Michael Trench joined DuPage Foundation on June 19 as its vice president for advancement. In his new role, Trench leads the Advancement Department and oversees a comprehensive charitable services program focused on building the Foundation’s capacity for community impact. He works closely with individuals, families, businesses, and their advisors to help them plan and accomplish their unique charitable goals.
Trench’s areas of focus include community and not-for-profit endowments, donor-advised funds, charitable gift annuities, and outright and planned gifts of cash and appreciated assets such as stock, mutual funds, retirement assets (including IRA QCDs), insurance, real estate, and closely held business interests.
Trench brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his position, having previously served as the chief development officer and foundation executive director for College of DuPage, executive director for the Community Foundation of Will County, and the director of development for King-Bruwaert House in Burr Ridge.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of this phenomenal team,” said Trench. “The role is a fantastic fit for my experience, and I’m looking forward to the opportunities ahead to help people support the causes and organizations that they value, and that reflect their values. DuPage Foundation is the perfect place for donors to build a legacy that can last for generations as a testament to what is important to them.”
“I’m delighted to have Michael coming aboard,” said Mike Sitrick, DuPage Foundation president & CEO. “His deep industry knowledge, experience, and proven track record of helping people accomplish their goals, while rallying communities around opportunities to make a difference, is exactly what we need at this moment to help take the Foundation’s impact to the next level. Community is in Michael’s heart and helping people is his passion. He is already a tremendous fit, and I’m excited about what we will accomplish together with the team and our donors and partners.”
Trench has presented widely at local, regional, state, and national conferences on a variety of topics. He holds an undergraduate degree from Concordia University-St. Paul in history and languages, and a graduate degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in theology, along with post-graduate work in history.
Trench served numerous years on the board of West Suburban Philanthropic Network (WSPN) and was the head of its program committee and the master of ceremonies for its awards luncheon. He was also a longtime member of Suburban Chicago Planned Giving Council and served on its board of directors. Trench volunteered for two decades as a firefighter and department chaplain with the Winfield Fire Department.
In 2022, Trench received the Honoring Excellence Award from Leading Age Illinois for Strive and Thrive-Management. He finds that inspiration is what motivates people to invest in the causes and organizations they value and cherish, and that the not-for-profit sector is the perfect place for donors to create a legacy that lasts for generations.
Trench resides in Willowbrook and has three grown children who live in the surrounding Midwest with their families. He was born and raised in Minnesota, where his parents still reside, and has an avid interest in reading, travel, and antiques.
