Dupage Policy Journal

Local education foundations and museums have been working through COVID-19 restrictions to continue their missions, including the DuPage Children’s Museum and Naper Settlement which had to close their doors.

In a recent discussion hosted by NCTV17, the Naperville museums noted they have turned to technological solutions, such as virtual experiences, to continue serving the children who would not be able to visit during the crisis.

For the Naperville Education Foundation and the Indian Prairie Education Foundation, the solution was less straightforward. Providing funding for education that isn't normally covered through tax revenue, the foundations faced difficulties in not only finding ways to carry on their educational mission but in finding ways to keep the donations coming in as well.

Wendy Goettsch, executive director of the Naperville Education Foundation, said they had to cancel major events as coronavirus restrictions went into place, which was scary for them.

"Our programs depend on our funding, and we knew our families out there were going to need our support, probably more than they ever have before," she said.