Giving Tuesday is your chance to keep generosity close to home. And believe me — there are a ton of ways you can make an impact right here in your own community.

Below is a roundup of Tri-Cities organizations making a real difference in Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles. I’m certain to have missed a few, so please shoot me a note about any groups or initiatives that need to be added.

Many of these organizations are spearheading special charity initiatives for the holiday season.

But first…

If you’ve followed Tri-Cities Central for a while, you know how much we value our partnership with Anderson Humane and respect the important animal welfare work they do in our community.

My wife is especially passionate about supporting animal rescues — another reason we adopted both of our dogs from Anderson. We’ve also temporarily taken care of several dogs as part of their foster program, which is a great initiative for anyone interested in helping out. 

So we’re thrilled to be running a Tri-Cities Central end-of-year fundraiser for Anderson Humane. The goal? Raise $1,000 before end of year.

Donations of any amount are GREATLY appreciated.

Below is a lengthy list of other organizations worth supporting (this season and year round), organized by city but in no particular order.

Hansen-Furnas Foundation | Provides funding and support to organizations focused on humanitarian efforts, disadvantaged children, education, arts and culture, the environment, and animal welfare.

HCU Network America | Provides resources, advocacy, education, and support for patients and families affected by homocystinuria and related disorders.

Valley Sheltered Workshop (VSW) | A local nonprofit supporting adults with developmental disabilities while serving as a Toys for Tots drop-off site this holiday season.

Rotary Club of Batavia | Community service organization bringing together local leaders and volunteers to support community projects, youth programs, and scholarships.

Batavia Parks Foundation | A 501(c)(3) organization supporting parks, open spaces, and recreational projects in Batavia through donations, volunteering, and fundraising.

Suicide Prevention Services of America | A nonprofit dedicated to opening minds, saving lives, and restoring hope through suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention services, including education, counseling, support groups, and a crisis hotline.

CHIP IN Batavia | A volunteer-driven nonprofit that supports Batavia Public School District 101 students and families who are homeless or facing serious financial hardship.

Batavia MainStreet | A nonprofit dedicated to supporting the downtown Batavia community through local events, improvement projects, and small business advocacy.​

Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet | A volunteer-driven nonprofit that provides food, clothing, and household essentials to Batavia residents in need.​

Elderday Center | A nonprofit senior day service offering engaging programs, support, and care for older adults.​

Batavia United Way | A local United Way branch focused on funding and supporting area agencies to address community needs.

Zonta Club of St. Charles-Geneva-Local non-profit, volunteer run organization working to empower women and girls through service and advocacy.

Batavia Ministerial Association | Batavia pastors, ministers, and leaders from various denominations and faiths who foster unity, promote faith, and coordinate efforts for the benefit of the community.

League of Women Voters/Central Kane County | A nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. 

Batavia Lions Club | Provides services to those in need, holding events benefiting the United Way Christmas giving program donating an excess of $3,000.

Batavia Mothers’ Club Foundation | Dedicated to improving the lives of children in the community through charitable donations and fundraising.

DayOne PACT | Supports people with disabilities in leading productive, meaningful, and supported lives.

Northern Illinois Food Bank | Distributes nutritious food and resources to neighbors in need across 13 counties in Northern Illinois.

Pushing the Envelope Farm | A community farm offering hands-on educational experiences through Jewish connections to the land for the Greater Chicago area.

St. Vincent DePaul Society | Offers home visits, food pantry services, thrift store assistance, and disaster support for those in need.

TriCity Family Services (TCFS) | Provides affordable, accessible mental health counseling and support services to individuals and families across the Tri-Cities.

Kane County Cougars | Hosts a holiday coat and commissary drive at Northwestern Medicine Field to support families in need.

Geneva History Museum | Partnering with local nonprofits for its Geneva Giving Tree Display, where donations support community organizations and the museum.

Geneva Commons | A shopping and dining destination running Toys for Tots and food drives to support local families and pantries.

Geneva Park District Foundation | A nonprofit that raises funds to enhance open space, parks, and recreational facilities throughout Geneva.

Geneva Community Chest | An all-volunteer community organization that raises and distributes funds to local social service agencies that support the needs of Geneva-area residents.

CASA Kane County | A volunteer organization advocating for children within the juvenile court system in abuse and neglect cases.​

Fox Valley Hands of Hope | A nonprofit offering compassionate grief support and counseling services for individuals and families.

Starfish Animal Rescue | Stop by their annual fundraiser and bake sale on December 6 and 7 for free lunch, beverages, a raffle, and the chance to meet some amazing volunteers & fosters. 

LivingWell Cancer Resource Center | Part of Northwestern Medicine, serves as a vital component to comprehensive cancer care while providing comfort and community.

Geneva Lions Club | Founded in 1937 — the oldest service club in Geneva — serves both the City of Geneva and City of St. Charles. 

SecondAct Scene 2 | A nonprofit in Geneva that offers quality mental health counseling services to those looking to improve their life but are uninsured or underinsured for these services.

Cal’s Angels | A pediatric cancer foundation that grants wishes, raises awareness, and funds research to support children fighting cancer.

St. Charles Parks Foundation | Supports park improvements and natural spaces through charitable giving and long-term community investment.

MDW Cares | Provides free community education events and support for women navigating life’s biggest transitions, with initiatives focused on mental health, empowerment, and advocacy 

St. Charles Women’s Club | A civic organization hosting the Jumpstart January 2026 virtual fitness challenge to raise funds for local nonprofits.

Random Acts Matter | Coordinates and funds acts of kindness for individuals and families in need, often based on community nominations, with a focus on caring for neighbors in the St. Charles area.​

Rising Lights Project | Creates inclusive opportunities and community experiences for individuals with disabilities and their families, promoting connection, belonging, and empowerment.​

Project Mobility | A nonprofit that provides adaptive bicycles and other specialized mobility equipment to children, adults, and veterans with disabilities so they can experience independence and joy.

Tri City Health Partnership | The only free medical and dental clinic for low-income, uninsured residents of Central Kane County.​

Lazarus House | Provides shelter and services for those experiencing homelessness or at risk in the tri-cities and western rural Kane County.​

Exchange Club of the Tri-Cities | A local branch of a nationwide organization dedicated to child abuse prevention, supporting youth, and community service.

Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley | Operates historic house museums and sites throughout Kane County, offering heritage education, tours, and advocacy to promote the appreciation and preservation of historical resources.

Literacy Volunteers of the Fox Valley | Helps adults acquire and validate the literacy skills that they need to function more effectively in society by providing free, one-to-one tutoring.

Kayla's Hope Foundation (Wasco) | Dedicated to removing the stigma associated with mental illness and creating an environment where those in need feel empowered to seek help without judgment.

HardyStrong Foundation | Aims to increase awareness and support of Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer and resources that improve access to genetic testing for cancer risk.

Fox Valley Food for Health | Provides healthy, organic meals prepared by our teen volunteers to families struggling with a health crisis. 

Ecker Center for Behavioral Health | A safe, supportive, and empowering provider of behavioral health services and resources. They offer individual, couple, and family therapy. 

Rotary Club of St. Charles - Provides volunteer service, charitable fundraising, and support for education, youth, and community betterment initiatives in the Geneva area.

Two Batavia churches are participating in efforts to offset food shortcomings in the community:

Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments.

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