Crystal Charitable Fund

The Crystal Charitable Fund, administered by the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation, supports extended educational and cultural travel experiences away from home. The program is designed for youth from the Chicago area aged 13 to 19 years who come from low income households. Eligible applicants must be in good academic standing and have no history of prior extended, independent travel away from home. Funding is restricted to trips that are at least two weeks long, and it cannot be used for school trips or travel with family or friends.

The grant provides up to $4,000 per student. To demonstrate financial need, families must submit documents showing they meet the program's income criteria. This process operates independently of the FAFSA or state financial aid applications. Applications must be initiated online by an adult sponsor, such as a teacher, mentor, or counselor, rather than the student. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, but they must be submitted at least six weeks before travel begins.