Our event was a resounding success! As so beautifully expressed by our event Co-Chairs Sofia Alvarez and Caroline Mead in their welcoming remarks, it was “truly inspiring to see so many passionate, caring, and generous individuals gathered for such an important cause—not just for a fundraiser, but to make a difference, change lives, and strengthen our community.”

This shared commitment made the evening most enjoyable and very meaningful. Honoring Pablo Alvarez with the Jack Blane Community Service Award elevated the event. In their presentation of the award, Laurie Levin, Board Chair, and Tom Koulentes, Board Member, delivered heartfelt remarks that made it clear: Pablo was the perfect choice for this honor!

We are deeply grateful to all those who supported the event with a sponsorship, event or raffle ticket purchase, monetary or in-kind donation. The event raised over $250,000 to support HPCF’s 2024 annual grants, which will be used to address the needs of our community and enhance the quality of life for all.

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It’s hard to believe fall is just around the corner and with it comes what we like to call the fifth season of the year: Grant Season!

This year, our community’s needs are greater than ever. Our Board is currently reviewing a record-setting volume of grant proposals, reflecting the growing demand for critical services in Highland Park and Highwood.

While the numbers are higher than we’ve seen before, so is our resolve. Thanks to your generosity, we are ready to fund as many impactful programs as possible—supporting children, families, and adults across our community.

We hope you’ll attend or support our annual event. Every dollar raised goes directly toward these life-changing grants. Keep reading for event details, grantee highlights, Rock the Ride information, and more!

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The following are just some of the needs that have been identified by a number of our 2021 annual grant recipients who have applied for additional funding to help with COVID Recovery.

Our Board has decided to issue one more round of grant funding before the end of the year to address these needs. Your gifts will be used for these grants and make an immediate difference.

Please read on – or simply click HERE or use the QR code below to help lift up your neighbors

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The community committee, Together Highland Park Unidos, established by the Highland Park Community Foundation to oversee the distribution process for donations made to the July 4th Highland Park Shooting Response Fund, has released the final protocol that will guide the distribution of the Fund.

As noted in the Protocol, the Fund will be used 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 on July 4, 2022.

With the Final Protocol, the Committee published the Claim Forms that must be completed by claimants who are eligible under the Protocol. Claim Forms for individuals must be submitted by 5 PM, September 7, 2022. Claim Forms for nonprofits must be submitted by 5 PM, September 14, 2022.

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Immediately after the July 4, 2022, Highland Park Parade shooting, the Highland Park Community Foundation established the Highland Park Shooting Response Fund and the Together Highland Park Unidos Committee to manage the donation distribution process.

The Fund was closed on October 7, 2022, to facilitate the distribution of its assets. In accordance with the Committee’s Final Protocol, at the end of October, the Committee distributed a total of $5.8 million, 100% of the funds raised. Of the total, $5.22 million was allocated to individual claimants and $580,000 to community organizations that provided mental health and other services for impacted community members. The grantmaking process for organizations was managed by the Highland Park Community Foundation.

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We have been thinking a lot lately about what it truly means to be a community.

We have diverse lifestyles and viewpoints to be sure, but come together with the common goal of helping neighbors we know and many we do not. We take care of one another, in tragedy and in triumph. In Highland Park and Highwood, that spirit of community has shined brightly time and again.

The Highland Park Community Foundation harnesses that spirit to address unmet needs and expand opportunities for all Highland Park and Highwood residents. For more than three decades, the generosity of our donors and the relationships we’ve built with over 60 organizations have uniquely positioned the HPCF to identify where help is needed most and provide it through grant funding to nonprofits.

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HPCF’s Board of Directors is excited to announce its award of 65 grants totaling $873,075 to organizations* dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Highland Park and Highwood residents. We express our heartfelt gratitude to all our grant recipients for their invaluable contributions to our community, as well as to the generous donors and the City of Highland Park whose support made these grants possible.

These grants will support programs and services that address the educational, human service, creative, and cultural arts needs of young children, teens, families, adults living alone, individuals with disabilities, and seniors. By addressing their diverse needs, these resources will help expand opportunities for all residents and foster a thriving community.

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Mesirow Renews Platinum-Level Commitment

We’re proud and deeply grateful to share that Mesirow has renewed its five-year pledge at the Platinum Corporate Champion level—continuing its extraordinary commitment to the residents of Highland Park and Highwood.

As a valued longtime partner of the Foundation, Mesirow’s renewed investment reflects its strong desire to help address the evolving needs of our community. With headquarters in Chicago and a local office in Highland Park, Mesirow is strongly rooted in the area. As an independent, employee-owned financial services firm, it combines a personalized approach to helping clients achieve their financial goals with a strong sense of responsibility to the communities it serves.

We are truly honored by Mesirow’s renewed partnership and grateful for their unwavering belief in our mission. Their support helps us sustain the vital programs and services that improve lives and strengthen our community.

Learn more about how corporate partners like Mesirow are shaping a stronger future for our community.

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