Year Round Recreation Deserves Year Round Support.
As we look back on how the Carol Stream Parks Foundation supports the Carol Stream Park District Scholarship program, it is clear these contributions have positively impacted individuals participating in youth sports, creative programs, lessons, events, senior programming. Through these contributions, we’ve been able to nurture young athletes, provide meaningful activities for seniors, and bring impactful projects to our neighborhoods. As we gear up for another year of giving, let’s keep the momentum going. Together, we can continue making a real difference in the lives of so many, shaping a stronger, more connected community for all.
Our collective impact extends far beyond the tangible resources we provide; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging, resilience, and inclusion in our community. With each donation, we’re not just investing in programs; we’re investing in the potential of every individual who positively benefits from adding recreation to their lives.
Our efforts to offer residents recreational activities they otherwise wouldn’t have access to not only promote physical and mental well-being but also foster a stronger sense of community cohesion, inclusion and equity. Together, we’re not just building facilities or organizing events; we’re creating spaces where friendships are formed, memories are made, and the bonds that tie us together grow even stronger. Let’s continue to invest in our park district’s community’s future, ensuring that it remains a vibrant, welcoming place for all to call home.
Reoccurring annual contributions provide a stable foundation for supporting both current projects and long-term goals within our community. By committing to reoccurring donations, we ensure that essential programs and initiatives receive sustained support, allowing them to thrive and make a lasting impact.
We invite you to make a lasting impact on the community you know, work, play, live and love by becoming a donor. Your contributions, no matter the size, play a vital role in shaping a brighter future for all of us. Together, let’s continue to invest in the well-being and prosperity of the Carol Stream Park District and community. Learn how you can help create a legacy of positive change for generations to come.
Your donation helps us fund the Scholarship Program, Parks and Facility Improvements, Program Enhancements.
Carol Stream Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving financial support for the Carol Stream Park District. All contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible. Identified donors receive a written receipt. DONATIONS MAY BE MADE THROUGH THE FOLLOWING LINK, OR SENT TO: CAROL STREAM PARKS FOUNDATION, 849 W. LIES ROAD, CAROL STREAM IL 60188
Pictured Back: Foundation Members Carol Floren, Bob Uselding, Frank Parisi, Dana Hybl
Pictured Front: Donna Freeman, Matthew Barden; Staff Liaison Pam Falco
Not Pictured: Foundation Member Todd Powell, Staff Liaison Sue Rini
Who We Are
The Carol Stream Parks Foundation is managed by a board of directors who live or work locally and are passionate about providing a strong financial foundation for parks and recreation in the community. We build and strengthen the financial resources of the District by receiving gifts, grants, bequests, and endowments on the District’s behalf. Contributions from individuals and businesses are used to improve or add to existing park projects, programs, or to help fund future projects.
It is led by a volunteer board of directors who are passionate about enhancing recreational opportunities for the community. If you want to make a positive impact in your community, inquire about becoming a board member.
What We Do
We build and strengthen the financial resources of the Park District by receiving gifts, donations, grants bequests and endowments on the District’s behalf. Contributions from individuals and businesses are used to provide scholarships, fund park and community projects, and program enhancements.
The Foundation made a generous donation to the Carol Stream Park District Scholarship Fund on March 11, 2024. Photographed from left to right are: Foundation Members Carol Floren, Clem Malinowski, Dana Hybl, and Donna Freemen; Staff Liaisons Pam Falco and Sue Rini.
Carol Floren, President of the Carol Stream Parks Foundation Board presented a $9,000 donation check to the Carol Stream Park District for its Scholarship Program. This donation was in part made possible by donations from Heritage Presbyterian Church’s Dare to Dream Taskforce which contributed 100% of their fundraising proceeds to the Foundation; the Relay for Life Fundraising Bags Tournament hosted by Village Trustee Matt McCarthy; the Foundation’s signature Duck Race event; and donations from community businesses.
Attending the meeting were: Carol Floren, Reverend Sara Snowden, Chip Snowden, Jan Smith, Karen Maurer, Clem Malinowski, Dana Hybl, Pam Falco, Heritage Presbyterian Church members.
Established in 2014, The Carol Stream Parks Foundation has raised over $50,000 in Scholarship Funds’ and helped hundreds of community members enjoy the benefits for recreation . This ongoing program helps people suffering from financial hardship afford recreational activity fees. Many kids and adults would not be able to play baseball, attend summer camp, learn to swim, attend the after school program, or stay active and connected if it wasn’t for this program.
How You Can Help: Support our Fundraisers. The Carol Stream parks Foundation holds its Annual Duck Race at Coral Cove Water Park . Participants “adopt” a duck for a chance to win great prizes. Proceed from the Duck Race support the Carol Stream Parks District’s Scholarship program and help fund park and facility improvements.
Scholarship recipients are truly appreciative of that great community resource.
