Joyful Giving Catalog 2025

Arts Alliance Forest Park

Become a Member and Create With Us! Arts Alliance Forest Park. The Catalyst for Creativity. 

Members enjoy a variety of benefits including discounts to events all while collaborating with other local organizations and businesses including Village of Forest Park, the Park District, Historical Society and the Chamber of Commerce. 

Programs include the well-attended StoopSessions, Tellers’ Night, GarageGalleries, Makers’ Market, 48-Hour Film Festival and art installations such as Little Perspectives, Sit & Savor, FiberFlash and the Park District mural with more to come!

Join the only local arts organization that assembles art enthusiasts for the love, fun and beauty of art for only $25! Visit forestparkarts.org/become-a-member.

Austin Coming Together

Austin Coming Together (ACT)’s mission is to increase the collective impact of our 50+ member organizations on improving education and economic development outcomes for Chicago’s Austin community. Since 2010, we’ve been connecting residents to services, attracting investments for the community, and building capacity for policy change. Recent efforts include co-developing the former Emmet School into the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation and supporting the Austin Eats Initiative, a 20+ group focused on strengthening the community’s food access infrastructure.

Learn more at austincomingtogether.org.

Beyond Hunger

For over 45 years Beyond Hunger has been harnessing the power of communities to create a hunger-free future. Through our food pantry, home delivery program, nutrition education classes, and social services, we provide hunger relief that truly goes beyond basic nourishment. We provide our clients with the tools they need to ensure that no one is left behind in the battle against hunger. We know that this work would not be possible without our community. Whether you volunteer, advocate for those in need, or donate, you are essential in moving our mission forward. With your support, we believe hunger is solvable.

Learn more about how you can get involved in the fight to end hunger by visiting gobeyondhunger.org.

BUILD

Since 1969, we have embedded mentors in schools and across neighborhoods to connect with youth who need support. Wrapping young people in the opportunities and care they deserve, we help them build hope, resilience, and a path to a promising future. We engage youth at every stage, with specialized teams dedicated to street violence interventions, gang detachments, creative after-school programming, academic school, college support, mental health care, community violence crisis response, and enrichment activities ranging from art and music to sports, podcasting, engineering, and gardening. Potential doesn’t discriminate, neither should opportunity. 

Join us in BUILDing a better future: www.buildchicago.org.

CAYR Connections

CAYR Connections, an Oak Park nonprofit, envisions a future where all brains belong. CAYR stands for “Come As You Are,” and our mission is to build inclusive spaces that honor neurodiversity (the natural variation of human brains). Our programs for neurodivergent children and their families – including our upcoming microschool and summer program – provide opportunities for education, connection, and advocacy. Our social club for neurodivergent adults and community outreach programs help create lasting networks of support and understanding. Your donations make this possible and help us expand our reach. 

Join us in creating a more inclusive world at www.cayrconnections.org.

The Collaboration for Early Childhood

Early care and education is where success starts. It makes everything else possible, and it allows children to reach their full potential from the first day of kindergarten all the way through to adulthood. We are a community-driven organization that cultivates the development of the whole child, birth to age five, by engaging families, local organizations, early childhood educators, caregivers, and health providers to create equitable, nurturing, and interconnected systems of support. Help ensure that we continue to be a place where families thrive!

Investing in early childhood is an investment in the future. Your donation will make a powerful impact! Learn more at collab4kids.org.

Friends of the Children-Chicago

Every child has hopes and dreams – but far too many children face the challenges of poverty, housing insecurity, and exposure to gun violence. Friends of the Children steps in early—pairing kindergarteners on Chicago’s West and South Sides with Professional Mentors. We focus on the individualized journey of the child, helping them build skills and create goals while partnering with caregivers to strengthen family stability. What makes us unique? We walk alongside our youth for 12.5 years. No Matter What. Our trauma-informed approach puts the child at the center and surrounds them with a network of support. Friends of the Children-Chicago isn’t just about prevention—it’s about possibility.

