KFC FOUNDATION GRANTS Aurora Public Library Foundation A $10,000 KENTUCKY FRIED WISH
Aurora, IL –July 165th, 2024 – The KFC Foundation is giving back to an Aurora, IL based non-profit Aurora Public Library Foundation, who’s purpose is to ‘put a spotlight on literacy solutions that support the Aurora Public Library District’s Vision of connecting people to community, celebrating every story’, granting them $10,000 to make a project on their wish list come true.
Kentucky Fried Wishes, one of the KFC Foundation’s community giving programs, invites non-profit organizations to apply for a grant to fund a project on their wish list. This year, the KFC Foundation will fund $1 million in Kentucky Fried Wishes to 100 non-profits nationwide, with 25 grants awarded quarterly based on different project categories.
“We are so grateful to the KFC Foundation for this generous Kentucky Fried Wishes grant, which will help our organization create low-sensory spaces for children as we start to renovate our Eola Road Branch this fall” said Jordan Debbink-Lesniak, Foundation Manager.
With three branches across Aurora, Illinois and a Bookmobile, the Aurora Public Library District supports and inspires its diverse community through access to fun and informative resources and experiences. With this wish being granted, the Aurora Public Library District can help support it’s strategic plan of cultivating welcoming spaces. While all a library has to offer may be helpful and make for an eventful visit with itsspaces being home to live music and movement, high energy programs and joyful learning environments, it may be overwhelming at times for a child who’s overtired, unwelcoming to our growing of neurodiverse population or someone visiting the library for the first time with anxiety. Low-sensory spaces provide an opportunity to create a calming environment for anyone who visits.
“As the KFC Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, we are thrilled to grant 100 Kentucky Fried Wishes totaling one million dollars this year,” said Emma Horn, Executive Director, KFC Foundation. “We’re proud to support these non-profits in furthering their missions and grateful for all they do to make a difference in their communities.”
Kentucky Fried Wishes is just one way the KFC Foundation supports, empowers, and serves joy to KFC restaurant employees and communities. The KFC Foundation also provides programs focused on education, financial, and hardship assistance for KFC restaurant employees, and a food donation program to fight hunger and food waste.
The KFC Foundation receives financial support from Round Up fundraising and its annual donation program, a voluntary program where KFC franchisees donate to the KFC Foundation every time they order a case of Secret Recipe Fries.
The next grant cycle for Kentucky Fried Wishes is running from July 15-31 with a focus on expanding access to food and shelter. Non-profit organizations seeking funding for a project within that scope can learn more and apply for a grant at kfcfoundation.org/wishes.
About the KFC Foundation
Celebrating its 25th year of changing lives, the KFC Foundation, an independent 501c3 organization, has provided over $36 million to support, empower, and serve joy to more than 16,000 students, KFC restaurant employees, and non-profits. The KFC Foundation’s charitable programs focus on education accessibility, financial & hardship assistance, and community giving, all made possible by Round Up donations, purchases of KFC’s Secret Recipe Fries, and other contributions. For more information, visit kfcfoundation.org.
