Literacy DuPage receives $20,000 Community Needs Grant from DuPage Foundation

Literacy DuPage in Glen Ellyn was one of 31 nonprofit organizations to receive a grant through DuPage Foundation's Community Needs Grant Program.

During the Fall 2021 Community Needs cycle, DuPage Foundation awarded $432,193 to organizations working in the areas of education, arts & culture, environment, and animal welfare.

Literacy DuPage received a grant in the amount of $20,000 to support its one-to-one tutoring program.

Literacy DuPage offers free, customized English language tutoring for adults in DuPage County. Established in 1972, Literacy DuPage serves more than 270 adult learners in over 30 communities throughout DuPage County, enlisting its big-hearted army of 250 volunteer tutors.

"We are incredibly thankful for this grant award. These funds will help Literacy DuPage train more volunteer tutors throughout the next year, allowing us to have greater impact by reaching hundreds of county residents striving to improve their English language capabilities," remarked Bobbi Burgstone, executive director of Literacy DuPage.

During the past fiscal year, DuPage Foundation granted nearly $9 million through Community Needs, donor-advised grants, special initiatives, and designated grants. Thanks to additional donations from DuPage Foundation's donors and donor-advisors, the Foundation was able to grant $179,393 above its regular Community Needs grant budget.

"We are proud to deploy these much-needed grants to the not-for-profit organizations that work tirelessly to serve our community, especially as the lingering effects of the pandemic have forced many to reimagine and rebuild their operations and programs," said Barb Szczepaniak, DuPage Foundation vice president for programs. "We are grateful to our donors for their generosity and desire to expand funding to support these organizations."

Applications for DuPage Foundation's Community Needs Grant Program are accepted twice per year. The spring cycle delivers grants to organizations working in health & human services with applications due on March 4.

DuPage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) community foundation, is the philanthropic leader in DuPage County, Illinois. It manages more than $125 million in assets and has awarded more than $60 million in grants to nonprofit organizations serving the residents of DuPage County since its founding in 1986. Individuals and organizations seeking to provide impactful support to address critical issues in DuPage County and beyond can create powerful customizable gift solutions and partnerships through DuPage Foundation. More at dupagefoundation.org.

Literacy DuPage serves DuPage County adults of all ages, nationalities, and social backgrounds, who seek assistance in improving their English speaking, comprehension, reading, and writing skills, allowing them to be more independent and successful at home, at work, and in the community. Some students are native English speakers, yet most are immigrants. To become a volunteer, make a donation, or get more information, call Literacy DuPage at (630) 942-5217 or visit www.literacydupage.org.