Connecting our communities
The Boone County Community Foundation exists to improve the quality of life in Boone County for today, tomorrow and the future by building a culture of giving in our community and by connecting donors.
We are a tax exempt, non-profit, philanthropic organization with the long-term goal of building permanent, named funds for the broad-based charitable benefit of the residents in Boone County and to strengthen our community through philanthropy. We offer the best tax advantages for charitable donations operating as a 501©(3) organization of the internal revenue code.
We help raise the level of local giving and help keep charitable dollars in the local community. The Boone County Community Foundation will help to ensure that charitable endowment gifts given to help our community will remain effective and relevant over long periods of time.
Latest News
Foundation Accepting Donations for W. Jackson St. Fire Victims
On March 10, 2017, our community was devastated by a fire that swept through and destroyed an apartment building on West Jackson St., in Belvidere. The Boone County Community Foundation is committed to helping the victims of that fire.
We are currently accepting donations to our Disaster Fund for the purpose of helping those individuals and families who were affected by this tragedy. We will be working with a third party to distribute funds, as needed.
Click here to donate.
To ensure your donation is used for the fire victims, please be sure to enter your request in the “Add special instructions to the seller” section on the donation site.
Donations may also be sent to:
Boone County Community Foundation
600 S. State St.
Belvidere, IL 61008
Scholarships
Bob Edwards, North Boone High School Scholarship
Bob Edwards, the founder of Edwards Apple Orchard, Inc., has established a scholarship fund in memory of his wife, Betty Edwards. Each year, for 10 years, a $1000 tuition scholarship will be given to a North Boone High School Graduate who attends Rock Valley College. As a former RVC trustee, Bob greatly appreciates the many wonderful contributions that Rock Valley has made to our community.
You may apply for this scholarship through the North Boone High School Guidance Department.
Majorie Hinrich\’s Scholarship Fund
Marjorie was a long time librarian at Belvidere High School and wished to recognize students who are both active in sports and good academic students at Belvidere High School with this scholarship fund created at the time of her death. This scholarship is given to senior athletes at Belvidere High School who demonstrate athletic skills, academic skills, good character, and are pursuing a post high school education at an accredited college or university upon graduation. Coaches at Belvidere High School make the selection for this scholarship. There are up to four possible scholarships available ranging from a minimum of $1,000 up to $2,500.
Wilbur and William Cummings Memorial Educational Scholarship
As a reflection of their lifelong interest in and support of Community District 100, Wilbur and William Cummings established a scholarship to assist Belvidere and Belvidere North graduates who intend to enter the field of public education.
Grant Programs
Donations
Making Donations
Thank you for your interest in donating to the Boone County Community Foundation. With your donations we are able to help Boone County become a better place to live and work.
Online Donations
You may make an online donation using our PayPal Account by using the Donate Now button. If you have a Special Interest Area, Know the Name of the Fund, or in your gift is in Memory or Honor of Someone, please indicate that in the “How shall Boone County Community Foundation direct your donation?” area of the PayPal page or in the memo area of your check.
Boone County Disaster Fund
Boone County has been a known area to be hit by tornadoes and other disasters. Everyone can remember or has heard about the tornado devastation from the 1967 disaster. It changed the lives of everyone forever. This fund managed by the Boone County Community Foundation and endorsed by Boone County Officials accepts monetary tax-deductible donations that will be used to support the mid- to long-term recovery of declared disaster areas in Boone County. > More
Boone County Council on Aging Endowment
The Boone County Council on Aging is a group of dedicated professionals working to provide programs, services and supports aimed at improving the lives of mature individuals, their families and caregivers in Boone and surrounding counties. > More
Boone County Historical Society
The Boone County Historical Museum was established in 1968 in the heart of historic downtown Belvidere. BCHM is open Tuesday through Saturday every week for visitors, guided school group tours, special event rentals, and community events. > More
Regional Access & Mobilization Project, Inc. (RAMP)
RAMP empowers individuals with disabilities (all disabilities, all ages) through services and advocacy to live an independent life. This is accomplished by partnering with them to make changes in their own lives, seek peer support and remove barriers. RAMP also advocates for the implementation of current laws, promotion of needed legislation and improvement of existing systems for people with disabilities while working to diminish negative attitudes that threaten to impede equal access. > More
Boone County Conservation District Fund
The Boone County Conservation District is a locally governed agency whose mission is to “Preserve and manage natural areas and open spaces for ecological, educational, and recreational benefits of present and future generations.” The Boone County Conservation District (BCCD) currently owns and manages 3,500 acres of conservation lands. > More