About Us

The Community Foundation for McHenry County (CFMC) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity created by and for the residents of McHenry County. Originally known as the McHenry County Community Foundation, we were established to provide a sustainable source of charitable giving for local nonprofit organizations and students.

Today, CFMC is the county’s leading philanthropic organization. We manage more than 100 charitable funds and work with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits to support meaningful causes throughout the county. Each year, we grant approximately $1.5 million to nonprofit agencies serving local residents and $50,000 in scholarships to students annually by supporting their pursuit of a secondary education. With deep community knowledge and a commitment to long-term impact, we help connect the compassion of donors with the needs of McHenry County.

Our Story

In 2001, Chuck Liebman—local philanthropist, business leader, and advocate for community—led a group of engaged citizens in establishing what would become the Community Foundation for McHenry County. Chuck believed deeply in the power of local people coming together to create something lasting. His vision was to build a permanent, flexible source of charitable funding that would serve McHenry County not just for today, but for generations to come.

From this simple yet powerful idea, the foundation was born. It began with a handful of committed residents who shared a belief in collaboration, generosity, and long-term service. Over time, the foundation evolved into a trusted resource for charitable giving across the county. Chuck’s legacy—his generosity, foresight, and love for his community—continues to inspire our work every day.

Our Mission

To philanthropically address the needs of McHenry County by providing leadership, granting resources, stewarding assets, and fostering awareness.

Our Vision

To build a supportive and inclusive quality of life for everyone in McHenry County.

Our Values

Respect – Recognizing that everyone has something to contribute and a vital need to feel valued for their contributions.
Trust – Understanding the value of reliability and continually earning the community's trust through unwavering service and commitment.
Community Voices – Welcoming new conversations and partners while cultivating existing relationships.
Excellence – Endeavoring to provide the highest level of service to our community.
Innovation – Seeking new approaches to address what matters most to our community and inspiring others who share our commitment to improving McHenry County.

Our Programs and Services

We offer a wide range of philanthropic services to meet the goals and passions of our donors, support nonprofits, and strengthen our community:

Donor Advised Funds – Flexible and personal, these funds allow donors to support causes they care about over time, with the ability to recommend grants to eligible nonprofits while enjoying immediate tax benefits.
Designated Funds – Ensure long-term support for one or more specific nonprofit organizations. Donors establish a named fund that continues to provide reliable funding aligned with their charitable vision.
Field of Interest Funds – Focus your giving on the issues that matter most to you, such as education, the environment, or mental health. Our staff ensures your funds address the most pressing needs within your chosen area.
Scholarship Funds – Help students achieve their academic goals by creating a scholarship fund tailored to your interests, whether it’s for a high school senior, vocational student, or adult learner.
Agency Funds – Strengthen the sustainability of local nonprofit organizations by helping them grow their endowments and steward resources for long-term mission fulfillment.

If you're interested in establishing a fund, our team is here to guide you through the process and help you make the greatest impact.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

CFMC is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens of McHenry County. We actively seek charitable organizations, board members, and business partners that include individuals of varied backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives. We encourage all organizations we work with to recognize and embrace the benefits of equity.