Join a child’s team of support by donating at friendschicago.org today.

Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory

Built in 1929, the Oak Park Conservatory is a Historic Property of the Park District of Oak Park. Free to the public with 50,000 visitors annually, the Conservatory is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Conservatory offers three indoor showrooms featuring more than 3,000 plants and two outdoor gardens including a play area for toddlers. The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory offers a wide range of programs focused on enriching the visitor experience at the Conservatory. From volunteering to educational and recreational opportunities, tours, and classes, there is something for everyone to enjoy year-round.

To learn more or to join, visit fopcon.org.

Growing Community Media

Growing Community Media is the reader supported newsroom behind four great local news publications covering our neighborhoods and villages. We publish the Austin Weekly News, Wednesday Journal of Oak Park & River Forest, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark. Day in and day out we provide authentic, boots-on-the-ground, fact-based reporting about people and places you know and value. We hold our public officials and institutions accountable and help our communities stay connected and informed. Your gift to Growing Community Media is an investment in making your neighborhood a stronger and better place to live.

Donate for news that matters to you at growingcommunitymedia.org/donate.

Habitat for Humanity Chicago

We at Habitat for Humanity Chicago do more than build homes. We help build thriving neighborhoods by offering residents small grant opportunities, homebuyer education, and affordable mortgages through our various programs. Working in the Austin, Greater Grand Crossing, and West Pullman community areas, our wider neighborhood approach guides our work and is sustained by our dedicated volunteers, donors, and partners.

 Together, we build Chicago. Join us in investing in our neighbors today: habitatchicago.org/donate  |  (312) 563-0296

Hephzibah Children’s Association

Founded in 1897, Hephzibah Children’s Association is Oak Park’s oldest social service agency. Serving children and families for 128 years, our mission of helping children thrive and families flourish is muti-faceted. We are the only residential treatment program for severely abused, neglected, and traumatized children in need of behavioral intervention from ages 3-11 in Illinois. In addition, Hephzibah offers foster care services, comprehensive services for children and families in crisis, positive parenting services and an abuse & neglect prevention program. Hephzibah also provides affordable after-school care and summer camp for Oak Park families of all income levels.

To make a donation, visit hephzibahhome.org/donate-now.

Holiday Food and Gift Basket

Holiday Food and Gift Basket, a program of the Community of Congregations, has been spreading holiday joy to families in Oak Park and River Forest since the 1970’s.

In November, every family referred to us receives a grocery gift card paid for withdonations. On the second Saturday of December, volunteers deliver holiday gifts that have been purchased by sponsors from a provided wish list. Our small program has a big impact because of the support of community members like you.

Visit our website at www.communityofcongregations.org/holiday-food-gift-basket to find out how you can be a donor, sponsor, or volunteer.

Housing Forward

Housing Forward is passionately focused on one vision – ending homelessness.

Ending homelessness means addressing it at all levels, from the possibility of a housing crisis to its permanent resolution. We prevent homelessness whenever possible, respond to housing crises when they do occur, and stabilize people with supportive services and housing. Housing Forward is a recognized leader in west suburban Cook County, assisting over 2,500 individuals and families each year with our comprehensive wraparound support from the onset of a housing crisis to its resolution. 

To learn more or get involved, visit housingforward.org, email or call 708-338-1724.

L’Arche Chicago

Together is a beautiful place to be…

Quality care for adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities extends beyond the basics of supporting someone with their basic living and medical needs. Everyone deserves an opportunity to live a vibrant and meaningful life. L’Arche Chicago is a highly relational community dedicated to creating a space where everyone’s unique gifts are celebrated. We are committed to the highest quality of care for our core members (adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities). Mutual relationships transform lives at all four of our homes, located in Forest Park, Oak Park, and Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.

