Charities

2026 Brew Moon Falltober Fest
Charitable Beneficiaries

Community Assisted Rides (CARS) was formed in 1999 with grants from the Community Memorial Foundation and the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation to provide safe and dignified ride services for older adults in the Greater Lyons Township area. Since then, our organization has expanded, currently serving over 400 older adults in more than 22 communities. We see the deep benefit of helping the older adults we serve who are still active in their communities maintain that connection, uniting generations for the betterment of the community as a whole. 

Originally called Interfaith Community Partners, our organization rebranded in 2024 as Community Assisted Rides to further expand outreach with a goal to serve even more older adults through rides, library services, and outreach efforts. Through the continued support of local churches, businesses, donors, and volunteers, Community Assisted Rides has a vision to bring together generations and help older adults thrive as they age. An inability to drive and similar challenges that come with aging can make it difficult for older folks to continue living healthy and active lives, but when older adults can participate more fully in life, the whole community benefits from their wisdom and joy.

Helping Hand (HH) is a non profit 501 (c)3 organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Cook County and greater Chicagoland communities. We offer a wide range of person-centered programs and services that enhance the education, therapeutic, residential, and employment opportunities for those we serve. Our Programs and services include a school, progressive employment programs that promote being equally valued in workplaces, pediatric therapies (occupational and speech/language), high school transition services, Community Living (CILA), and specialized programs with high team member-to-client rations for seniors with disabilities.  

Thank you for your interest, We are not accepting Applications at this time.

Brew Moon Charity Applications - CLOSED

 Structure of Program:

  • Applying charities are required to meet the selection criteria

Applications will be accepted on-line through this website

  • Of the applications that meet criteria, our selection committee will review applications and announce the charity(s) June 2026

Charity Selection Criteria:

  • Charity is located within Lyons Township
  • Past charitable recipients are eligible to reapply after 3 years. 
  • Large percentage of funds go directly to service or research (we use the federal guideline of administrative cost being less than or equal to 20% as a basis for evaluation)
  • Ability to provide Brew Moon committee with information, connections for sponsorship and/or promote ticket sales
  • Provide 1 volunteer from your organization to serve on Brew Moon committee
  • Ability to provide Brew Moon Committee with a minimum of at least 20 volunteers for day of event
  • Designated as a 501(c)3 and in good standing

    Name of Charity*

    Name of Contact Person*

    Phone number of Contact Person*

    Contact Email*

    Charity Web Address*

    Charity Mailing Address*

    Our criteria requires a local connection. Please provide information about the population you serve, including both age and location. *

    Do members of the local community benefit directly from your services? Please explain. *

    What specifically would monies raised support? *

    A 501(c)3 designation is one criterion. Do you currently have designation you could supply on request? *
    YesNo

    What is your approximate annual budget? *

    What percentage of your budget is allocated to administrative costs? *

    How large is your organization locally and/or nationally? *

    Do you contribute to a national organization? *
    YesNo

    Do you receive funds from a national organization? *
    YesNo

    Do you receive funds from United Way? *
    YesNo

    What ability/manpower/connections does your organization have to help us? *

    2025 Charity Recipients

    “UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago believes that all people, regardless of ability, deserve to achieve their potential, advance their independence and act as full members of the community.

    So they stop at nothing to provide life skills training, assistive technology, meaningful employment and a place to call home for people with disabilities. they place and support them in community jobs throughout the Greater Chicago area, including in our own social enterprises Seguin Auto Center and Seguin Garden and Gifts.”

    “Chicagoland Area Alternative Education League (CAAEL) has enabled alternative schools to provide high-quality interscholastic athletic and academic programming to a wide range of students of different ages, abilities, challenges, and backgrounds. 

    CAAEL gives alternative school students the opportunity to practice working in teams and cooperating with others, while motivating them to attend school and actively participate in their class work. They provide alternative school educators with innovative and therapeutic programming that teaches the skills to be both successful students and productive citizens.”