COFFEE FUND

Our coffee fund is a bit of a misnomer.

We figured if we didn't buy coffee at Dunkin' Donuts everyday but donated money to local groups instead, it would be a win-win. (We are big fans of Dunkin' Donuts!)

There are no fancy proposals to write and there's not a lot of fine print.

Our guidelines are pretty simple:

• The project has to focus on academics, the arts, or organized team sports. The key is that it has to happen outside of the normal school day. We love extracurricular activities that showcase the talents of young people or work to encourage them to hone their interests. (The project can be school, league, religious, organization, or club sponsored.)

• The project must support young people from the following South Suburban Chicagoland communities in Illinois: Country Club Hills, Flossmoor, Harvey, Hazel Crest, Homewood, Markham, Matteson, Olympia Fields, and Phoenix. Why? Kemp Whitfield is in the South Suburbs; South Suburban communities are often off the radar of major Chicago private foundations; and we are big cheerleaders for community-focused philanthropy.

• Priority will be given to projects where kids are having fun; they want to be there; and they enjoy the hard work.

• Donations can only be made to a 501(c)(3) organization. A copy of an IRS tax determination letter for your organization or fiscal sponsor must accompany any request.

• Donations are not available to individuals.

If the aforementioned details work for you, send us an email (info@kempwhitfield.com) that explains the project in a 1-2 page letter, gives the amount of the financial request, and provides your email address and telephone number. We'll then be in touch for additional information.