You can make a beautiful impact – Join us by making a gift today! www.larchechicago.org | 708-660-1600 | hello@larchechicago.org

League of Women Voters of Oak Park-River Forest

The League of Women Voters Oak Park and River Forest is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. Locally, we register voters and sponsor candidate forums. We also present civic education programs covering topics such as the decline of local news, ranked choice voting and the problem of mis and disinformation. The League advocates at the state and national level on policy issues including voting rights, immigration and the environment. And the LWV nationwide United and Rise initiative aims to mobilize 8.5 million voters to protect and preserve our democracy.

Visit lwvoprf.org to learn more.

Learning Edge

For over 30 years, Learning Edge has been a part of the Oak Park and Austin communities. Our mission is to strive for more equity in education by providing Chicago-area students who live in underserved communities free one-to-one tutoring and academic enrichment opportunities enhanced by caring, mentoring relationships. We help students improve their foundational math and reading skills, complete their homework, and foster their love of learning. Your support helps us provide school-year tutoring to over 100 students in grades K through 12 each year.

To donate or volunteer, please visit our website learningedgetutoring.org.

Maywood Youth Mentoring Program 

Organized in 1993 as a 501c3, the Maywood Youth Mentoring Program has served hundreds of middle to high-school youth providing a variety of programs, workshops, field trips, and experiences designed to increase academic potential and instill cultural pride. Since 2008, the program has hosted free monthly youth breakfasts with topics ranging from anger management and conflict resolution, etiquette, police/community interactions, sexual health, drug and alcohol avoidance, and academic excellence. Youths practice critical thinking skills to encourage positive life choices. Volunteer mentors interact with youths, providing positive role models for college and career choices.  Funds are needed to continuously provide free services and incentives for participation.  

To volunteer, or to donate, visit us at maywoodyouthmentoring.org, or contact Barbara Cole, founder/CEO, at barbaracole@maywoodyouthmentoring.org or 708-344-3577.

Mission Curiosity by Our Future Reads

Since 2021, Our Future Reads has worked to close the literacy gap by providing free books to over 12,000 individuals across Chicagoland. This impact is made possible through Mission Curiosity, our community bookstore in Oak Park, where every $5 purchase helps fund book donations for those who need them most.

This season, you can help too. Donate. Volunteer. Visit the store.

Your support ensures families, shelters, and classrooms continue to receive books that inspire, educate, and empower.

For more information, visit ourfuturereads.com.

The Neighborhood Bridge

The Neighborhood Bridge connects families in the Austin and Oak Park communities to vital resources that strengthen stability and opportunity. Through our Advocate Program and Essentials Pantry, families receive personalized support for housing, food, legal aid, education, and more. This year, we opened the Bridge Center at 38 N. Austin Boulevard, a new Community Service Center built on partnership and hope. Your generosity helps us continue bridging families to the services they need to thrive.

Donate today to support our work: theneighborhoodbridge.org.

New Moms

Young moms hold extraordinary potential—and we’re here to help it shine. For more than 40 years, New Moms has walked alongside mothers, age 24 and under, equipping them with the confidence and tools to create lasting success. We know the weight poverty and homelessness place on families, yet we firmly believe in brighter possibilities. Through stable housing, paid job training, and family-centered programs, we break down barriers and nurture every mom’s unique strength. By combining proven strategies, research, and real-life wisdom, we empower young families to dream bigger, achieve their goals, and build strong foundations for generations to come.

Join us to make dreams a reality! Go to newmoms.org/donate.

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association strengthens our community through learning, giving, and sharing our landmark building through space grants to local nonprofits, who account for 80% of its usage. We provide community outreach, scholarships, and public programming in five areas: music, art, literature, science, and social sciences. The Nineteenth Century is the owner of 178 Forest Avenue, commonly referred to as the Nineteenth Century Club. Our charitable and cultural activities are supported by our members, volunteers, donors, and by the events held at the building. Programs are open to all and we welcome all ages to join. Our Monday programs are now being live-streamed as well as available a week later on our website for all to enjoy.

