What is Giving DuPage?

Wheaton, IL – Whether or not you are new to the DuPage County area, you may not be aware of the organization that exists to inspire philanthropy and promote volunteerism in our community. The public/private collaboration organization is Giving DuPage and since its birth five and half years ago, this award winning organization has heightened awareness about why giving back is an enriching experience for all involved.

Robert J. Schillerstrom, DuPage County Board Chairman reinforced the power of philanthropy when he said, “ Philanthropy and volunteerism presents each of us with an unparalleled opportunity to directly impact our society’s direction and future.  Each one of us can contribute to making DuPage County a better place, whether that is donating items to your town’s food pantry, supporting the arts, or making a financial contribution to your favorite charity.  And sharing this value with your children profoundly impacts generations that will follow. I urge each of you to get involved.  Find a way that is special to you and give back.” 

The Giving DuPage website makes it possible to do just that, as potential volunteers can search for an opportunity by cause. Is your passion working with homeless animals?    Can you brighten a senior citizen’s day?  Would you like to help to beautify our green space?  Can you help distribute refreshments at a race to benefit cancer research? Interested in mentoring?  Teaching a craft? Cooking a meal for the homeless?  You can find all of these volunteer opportunities and more, cumulatively representing 113 different agencies, through one website: www.givingdupage.org. More than 20 compelling causes are represented through this interactive website which exists as a clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities in DuPage County.

Besides volunteer opportunities, the Giving DuPage website provides valuable information and links for businesses looking to start a corporate contributions program, youth wanting to learn more about giving back, individuals and families interested in volunteering, and resources for non-profit fundraising staff.  The website is a local, one-stop site for anyone interested in philanthropy and volunteerism in DuPage County. 

The website is just one of several services offered by Giving DuPage. Each year, Giving DuPage organizes activities to help DuPage County residents and groups get involved in their communities.  Last year, 2800 volunteers participated in 92 non-profit projects countywide during the fifth annual DuPage Remembers and Gives…A Day of Volunteerism. This year the days of volunteerism will take place on September 7 and 8.  Non-profits are currently registering their projects on-line for this year’s event and the projects will be available for sign-up by volunteers in early July. 

In addition, in late 2006, Giving DuPage distributed its annual compilation of holiday giving opportunities at over 50 agencies in their Holiday Giving Guide.  More than 5000 holiday giving guides were distributed countywide. 

In recognition of the accomplishments of Giving DuPage, which was headed up by Jennifer Jones Wilk until recently, the National Association of Counties (NaCo) selected Giving DuPage as a winner of it prestigious 2005 Acts of Caring Awards Program.  The Acts of Caring Awards recognize the top county-sponsored volunteer programs in the country.

The community is encouraged to take full advantage of volunteer opportunities posted through Giving DuPage. More than 800 non-profit organizations work to meet the physical, emotional, spiritual, recreational, and cultural needs of all DuPage County residents.  There is a cause to inspire every person in DuPage County to action. To learn more about volunteering in DuPage County, visit www.givingdupage.org or contact Giving DuPage at (630) 407-6458.

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