A New View of Your Impact

For 31 years, we’ve been asking you to support our efforts to address unmet needs in our community. As the needs have evolved, we’ve been able to count on the consistent and incredible generosity of so many.

You’ve allowed us to lead with impact, and we want to renew our efforts to share that impact with you. Our new, monthly newsletter will be a way to tell you about the individuals and organizations whose work you make possible.

We hope you enjoy your brand new Community Catch Up.

Funding Areas

In 2022, the Highland Park Community Foundation distributed 63 annual grants – totaling $746,925 – to organizations that provide invaluable programs and services to residents in our community. In future editions of Community Catch Up, we will highlight the impact of specific organizations. In the meantime, we are excited to let you explore our 5 funding categories. To see a list of the grantees within each category, click on the images below.

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In our final Community Catch Up of the year, we are excited to share news about Highwood Library and four of our other 2023 Grant Recipients. We also offer you a second bite at the apple!

On December 6th, Highwood Library reopened as Highwood Library & Community Center! In a beautifully renovated space, children and adults will have access to traditional library resources as well as a variety of services and programming. The space will also provide invaluable community collaboration opportunities.

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 6, Laura Ramirez, Executive Director, poignantly spoke about the difference the Highwood Library & Community Center will make for residents.

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As 2024 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to thank you for your incredible support this year. Your generosity has made a significant impact, helping us fund local initiatives, strengthen our community, and create lasting change for all who call Highland Park and Highwood home. Looking ahead, we remain committed to building on our progress.

If you have not already done so, please consider making a year-end gift. Your donation before December 31st will directly support the important work we do together and help us plan for another year of positive change in our community.

No matter the amount, every contribution makes a difference, and we are deeply grateful for your continued partnership.

Thank you for being a vital part of our community’s success. Together, we can make 2025 even brighter.

“With all best wishes for joyous holidays and a wonderful New Year!”
Highland Park Community Foundation Board and Staff

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We’re just a short time away from Gather for Good (Friday, 9/26) — our favorite night of the year, when community, celebration, and meaningful giving come together in one unforgettable evening.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to the event, we invite you to get a glimpse of what makes this night so special.

From the festive atmosphere to the powerful impact,
this is a night you won’t want to miss!

What’s New This Year?

We’re thrilled to feature tasty bites and luscious libations from 32 local businesses, along with 12 Gathered Goods bundles, each valued at $1,000 or more, and 20 amazing silent auction items.

Full details will be shared again before the event — but trust us, you’ll want to come hungry and ready to bid!

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As we welcome in the new year, we remain ever grateful for the generosity of friends like you who partner with us to improve the lives of individuals and enrich our community as a whole. We wish all of you and your families good health and happiness throughout the year!

We also begin the year with excitement — 2022 marks our 30th year of making a difference for children and adults throughout Highland Park and Highwood.

Though much has changed over the years, we have remained true to our mission and continue to work hard addressing needs in our community and expanding opportunities for all Highland Park and Highwood residents. We look forward to our 30th year of working with you to make an even greater difference for our community.

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At our gathering on September 23rd, we will proudly honor Nancy Mills with the Jack Blane Community Service Award. Nancy grew up in Highland Park, cares deeply about our community, and is passionate about helping others. A Board member since 2009, Nancy led the HPCF through a period of transformational growth as Chairman from 2018-2020. For years, she volunteered in her children’s schools and was a lead coordinator for Focus on the Arts for four years. Nancy currently volunteers as a Court Advocate for A Safe Place, serves as a board member of Noble Schools in Chicago, and serves on the Health and Human Services Commission of the Jewish United Fund.

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Grantee Spotlight

Last month, we talked about our 5 current funding categories – Education, Creative & Cultural Arts, Human Services, Senior Services, and Services for Individuals with Disabilities.

Each month, we will highlight the tremendous work some of our grantees are doing to make progress in these important areas. Your donations make their work possible, so please consider making a gift to support the life-changing impact our grantees are making everyday. –> donate now

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Time is running out! Your last chance to make a difference is here, and just like these boys’ smiles, hats, coats, gloves, pants, and shoes, your impact can be doubled!

Mesirow is matching every donation made in the next 24 hours up to $10,000!

A local family foundation is also matching all new gifts and increased donations up to $25,000 through December 31st.

Be the hero our community needs. Your donation, big or small, will create smiles, warmth, and progress.

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