Donka Inc. receives $7,500 Community Needs Grant from DuPage Foundation

Donka Inc. was one of 37 DuPage County nonprofit organizations to receive a grant through DuPage Foundation's Spring Community Needs Grant Program.

DuPage Foundation awarded $702,860, a new record amount, to organizations working in the areas of Health & Human Services. Donka received a grant in the amount of $7,500 to help support assistive technology training that enables people with disabilities gain computer and technology skills for self-sufficiency.

"This has been so much more than training to use a program," said Chris Noerr, a Donka graduate. "It has showed me how I can use technology to overcome challenges. Gave me confidence in a skill I was never that familiar with. Opened up a whole new world of resources and tools that will continue to assist and help me for years to come. What has been gifted to me by all the donors and Instructors involved is truly invaluable, and special."

The nonprofit organization was established in January 1987. The organization is approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and provides assistive technology computer training to persons with physical, visual, and learning disabilities.

Donka's overarching goal is to increase community integration and socialization for students through technology, thereby helping them access opportunities and resources to achieve independence and improve the quality of their life. From their main office in the DuPage Care Center, Donka primarily serves residents of DuPage and Kane counties.

Thanks to additional donations from DuPage Foundation's donors and donor-advisors, the foundation was able to grant $307,388 above its regular Community Needs grant budget.

"We are so fortunate to have such caring and generous donors who see the value in helping those with limited resources in our community," said Barb Szczepaniak, DuPage Foundation vice president for programs. "With their added support, we were able to award well-deserved grants to more local not-for-profit organizations which in turn expands services and resources to those most in need in DuPage County."

During the past fiscal year, DuPage Foundation has awarded $8.3 million on behalf of donors and the community. Applications for the Community Needs Grant Program are accepted twice per year. Grant applications in the areas of education, arts & culture, environment and animal welfare are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3 (CST). See more information and apply at dupagefoundation.org/grants/community-needs.html.

Since its inception, DuPage Foundation has grown to more than $115 million in total assets and awarded more than $55 million in grants to nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit dupagefoundation.org.

For further information regarding Donka Inc., contact Leanne Vos at lvos@donkainc.org.