5 Aurora Organizations Awarded Grants From Fox Valley Foundation

AURORA, IL — Two Aurora organizations were the recipients of grants from the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley.

The charity awarded $254,796 in grants to 14 organizations across the Fox Valley area that do "critically important work to improve the quality of life" of residents.

Individual grants range from $2,300 to $100,000.

Here's a look at the Aurora recipients:

• The City of Lights Theatre and Cabaret, founded in 2021, will use its grant to fund wireless microphones with receivers. The new performing arts group presents professional-caliber music theater productions using local artists.
• The Fox Valley Music Foundation, the not-for-profit that runs The Venue, will use its grant to help purchase backline music instruments and equipment.
• Mutual Ground, Inc., will use its grant to make exterior repairs to the Aurora building's outdoor concrete walkway. The organization helps individuals and families eliminate domestic and sexual violence and educates the community about the harms of substance abuse.
• The START Program, which offers free youth mentoring services and activities, will use the grant to purchase physical activity equipment.
• VNA Health Care, dedicated to improving health equity and reducing health disparities through accessible and compassionate care, will use its grant to help fund building renovation and expansion.

Other nearby organizations that got grants include South Elgin-based Anderson Humane and Batavia United Way.

"We are so fortunate to have community partners like The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley," Dean Daubert, CEO of Anderson Humane, said in a statement. "We are incredibly grateful for their generous grant. These funds will help us make much-needed housing, safety, and infrastructure improvements at our shelter. The deserving dogs in our care will be able to enjoy much-needed kennel upgrades. It will greatly improve their comfort, and hopefully bring them one step closer to finding a loving family."