The Lake County Community Foundation Dramatically Increases NonProfit Support Efforts During COVID Pandemic

The Lake County Community Foundation Dramatically Increases NonProfit Support Efforts During COVID Pandemic

Recently, I learned about The Lake County Community Foundation and its work connecting donors with more specific community needs. True to it's mission, The Lake County Community Foundation helps the most vulnerable in the community by providing civic leadership, inspiring philanthropy and partnering with grant recipients. The fund was created in 2003 by civic leaders concerned about helping the community meet its growing needs and creating a better future for area residents in need. The current health crisis has made assistance by organizations like The Lake County Community Foundation all that more vital. I wanted to learn a little more about The Lake County Community Foundation and how we can join the effort to help those in need. I have been so fortunate to connect with Emily Weber the Lake County Community Foundation Manager of Community Leadership & Investment for more information on the functions of The Lake County Community Foundations and how it is helping during the age of COVID:


How has The Lake County Community Foundation applied its mission to the COVID pandemic?

The Lake County Community Foundation has been able to dramatically increase its visibility throughout the county as a community resource for nonprofit support, thought partnership, strategic collaboration and innovation and co-investment. To further ground the important role community foundations play collectively, it has been reported that $635 million has been raised thus far by the 800 community foundations across the nation. Over $200 million has been granted out to support COVID relief efforts. At The Lake County Community Foundation, we have secured approximately $775,000 for our crisis relief fund and have granted $600,000 to our front line nonprofit partners that are serving many of our most vulnerable neighbors throughout the county.

Twice as Nice Mother and Child is one of the LCCF's recent grant recipients. Image credit LCCF.

How is the Lake County Community Foundation able to connect the community with those in need?

Our 17-year track record of collaboration and community investment has enabled us to build strong and trusting relationships with those who live, work, play and learn in Lake County. As a result, we have become a go-to community resource to guide broad collective impact efforts to address some of the biggest and most complex issues across the county, including hunger, violence and improved coordination of service among nonprofit partners. As a neutral convener, we are able to effectively forge public-private partnerships while helping to inform and coordinate philanthropic efforts. Collectively, these elements enable us to be uniquely positioned as a knowledgeable and trusted leader in driving systemic change for our community.

The Northern Illinois Food Bank is another of LCCF grant recipient. Image courtesy of LCCF.

Can nonprofits apply for consideration by Lake County Community Foundation?

Currently, the Foundation is accepting applications to the Crisis Relief Foundation by invitation only. This is an intentional part of our strategy as we have been working very closely with fellow funders and our nonprofit partners to track the most critical needs and identify high capacity organizations that can address our community's growing demand for services.

What is a function of the Lake County Community Foundation that the public may not know about?

While we are a foundation and provide grants to local nonprofits, we also raise money like all other nonprofits! As we see increased need across the county's nonprofit sector, we are continuously striving to raise additional funds to support the critical work they do to serve our most vulnerable neighbors in Lake County.

LCCF Supports the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

How can the community get involved?

• Volunteer - many of our nonprofits rely heavily on volunteers to support their work. United Way of Lake County's 211 service has a list of volunteer opportunities: https://211lakecounty.org/images/News/Volunteer_Opportunities.pdf
• Make and donate masks -- Instructions are included on the 211 volunteer page
• Contribute to the relief fund to support the county and communities you love: https://www.lakecountycf.org/lake-county-community-crisis-relief-fund/

Thank you so much to Emily for all of the valuable information about the important role that The Lake County Community Foundation plays and how we can help. During the COVID-19 pandemic, The Lake County Community Foundation has awarded over $500,000 in grants so far.

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

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