‘Friends’ foundation forms for DuPage forest

The DuPage County Forest Preserve District will be getting a littler greener with help from a new nonprofit foundation.

The Internal Revenue Service this month exempted Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County as a nonprofit organization, allowing the group to raise tax-deductible donations for forest preserve restoration and programs.

Kathi Wagner, director of the forest preserve office of fundraising and development, said Tuesday that a committee is now accepting nominations from commissioners for foundation board members.

Commissioner Michael Formento said the board should include more than just donors.

“It is important we structure the board with people that are able to contribute not necessarily financially, but with their volunteer efforts,” he said.

He added that the new foundation will allow individuals and corporations to make contributions, which can be earmarked for projects of their choice or go to the district’s general fund.

Commissioner Carl Schultz said the group has already garnered some “generous donations.”

“Hopefully this will benefit each and every one of us,” he said.

But to get the group on its feet, forest preserve officials approved lending $5,000 to the foundation. About $500 of this loan will be used to purchase financial software.

Wagner and Formento both said the loan will be repaid to the district once the foundation is on solid financial ground.

The next Foundation Committee meeting is at 9 a.m. Friday, March 9, in the district headquarters boardroom, 3S580 Naperville Road, Wheaton.