About Our Chapter

NCL, Inc., Downers Grove IL Chapter is a group of mothers and daughters who have come together in a commitment to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.
Members must reside in one of the following zip codes: 60515, 60516, 60517, 60561, or 60523 and live in the area served by either school district 58 or 99. Like all NCL, Inc. Chapters, Downers Grove IL aims to foster the mother-daughter relationship by serving its communities together.

Established in the summer of 2025 with members residing in the Village of Downers Grove, the National Charity League Downers Grove Chapter is a welcoming and inclusive community dedicated to strengthening the mother–daughter relationship through leadership development, philanthropy, and volunteer service.

Guided by NCL’s core values, our chapter fosters a supportive, respectful, and collaborative environment. Mothers and daughters serve side by side, building character, compassion, and confidence while developing the skills needed to lead with integrity, humility, and purpose. 

We are committed to meaningful service and strong partnerships within the Downers Grove community, striving to be a trusted and impactful resource for local philanthropies. Through intentional service, shared leadership, and lasting friendships, our chapter empowers young women to become responsible, compassionate leaders who make a difference.

 

 

What We Value

Mother–Daughter Leadership
We believe leadership is best learned together. Our chapter emphasizes shared experiences that strengthen the mother–daughter relationship while building confidence, responsibility, and character.
Meaningful Service
We value hands-on, purposeful philanthropy that meets real community needs and fosters empathy, humility, and compassion.
Integrity and Accountability
We hold ourselves to high standards of honesty, respect, and follow-through in our leadership and service.
Inclusion and Belonging
We are committed to creating a welcoming environment where every member feels valued, supported, and connected.
Collaboration and Partnership
We work together—within our chapter and alongside community partners—to maximize impact and create lasting relationships.

We support the development of confident, capable young women equipped with leadership, communication, and service-minded skills that extend beyond NCL.

Join Our Chapter

Interested in joining our chapter? Membership opportunities are dependent on chapter openings.

Please complete the Membership Inquiry Form so we can contact you directly. If you know a current chapter member, feel free to reach out to them as well to learn about getting started.

Membership Inquiry Form

For any questions regarding Membership, requests for transfers or assistance with connecting as a Sustainer, email us.

 

Join the Downers Grove Chapter

Interested in joining our chapter? Membership opportunities are dependent on chapter openings. Membership is currently closed for the 2026/2027 school year and will reopen in January 2027 for the 2027/2028 school year.

If interested in future membership information, please complete the Membership Inquiry Form above so we can contact you directly, or as a first step, complete the Patroness Prospective Member Interest Form. If you know a current chapter member, feel free to reach out to them as well to learn how to get started. 

If you complete the Membership Inquiry Form, you will be directed to complete the  Patroness Prospective Member Interest Form to stay connected and receive updates about our upcoming Membership Drive. We look forward to keeping in close contact and sharing opportunities to get involved.

 

Why Join?

• Deepen your mother-daughter connection during these formative years
• Help your daughter grow into a strong, compassionate leader
• Build lasting friendships and community ties with other local families
• Serve causes that matter right here in the Downers Grove area
• Join a chapter rooted in purpose, growth, and joy
• We strive to empower mothers and daughters to succeed as confident, well-rounded contributors to society while making a positive impact in the communities they serve

Who can join?

• Eligibility: Mothers (or female guardians) and their daughters entering 7th through 12th grade in the 2026–2027 school year
• Residency: Members must reside in one of the following zip codes: 60515, 60516, 60517, 60559, 60561, or 60523 and live in the area served by either school District 58 or 99. Members do not have to attend District 58 or 99 schools, however.

What are Membership Requirements?

• NCL is a 6 year commitment (7th – 12th grade)
• Mothers must attend 5 meetings minimum per year
• Daughters must attend 6 meetings minimum per year
• Members must complete 15 philanthropy hours and 10 leadership hours per year
• Members must hold one chapter job each year, mothers must hold one leadership position job during their tenure

 

Questions?

Here is a link to Membership FAQs.  If you have any additional questions, please email Anne Healy at membershipdownersgroveil@nclonline.org.

Community Service

We understand and serve communities in partnership with local and national nonprofits. Each NCL, Inc. chapter promotes social awareness by considering the local community’s needs and selecting appropriate non-profit organizations to support through different volunteer activities.

We work with the following philanthropies:

• Alzheimer’s Association
• American Heart Association
• American Red Cross
• Backpack Project
• Blessings in a Backpack
• Community Assisted Rides
• Diveheart
• Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley
• Feed My Starving Children
• Feeding America
• FISH Pantry Downers Grove
• Good Samaritan Hospital
• Grit2
• Lyman Woods Nature Center
• Metropolitan Family Services
• MS Society
• Northern IL Food Bank
• Operation Gratitude
• Poised for Success
• Project C.U.R.E
• Scarce
• Sharing Connections
• The Kindness Campaign
• The Outreach House
• West Suburban Community Pantry
• West Suburban Humane Society

Leadership Development

We build capable, courageous leaders through opportunities to learn, reflect and develop. Our leaders become successful in their education, career and communities by learning the necessary skills during their NCL experience.

Examples of skills developed include:

• Confidence
• Consensus building
• Team building
• Conflict resolution
• Event planning
• Parliamentary procedure

Our Chapter Board of Directors:

• President: Lisa Kolavennu
• President Elect: Sheila Burgette
• Secretary: Jennie Amidei
  Laura McGreal
• Treasurer: Ainsley Gaddis
  Anu Fisher
• Parliamentarian: Holly Francis
  Sheila Burgette
• Vice President Communications: Elizabeth Jones
• Vice President Membership: Anne Healy
• Vice President Philanthropy: Meghann Smith
• Vice President New Members: Elizabeth Dean
• Vice President Ticktockers: Sarah Cleveland
• Vice President Chapter Engagement and Inclusion: Anu Fisher
  Kim Stapleton

Cultural Experiences

We preserve National Charity League traditions and core values, while appreciating the growth that comes from connecting with different communities and cultures. We continually strive to build stronger ties with our communities and the individuals within them. It is through this understanding that we grow and develop broader worldviews that will shape and support our lives.

• Traditions – We celebrate the richness of our history through traditions that honor the past while serving the future.
• Values – We embrace values that make us strong as an organization of mother-daughter leaders.
• Community Connections – We build connections through experiences that impact our communities.
• Etiquette – We encourage and mentor kind, respectful and gracious social conduct.

Founding Board Members

The Downers Grove Chapter was proudly founded in 2025.  Founding Board Members include:   Jennie Amidei, Sarah Cleveland, Anu Fisher, Sheila Fredrick, Anne Healy, Elizabeth Jones, Lisa Kolavennu, Meghann Smith and Kim Stapleton.