Our region has a long tradition of theater, music, visual arts, and local history. A new fund at the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation is designed to keep that tradition strong, forever.
The Arts and Culture Endowment was established in 2025 with a visionary gift from a longtime community member who understands that local arts and humanities are a key to the vibrancy of our community, yet are an often underfunded asset. The fund is now open to donations from anyone who wants to contribute.
The fund will make grants to local organizations and projects that promote creative expression, expand public access to the arts and history, and get more residents involved, such as community theater, a history museum program, public murals, or youth music lessons. The Foundation is growing the fund over the next two to three years, and first grants are expected in 2028.
Because it is an endowment, every gift is invested and a portion of the earnings, about 4.5% a year, is granted out. The original gifts stay intact, so a donation made today will support local arts every year, permanently.
“We are fortunate to have such a rich tradition of the arts throughout our villages, a legacy that our entire community stands together in celebrating and protecting,” said Foundation Development Director Brian Biederman. “This is what community philanthropy makes possible: building something together today that will strengthen our communities for generations.”
To give, visit the OPRF Community Foundation donor portal and search for “Arts & Culture Endowment.” To start your own charitable fund with the Foundation, contact Brian Biederman at 708-848-1560, ext. 112, or brianb@oprfcf.org.