New Seigle Foundation to fund nonprofits in Elgin, Dundees

Wanting their charitable foundation to be "their legacy in the community," Mark and Robin Seigle announced a new foundation to provide grants to nonprofits in the Elgin and Dundee communities.

The Seigle Foundation will be a permanent philanthropic resource in the area where the Seigles were both born and raised. Mark Seigle is the second-generation owner of Seigle's Cabinet Center. Robin Seigle is an active local volunteer and board member of the Elgin Community College Foundation.

A news release said the foundation will be focused on funding food, housing, education and arts initiatives. Nonprofit organizations serving Elgin and the Dundee communities are eligible to apply for grants. Nonprofits focused on providing housing and shelter for those in need can send proposals starting Oct. 1. Details can be found at Seiglefoundation.org.

In the release, the Seigles said they intend to leave the bulk of their estate to the foundation upon their passing.

"There is truly no greater joy in life than to be able to donate money to worthy causes in our hometowns," Mark Seigle said.

The new Seigle Foundation is the successor philanthropy to the former Seigle Family Foundation, which Mark operated with his brother, Harry, and was closely tied to the business.

Lifelong Elgin resident and Elgin Assistant City Manager Karina Nava has been named a director of the foundation, alongside the Seigles.