Fall is in full swing at HPCF, and the season has already brought great energy and engagement—from our Annual Grants Board meetings (more to come on that soon) and nonprofit seminar to our partnership with Great Pumpkins, spreading festive cheer throughout the community.

And there’s still more to come! We’re excited for Kim Smith’s annual Thanksgiving cookie sale (with a new twist!), Uncorking for a Cause (a brand-new fundraiser thoughtfully created by Vin Highland Park), and the return of the North Shore Turkey Trot.

Plus, you can nominate a deserving educator for the 2026 HPCF Golden Apple Award.

As always, thank you for being part of our work. Together, we make a real difference for our neighbors and our entire community.

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As a Community Health Ambassador, we wanted to share some important news.

We do not want to flood your inboxes, but in case you do not subscribe to the City of Highland Park’s newsletters, we wanted to be sure you knew about the City’s vaccination clinic scheduled for April 8th.

The City of Highland Park is hosting a COVID-19 Community Vaccination Clinic on Thursday, April 8, at the Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Ave West.

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Great communities are created by people who give where they live or work – lifting each other up and caring for each other with acts big and small.

For 30 years, the Highland Park Community Foundation has supported and celebrated the many great nonprofit organizations that serve the Highland Park-Highwood community by addressing residents’ needs. To help us celebrate our 30th anniversary, we want to spotlight our community members of all ages, businesses, school staff, and city employees who “give where they live” by promoting kindness and answering Dr. Martin Luther King’s call for service.

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The July 4th Fund remains open and will accept donations through Friday, October 7, 2022. At that time, the Fund will officially close so the final amount for distribution to victims and nonprofit organizations can be determined and payment amounts calculated.

Once the initial Fund closes, the Highland Park Community Foundation will establish a new Fund. Donations to the second Fund will be distributed to nonprofit organizations that are addressing needs of victims and community members impacted by the July 4th shooting. The Highland Park Community Foundation will administer the Fund and distribute the donations as grants.

Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to donate by October 7, 2022. Donations can be made at this link.

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As previously announced, when the Highland Park Shooting Response Fund closed, we distributed $5.8 million, 100% of the funds donated, to assist families of the victims who were killed, victims who were physically injured, and nonprofit organizations serving the needs of victims and the community following the shooting.

We also opened a second fund, the Highland Park Shooting Recovery Fund, to accept donations that would be distributed as grants to nonprofits that are addressing continuing needs for mental health and other services resulting from the shooting.

Through the generosity of donors to the Recovery Fund, the HPCF was recently able to distribute $367,000 to support the work of 15 organizations that are providing services for impacted members of our community.

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GPF Foundation (GPF) is committed to saving lives by supporting education, treatment, and awareness of the dangers of recreational drug use.

On March 20, GPF is holding a public event for students, parents, and community members to increase understanding of harm reduction regarding recreational drug use. Developed in partnership with Highland Park High School, Lake Forest College, and Rosalind Franklin University, the Community Event will take place from 5-6 PM at Madame Zuzu’s in Highland Park. Nicasa Behavioral Health Services will also offer Narcan training. Refreshments will be provided. Sign up here to attend.

One of our newest grantees, Time to Dance (TTD), is dedicated to enriching the health and quality of life for older adults through dance education, research, and performance.

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Starting January 1, 2025, Illinois individual and business taxpayers who are approved to participate in the Illinois Gives Tax Credit Program can claim a state income tax credit in the amount of 25% of their total qualified contributions made to a Qualified Community Foundation during a taxable year.

We are thrilled to announce that HPCF has just been approved as a Qualified Community Foundation!

Don’t Delay—Claim Your Tax Credit Today!

In 2025, the IL Department of Revenue is issuing a limited amount of tax credits on a first-come first-served basis. The sooner you make your donation, the more likely it is you will be able to take advantage of this opportunity and claim your tax credit. Contribution Authorization Certificate approval is now virtually instantaneous.

Why participate in the Program and Donate to HPCF?

By participating in this program, you not only help strengthen our resources that are used to address residents’ needs, but also benefit from a substantial state tax credit. The Illinois Gives Tax Credit Program is designed to encourage giving to foundations like HPCF, supporting the community and its long-term future.

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For the first time in our history, HPCF has awarded over $1 million in Annual Grants — a major milestone in our mission to support and uplift the Highland Park-Highwood community!

At a Grant Awards reception on October 29th, we awarded 64 Annual Grants* totaling $1,012,240 to support a wide range of essential services that improve the lives of residents. From early childhood education and youth development to mental health services, support for seniors and individuals with disabilities, and cultural arts programming, these grants help strengthen vital programs and expand opportunities for residents of all ages and backgrounds.

Your support powers these grants. Together, we’re making a meaningful difference for children and adults throughout our community. Thank you!

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