Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation

Programs: Oprfcf provides a central resource for donors, professional financial advisors, student scholarships and non-profit organizations serving oak park and river forest. For donors, we provide value and expertise in helping them explore and implement giving options. For non-profits serving our residents, we manage endowment funds and provide opportunities to apply for and receive grants. We also manage scholarship programs for several of our fundholders.

success of all youth (say) is a community collective impact effort addressing the social & emotional, academic, and health & safety needs of youth from cradle to career. One full time director and one part time youth board faciliator supported the work of the initiative. (includes direct salary/benefit and other operations costs)

the foundation offered 10 impact excellence sessions in 2017 which were attended by 553 participants from 80 local nonprofits. This included seminars which covered a range of topics including, volunteer recruitment and retention; workplace diversity and cultural competency; measuring and communicating your impact; managing your social media; pris and other impact investments; scaling up impact; and talent retention. Two board boot camps were held in 2017; one targeted for board members with up to 3 years of nonprofit board experience and an advanced board camp for board members with more than 3 years of nonprofit board experience. Additionally, the foundation, in partnership with local nonprofits conducted a volunteer recruitment event which was attended by 48 nonprofits and over 181 potential volunteers. Furthermore, six human service and arts and culture organizations were selected to receive technical assistance to calculate their social return on investment so as to determine and articulate the broader value of their impact, beyond what is usually captured in outcomes and financial terms, and ultimately position them to attract additional support from their constituents.

leadership lab is community leadership program providing participants the opportunity to learn about the 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 coordinator manages the program. 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.