Since its inception in 1992 the Highland Park Community Foundation has built a large endowment fund to help finance cultural, social service, educational, and environmental agencies in Highland Park and Highwood. In 2012 alone, the Foundation issued grants of $131,700 to 25 different programs. Now, they’re looking towards the future and seeking grant requests for 2013.
“The Foundation is a treasure in our community,” Chairman Andrew Livingston said. “The endowment fund helps maintain and enrich the quality of life for Highland Park’s civic and social needs.”
Last year, the Foundation helped fund four different programs at Highland Park High School including Estudiante to Student, Homework Club, National Hispanic Institute, and the Sunday, Soccer, Swim and Dance Club.
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Peter Flanzer, the Foundation’s Board Liaison to HPHS, is excited about the results. “These programs --- along with the Foundation’s funding --- significantly impact students’ experiences at the high school,” he said.
“For example, Estudiante to Student provides academic assistance and mentoring to at-risk Latino students. Meanwhile, the Homework Club delivers skill development and test preparation for students after-school.”
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Over the past ten years, the Foundation experienced a five-fold increase in the amount it was able to provide in annual grants. The Foundation has high expectations for itself and only wants to get bigger and better.
“Our Board of Directors recently agreed to initiate a campaign to increase our Endowment Fund to reach $3 million,” Livingston explained. “This level will allow us to better meet the unmet needs of our community.”
The Foundation is currently accepting grant applications for 2013. David Reich, Grants Committee Chairman, is also encouraging local families and private organizations to consider contributing to the Foundation.
“Their investment will last in perpetuity and continue to benefit the diverse needs represented by our extraordinary social service providers and cultural organizations,” he said.
