LCCF Launches “Love Where You Live” Campaign

WAUKEGAN, IL (July 15, 2019) – The Lake County Community Foundation (LCCF), an affiliate of The Chicago Community Trust, is pleased to announce the launch of its new “Love Where You Live” monthly donor campaign. The new monthly giving program will provide the Foundation with additional resources to increase its annual grant making and support nonprofits that are meeting critical needs of the most vulnerable community members of Lake County.

Foundation staff and board members hope that the campaign will encourage people who live, learn, work and play in Lake County to celebrate this unique and exceptional place by giving back. The Buchanan Family Foundation Fund has generously offered to match all recurring gifts made to LCCF through the monthly donor program from now through the end of 2019, up to $10,000 total.

“There is so much to love about Lake County—the vibrant, diverse communities and people, beautiful landscapes and the organizations working tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all who consider Lake County home,” LCCF Executive Director, Maggie Morales, said. “We are grateful to the Buchanan Family Foundation for their incredible support in providing matching funds for this program. We hope that people will be inspired to give locally and invest in their communities and neighbors.”

The launch of the initiative comes during a time of urgent need for nonprofits and those they are serving. The Foundation received a record-breaking number of proposals through its 2019 grant making cycle, signaling to LCCF board and staff that the county’s nonprofit sector is experiencing a greater need for support and investment.

The Foundation recently funded 22 nonprofits in the county through its 2019 competitive grant making cycle, totaling $247,000 in grants. Limited grant making dollars, however, means that the Foundation was unable to fund many worthy projects.

“We received so many compelling proposals from dynamic and reputable nonprofits doing important work across Lake County,” said Emily Weber, Manager of Community Leadership & Investment. “Our staff and board know that there is unmet need and we are striving to invest additional resources in the important work of our nonprofit partners.”

In response to this need, LCCF is launching the “Love Where You Live” monthly online donor campaign to help increase the amount of grants it is able to provide and to encourage people to give locally. All funds raised through the initiative will be used for grant making countywide under the Foundation’s largest priority area – basic human needs. This funding priority includes projects that address homelessness, domestic violence, education, mental/behavioral health, substance abuse, advocacy, workforce development and much more.

Morales noted that donors can rest assured that funds raised through the program will be used to meet the most critical needs in Lake County. Foundation staff and board have deep expertise in Lake County’s nonprofit community, which helps to facilitate impactful and efficient giving for donors.

“Our staff and board have extensive knowledge of the gaps, needs and opportunities in Lake County’s nonprofit sector,” Morales said. “Because of this, we are able to maximize donors’ impact to help them do the most good in our communities. Every penny of your donation will be reinvested locally through grants to the groups working so diligently to serve our county.” Whether you live, learn, work or play in Lake County, we invite you to make a difference by joining the “Love Where You Live Club!”

About “Love Where You Live Club”

All donors who participate in the monthly online giving program will be part of the Foundation’s new “Love Where You Live Club,” signifying that they are committed to making Lake County a better place for all. LCCF’s easy online system makes monthly giving hassle free. The Foundation staff and board hope to procure 250 new donors through the program to increase LCCF’s grant making, helping to close the gap on the unmet need in the county.

“We believe this giving strategy will make philanthropy accessible to more people,” Morales said. “It can be prohibitive for many people to write a large check during the holiday season. Through our monthly giving program, donors can set aside whatever amount they are comfortable with each month to help them more effectively reach their philanthropic goals over the course of a year.”

Each “Love Where You Live Club” member will receive a Love Where You Live magnet as a thank you from the Foundation. LCCF staff and board hopes that donors will proudly display it on their vehicle to help spread the word about giving locally. Club members who commit to $100 or more per month will receive the magnet as well as a print of the iconic map of Lake County created by local artist Mark McMahon to commemorate the Foundation’s 15th anniversary. LCCF commissioned McMahon to create this beautiful piece of artwork in 2018 to illustrate how art and philanthropy can build a vibrant community. The stunning map would make a wonderful addition to any home or office as it celebrates the unique beauty of Lake County.

To participate in the monthly giving program, please visit the donate page on the Foundation’s website (visit www.lakecountycf.org and click the “DONATE” button at the top right of the page) and enter your information. The minimum monthly online contribution through the Foundation’s website is $25 per month. If you have questions, please email Emily Weber at emily@lakecountycf.org or call 847-377-0520.

About The Lake County Community Foundation

The Lake County Community Foundation (LCCF), an affiliate of The Chicago Community Trust, brings together philanthropists and donors, dollars and ideas to build permanent funds to benefit Lake County, Illinois – today and for generations to come. Since 2003, LCCF has grown to $13.5 million in assets, and has served as a catalyst for generosity and change; a connector of people and organizations; and as the permanent steward of charitable funds dedicated improving the lives of the most vulnerable residents of Lake County.

LCCF has awarded grants totaling $5.5 million to nonprofit agencies serving the residents of Lake County and beyond. The organization provides leadership on key issues, insight on emerging trends and helps donors learn more about local needs to make their giving as effective as possible. Through collective philanthropy and by partnering with others, LCCF’s donors help make a greater impact together than any one organization can make alone. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.lakecountycf.org/.

GROWING PHILANTHROPY, BUILDING COMMUNITY

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