area high school students apply for this two-year program which turns juniors into grant makers and seniors into fundraisers. Program expenses cover the cost of meetings and other related costs. One part-time contractor manages the program and is paid out of the fundraising of the program.

Leadership lab is a Community leadership program providing participants the opportunity to learn about our Community, think about their effect in our Community and develop a personal plan for making a difference. Community panels, speakers and small group field work are used throughout the eight month program. One part-time independant contractor manages the program.