If you would like information about volunteering, joining or donating, please call us at 708-286-2729 or email us as info@nineteenthcentury.org. You can also make donations at nineteenthcentury.org.

Oak Park Regional Housing Center

Oak Park Regional Housing Center has celebrated 52 years with the mission to achieve vibrant communities while promoting intentional and stable residential integration throughout Oak Park and the surrounding communities. OPRHC is the only HUD approved non- profit agency in Oak Park promoting intentional integrative housing stability options while increasing housing inventory. Consider giving a tax-deductible year end donation so that we may reach our goal to raise $25,000 by December 31, 2024!  These funds will help us continue to help integrate and invigorate the Greater Westside communities for up to 100 individuals in the first quarter of 2025!   

You may donate at: oprhc.org/donate. To learn more, please call 708-848-7150, or email: info@oprhc.org.

Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation

The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation invests in our future. We bring together nonprofits, businesses, civic officials, and caring residents to uncover and tackle issues of vital importance, and to attract resources to address unmet needs. Today we share our community’s vision to increase high quality childcare and education, support healthcare and mental health services, grow financial security, and enhance safety, belonging and stability for all who live and work in our region.

Join the Foundation and help fulfill our vision of a racially just society in which all members of our community thrive and prosper. Donate today at oprfcf.org.

Oak Park River Forest Museum
Oak Park River Forest Museum is the caretaker of local history and community storyteller. It offers many programs and exhibits for visitors and can be rented for private events. The museum, located in a renovated 1898 firehouse at Lake and Lombard next to Stevenson Park, is operated by The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest. Check out our family-friendly Hometown Legends Scavenger Hunt that challenges visitors to find LEGO versions of famous residents hidden around the museum. A gift of any amount funds our 2026 activities, research, knowledgeable staff, and elevator addition project.

Learn more and donate at oprfmuseum.org or call 708-848-6755.

One Earth Collective

One Earth curates vibrant environmental programming that inspires action, facilitates learning, promotes justice, and fosters equity and inclusion to create resilient communities and a healthier planet. We focus our work in 3 areas – One Earth Film Festival, One Earth Youth Voices, and One Earth Local. One Earth Film Fest’s 15th season will take place April 22-28, 2026. We’re excited to welcome Chicagoland audiences live, in addition to our virtual screenings. Join us for captivating films, engaging discussion, impactful action opportunities and community-building. 

Memberships start at $35. Learn more and donate at oneearthfilmfest.org/give

OPRFHS Scholarship Foundation

Legacy of belief: Thanks to the generosity of our community, the OPRFHS Scholarship Foundation awarded 98 scholarships totaling $287,900—empowering students to pursue their dreams at colleges, universities, and trade schools. Each award represents a shared belief in potential, opportunity, and the strength of community support. Since 1924, the Foundation has celebrated student achievement, character, and need through scholarships that honor loved ones and reflect diverse paths to success. From music to chemistry, art to engineering, these awards remind every Husky that their future matters. 

Join us in continuing this proud legacy at scholarships4oprfhs.org.

PING!

PING is a community nonprofit organization providing band and orchestra instruments, mentoring, workshops, and access to lessons, music camps, and trips to students who benefit from support that are in grades 4 through 12 in Oak Park and River Forest, Illinois, public schools. In a community with high-quality school music programs, PING students can be on par with peers regardless of their financial situations and feel like they belong. PING programming also brings diversity to instrumental music classrooms and beyond, providing access to some traditionally underrepresented populations. 

Donations are needed now more than ever: pingoprf.org/donate. Questions/volunteer/donate an instrument, email: info@pingoprf.org   

Progress Center for Independent Living

Founded in 1988, Progress Center for Independent Living is a cross-disability organization governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities. Progress Center serves people with all types of disabilities in Suburban Cook County. We assist individuals in pursuit of their self-determined goals. Progress Center recognizes the innate rights, needs and diversity of the disabled, works toward their integration into community life, and serves as an agent of social change. Progress Center is dedicated to building a society in which people with disabilities exercise the same freedoms, rights, and civil liberties as everyone else.

