The IDEAL Industries Foundation invests in philanthropic solutions to issues impacting IDEAL and its employees, communities and customers, increasing equity and prosperity for all.

Built upon a commitment to good corporate citizenship and to honor Founder J. Walter Becker’s belief in the importance of strong relationships, the IDEAL Industries Foundation has been making grants to improve quality of life since 1985. Currently, the Foundation’s work focuses on two areas: supporting social service organizations within DeKalb County, Illinois, and increasing participation by women and people of color in the electrical trades.

IN 2022, THE FOUNDATION WILL GIFT $250,000 TO SUPPORT THESE EFFORTS.

                                                Areas of Focus

THE FOUNDATION'S ROOTS

 

The IDEAL Industries Foundation was established in 1985 by former CEO and Board Chairman Dave Juday. The Foundation's inception was in effort to formalize our company's commitment to giving back to the community and to build on Founder J. Walter Becker's belief in the importance of strong relationships in business. Becker's philosophy, "Live, let live, and help live," has been the Foundation's guiding principle ever since. For over 35 years, the Foundation has stewarded and distributed corporate philanthropy and will continue its work thanks to a legacy bequest made by family members E.T. and Jean B. Juday in 2014.

“Live, and let live, and help live” - J. Walter Becker

                                               Supported DeKalb Nonprofits

Communities are strongest when opportunities for increased health and well-being are extended to all. With the goal of supporting quality of life of residents within its local community, the Foundation focuses its giving priorities to eight longstanding nonprofit organizations within DeKalb County. 

DeKalb County Youth Service Bureau

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DeKalb County Youth Service Bureau
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Safe Passage

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Safe Passage
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Family Service Agency

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Family Service Agency
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Kishwaukee Family YMCA

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Kishwaukee Family YMCA
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Hope Haven of DeKalb County

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Hope Haven of DeKalb County
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DeKalb Co. Community Gardens

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DeKalb Co. Community Gardens
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Adventure Works

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Adventure Works
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CASA

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CASA
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                                                        Mission and Impact

The Foundation funds innovative initiatives that train and support women and people of color to enter and stay in the electrical trades. By encouraging these traditionally underrepresented groups to participate in the electrical industry, the Foundation helps address current and future workforce shortages and to strengthen the long term vitality of the electrical industry.

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Meet the IDEAL Foundation Executive Director: Nicole Juday Rhoads

 

Fourth generation IDEAL family member Nicole Juday Rhoads has spent over 20 years in the nonprofit sector before coming to IDEAL Industries, Inc. to lead the IDEAL Industries Foundation as Executive Director. Juday Rhoads earned her BA from Hampshire College and spent the majority of her career raising awareness for nonprofit horticultural organizations in the Greater Philadelphia area, such as The Barnes Foundation, Greater Philadelphia Gardens and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. These experiences positioned her to grow the IDEAL Foundation’s impact. She says, “It’s a great honor to use my skills to be able to contribute to a company I care so much about.”

 

Juday Rhoads believes that establishing a caring culture can over time make a significant difference to the equity and prosperity of all its members. This philosophy guides her work in leading the Foundation’s efforts to support eight longstanding nonprofit organizations that provide services such as pathways out of homelessness, advocacy for children, affordable daycare, food security, and various social and mental health services. When adequately resourced, these organizations can create a strong community safety net, able to help people get back on their feet when faced with adverse circumstances and hopefully arrive at a place of greater stability and security long-term.

                                                      How to Request Support

 

Currently, the Foundation does not accept requests for funding from other organizations, although there are other ways to request support. Learn more about our corporate sponsorship program and how to request a tool donation. While we do not accept funding proposals, questions about what we support and how we work can be sent to IDEAL.foundation@idealindustries.com.

                                                                How to Apply

The IDEAL Industries Foundation operates by invitation and does not accept unsolicited requests for grant funding.

If you are a nonprofit requesting an in kind donation for IDEAL products.

If you are requesting corporate sponsorship from IDEAL Industries.

THE IDEAL FAMILY