The Community Foundation for McHenry County and United Way of Greater McHenry County announces second round of grant recipients
(Crystal Lake, IL) While McHenry County confronts the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, community members and businesses came together to offer area non-profits a helping hand.
The Community Foundation for McHenry County and United Way of Greater McHenry County announced the second round of grant recipients from its COVID-19 Response Fund. The two organizations launched the fund in late March and the public quickly and generously responded. On April 6, a total of $250,000 in grants was awarded to charitable organizations, and on May 29, an additional $250,000 was awarded to nine charitable organizations serving our friends and neighbors in McHenry County.
“These organizations serve the basic needs of our at-risk populations, and the demand for their services only increases in times of crisis. We realize the effects from the pandemic are being felt by our most vulnerable friends and neighbors – and we are supporting members of our community who are most-impacted by this crisis,” said Deborah Thielen, Executive Director, The Community Foundation for McHenry County (The Foundation).
While The Foundation and United Way joined forces to launch the COVID-19 Response Fund, Thielen said all credit belongs to area residents and businesses for their quick generosity and assistance.
The grant recipients are:
- Association for Individual Development (AID)
- Home of the Sparrow, Inc.
- Farmworker & Landscaper Advocacy Project (FLAP)
- McHenry County Housing Authority
- Transitional Living Services (TLS Veterans)
- 4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care
- Child Advocacy Center of McHenry County
- Harvard Community Senior Services
- Greater Elgin Family Care Center – McHenry Community Health Center
“Even in times of extraordinary stress, I am overcome by McHenry County’s generosity. The impact of COVID-19 on our community is incalculable and every day is changing. The disbursement of these grant funds is crucial to helping those organizations who are supporting our citizens, friends and neighbors during challenges, hardship and recovery. I am so proud of everyone who has come together to donate and collaborate on this crucial effort!” said Carole Peters, Executive Director, United Way of Greater McHenry County.
Local non-profit organizations requested funding in the second grant cycle. Their applications detailed how COVID-19 pandemic is challenging their ability to serve McHenry County’s most vulnerable populations. A group compiled of staff from The Foundation, United Way, Mental Health Board and McHenry County Community Development moved swiftly to select the recipients and disperse grant money. “The McHenry County Community COVID-19 Response Fund is evidence that our communities shine the brightest in the face of darkness,” said Peters.
Additional grants will be awarded on a rolling basis to address emerging, urgent needs as funding becomes available.
About The Community Foundation for McHenry County
The Foundation is the leader in McHenry County for providing legacy giving opportunities to donors and charitable organizations in our community. Founded in 2001 to support charitable organizations in McHenry County, The Community Foundation today is approximately a $35 million organization that serves by “Connecting people who care with causes that matter.” Visit thecfmc.org to learn more.
About United Way of Greater McHenry County
United Way of Greater McHenry County is a nonprofit organization that unites people and resources to build a stronger McHenry County. They support 30 local nonprofit agencies and help fund 48 different programs in the areas of education, health and independence. They have been reinvesting in McHenry County since their inception in 1966 and have raised over $56 million dollars. For more information, visit www.givingbacktomchenrycounty.org.