Donate today and learn more at progresscil.org.

Rotary Club of Oak Park-River Forest

The Rotary Club of Oak Park-River Forest is a dedicated branch of Rotary International, a global network of community members united in the mission to provide service to others. Locally and internationally, the club champions humanitarian projects that promote peace, fight disease, support education, and grow local economies. Their work ranges from funding college scholarships to providing polio vaccines to 2.5 billion children in 122 countries over 35 years. These efforts rely on community support. 

To learn more about Rotary and help create lasting change in our community and beyond, visit: oprfrotary.org/.

St. Angela School

St. Angela School has served the families of Chicago’s Austin neighborhood for more than five generations.  We are committed to enriching the lives and futures of our children.  We have a storied history and an extended family of generous alumni whose philanthropy provides scholarship funds and whose engagement keeps our campus beautiful.  We are richly blessed and deeply grateful for the partnerships that have sustained us through the years.  Now, early in our second century, we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to love and serve all those who choose to be part of our community.  We ask those partners to recommit to our cause as well.  Thank you!

Learn more about St. Angela School at saintangela.org or call us at (773) 626-2655.

Share Food Share Love Food Pantry

Due to federal cuts to regional food distribution, our food pantry has been put on notice that we will likely not receive supplies that our neighbors in need are especially looking forward to this holiday season. Putting food on the table is a basic human right. Putting food on the table means we can afford to take a break from our daily worries to feel the comforts of mealtime, togetherness, and nutritional well-being. Putting food on the table is an act of sharing and love.

You can make a real difference this holiday season. Learn how: sharefoodsharelove.org.

Three Pillars Initiative

The idea to create a youth philanthropy leadership education program was born in 2010 by Rick and Cheryl King, long-time residents of Oak Park. In partnership with the OPRF Community Foundation, they launched the Future Philanthropists Program (FPP), now in its fifteenth year. 

Given the success of the Oak Park program, and a desire to share this model with communities across the country, the Three Pillars Initiative (TPI) was incorporated in October 2018. TPI’s mission is to work with communities to develop and launch programs that teach the art, science and business of philanthropy to the next generation. 

Donate today to support the youth of tomorrow: threepillarsinitiative.org/support-tpi.

Way Back Inn

Since 1974, Way Back Inn has successfully provided long-term residential and outpatient treatment for substance use and gambling disorders.  Our mission is to rebuild lives damaged by addiction in a personalized healing environment. This holiday season, we ask that you gift responsibly with the youth in your family. Children who have early exposure to gambling experiences, including lottery tickets, are more likely to develop a gambling problem later in life.

For more information or to make a donation to our program, go to: waybackinn.org or call us at 708-345-8422.

West Cook YMCA

In the last few months, your West Cook YMCA has transformed, expanding our reach to serve youth, families, young professionals, and healthy aging adults. We’ve added fitness classes and programs for all ages, extended facility, gym, and pool hours, and invested in new weight equipment and space, all to strengthen spirit, mind, and body. Today, we ask for your support to continue building a more connected and healthy community. Your investment helps to keep and add programs that foster wellbeing, spark belonging, and bring people together across all walks of life. Join us in shaping a better us, for today, and for the generations to come. Together, we are stronger.

For more information, visit westcookymca.org.

Wonder Works Children’s Museum in Oak Park

Wonder Works Children’s Museum has been a community gem on North Avenue since 2003. Our small but mighty museum plays a very important role in nurturing young minds, fostering a love of learning, and bolstering social and emotional skills. In 2025, we continued to grow museum access for ALL children through discounted admission for families with financial needs, sensory friendly play sessions, and social service agency partnerships. As a 501c3 non-profit organization, individual donations to Wonder Works Children’s Museum are crucial to bringing our mission and programs to life. 

Visit Wonder-Works.org/give to donate and support the museum.