The Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Fund for Literacy strives to promote a deeper understanding of literacy and provide enriched literacy opportunities for the learners in Naperville District 203 & 204 public and private schools.
grants
Our fund supports grants to promote a deeper understanding and teaching of literacy, to enrich instructional programs, to provide opportunities to link literacy between the home and the school, and to lay foundations that will develop life-long readers.
meet jeanine
Jeanine Nicarico was a bright-eyed little girl with an endearing, dimpled smile and a sensitive, caring heart. Though her untimely death was tragic, the Fund celebrates her life — it’s a wonderful way to remember Jeanine and the gift she was to all who knew her.
important updates
2026 Grant and Scholarship Funding
As we focus on strategic planning and long-term sustainability, Jeanine's Fund will pause grant and scholarship funding for the upcoming year. This thoughtful pause allows us to strengthen our foundation, clarify priorities, and ensure that future investments are impactful and sustainable. Thank you for your understanding and continued support!
Since the spring of 1996, the Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Fund for Literacy has awarded over 200 grants totaling more than $750,000 to both private and public schools in Naperville School Districts 203 and 204. The grants have benefited all ages, from newborns to senior citizens.
congratulations to our 2022-2023 grant recipients!
School:
Granger Middle School
Program:
Poetry Suitcases: For Poems that Move!
Grade:
6th
School:
Scott School
Program:
Stopping Summer Slide, Part Deux
Grade:
1-4
School:
Program:
Jeanine Nicarico DuPage Children's Advocacy Center
Grade:
School:
NA
Program:
Jeanine Nicarico Children's Advocacy Center
Grade:
VARIES
in the news
stay connected
Learn about what’s happening with the fund, deadlines for grant applications, information about our annual 5K fundraiser and more.