$300,000 Raised for Lake County COVID-19 Response Fund

United Way of Lake County today announced more than $300,000 has been raised for the Lake County COVID-19 Community Response Fund to support local non-profits providing urgent resources for Lake County’s most at-risk neighbors.

Local corporations and philanthropies have added their generous early support, including a $100,000 gift from First Midwest Bank, $40,000 from Trustmark, $25,000 each from Medline Industries and Takeda Pharmaceutical, $20,000 from The Julian Grace Foundation, $15,000 from United Conveyor Corporation, among others.

In addition, nearly 300 individuals have contributed to the fund with gifts ranging from $10 to $5,000.

“It has been so gratifying to see how our Lake County neighbors—both individuals and companies—have rallied around the goal of helping each other at this time. We are proud to be the stewards of their resources and look forward to continuing this important work throughout the duration of the crisis,” said Kristi Long, President and CEO of United Way of Lake County.

Grant funding is focused on responding quickly to critical needs, such as emergency food and basic supplies, rental and utility assistance, access to health care, and emerging needs identified real time through the 211 information and referral helpline. In less than two weeks, United Way disbursed the first fund installment totaling more than $93,000 for emergency food and shelter grants to eight local non-profit organizations.

A second grant opportunity for non-profits addressing housing (including rent and utility assistance) and essential basic needs for families and young children was announced yesterday. As money continues to be donated to the fund, future grant opportunities will be announced to help meet the growing and expanding needs arising from this crisis.

The fund was established and is administered by United Way of Lake County in collaboration with Lake County Government, Lake County Community Foundation and the Lake County Municipal League. United Way covers all administrative costs; as a result, 100% of the donations are being distributed directly to the recipient agencies.

For more information about the Lake County COVID-19 Community Response Fund, or to donate, visit LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/covid19.

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF LAKE COUNTY

United Way of Lake County’s mission is to unite leadership and resources to create lasting change that will improve lives in Lake County, Illinois. United Way recently launched 211, a free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral helpline, providing personalized help guiding individuals and families in Lake County to available health and human services.