“I am very blessed to have received this opportunity for a scholarship. As a single mother I am always watching every penny spent, with that being said and struggling to make ends meet, my daughter can still enjoy activities she may have otherwise missed out on. I am so grateful.” – Thankful Resident
“For the first time, (my kids) were able to be a part of organized sports and they really enjoyed it more than I could have imagined. Their physical stamina and strength increased and they lost some weight and improved their health and fitness so much that it was noticeable even after the first year.”- Thankful Resident
Adding amenities to parks and facilities adds enjoyment value for visitors, and enriches our community. Improvements may include extending trails, installation of park benches, trees, playground replacements, and enhancements to the recreation center and other properties. Recent projects include installing two bike fix it stations along community trails. Offering cyclists a quick fix or refill of tire pressure while in route on local trails. The building of Veterans Memorial Plaza would not have been possible without the support of the Carol Stream Parks Foundation and community partners.
How You Can Help: Join the Bike Club.
The Carol Stream Parks Foundation organize a recreations bike club which runs from May through October. Membership Club Fees are donated back to the Foundation for community and park improvements, such as the installation of Bike Fix It Stations and park benches.
Sports, gymnastics, dance, swim team, and other recreation program areas can be improved with additional and updated equipment, supplies or fee reduction. These enhancements make the programs more effective, more fun, or more meaningful for participants. Financial support from the Carol Stream Parks Foundation help keep registration fees lower, allowing more people to participate.
How You Can Help: Support, Donate and Spread the Word
The Carol Stream Parks Foundation allows for donations from individuals, families, and businesses to support special project, programs and other Park District initiatives. Donations are accepted anytime of year, or sign up to become a reoccurring monthly donor for consistent support and help make a positive impact in the community you know, live, work and love.
Community Projects like building the Veterans Memorial Plaza at town Center would not have been possible without the Fundraising efforts of the Carol Stream Parks Foundation and community partners.
Your will is a meaningful way to make a lasting gift. Such a provision can be structured to fit your personal, family, and financial needs, and can be reviewed and revised in the future.
General Bequest
One of the most popular ways to make a charitable gift through your will, a general bequest allows you to simply leave a specific dollar amount. Example: I give $25,000 to The Carol Stream Parks Foundation, Carol Stream, IL, to be used for its exempt purposes.Residuary Bequest
To give an organization all or a portion of an estate after debts, taxes, expenses and other bequests have been paid, a residuary bequest lets you provide specific amounts to family members or friends, and leave the remainder to Carol Stream Parks Foundation. Example: I give the rest of the property I own at my death to The Carol Stream Parks Foundation, Carol Stream, IL, to be used for its exempt purposes.Percentage Bequest
The most flexible way to give, the size of your percentage bequest automatically changes with the size of the estate. Example: I give 20-percent of my estate to The Carol Stream Parks Foundation, Carol Stream, IL, to be used for its exempt purposes.Contingent Bequest
A contingent bequest takes effect only if the primary intention cannot be met. Example: If (primary beneficiary) predeceases me or disclaims any interest in (description of property), I give such property to The Carol Stream Parks Foundation Inc., Carol Stream, IL, to be used for its exempt purposes.Restricted Bequest
Any type of bequest can be restricted to a specific purpose. Example: I give $50,000 to The Carol Stream Parks Foundation, Carol Stream, IL, to create a named endowment to fund financial assistance for deserving applicants.Gift of Life Insurance
Through the Carol Stream Parks Foundation, the Foundation can become the beneficiary, or contingent beneficiary, of a life insurance policy. You retain lifetime ownership of the policy. Other options include transferring ownership to the Carol Stream Parks Foundation or purchasing a new policy with the Foundation as owner and beneficiary.Gifts of Retirement Assets
Retirement plan assets differ from most other assets you may own. Upon your death, these assets are subject to not only an estate tax but also an income tax. This additional tax exposure makes your retirement plan assets significantly more expensive to transfer to non-spousal beneficiaries than real estate, stocks, and certain other assets. However, retirement plan assets, including IRAs, 403(B) plans, 401(K) plans, and other plans, represent one of the best assets for charitable giving. Consider using retirement plan benefits to make a significant gift to Carol Stream Parks Foundation. Due to the tax treatment of these plan benefits, the cost of your gift to your estate and heirs is often relatively small.Other Ways to Leave a Legacy
There are more ways, such as charitable trusts and gifts of real estate, to benefit both your heirs and the Foundation. Individual situations vary, consult your professional advisers on other ways to give. If you are considering a gift of real estate, contact us first to be certain the Foundation is able to receive your gift.
Your donation dollars increase if you work for a company with a matching gift program.
Carol Stream Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to improving financial support for the Carol Stream Park District. All contributions to the organization are tax-deductible. Identified donors receive a written receipt.
“I am very blessed to have received this opportunity for a scholarship. As a single mother I am always watching every penny spent, with that being said and struggling to make ends meet, my daughter can still enjoy activities she may have otherwise missed out on. I am so grateful.”
– Thankful Resident
“For the first time, (my kids) were able to be a part of organized sports and they really enjoyed it more than I could have imagined. Their physical stamina and strength increased and they lost some weight and improved their health and fitness so much that it was noticeable even after the first year.”
– Thankful Resident
