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2022 Member Ballot and Voting

It’s time to cast your vote! As a 2022 member of The Foundation’s GIVE360 Program, you have the important task of determining which McHenry County charitable organizations will be a recipient of the generosity shown by giving circle members. This year, you and the other GIVE360 members will be distributing (3) grants of $5,800 each, totaling $17,400.

The Voting Process

As a GIVE360 member, you have three (3) votes to cast. You can distribute each vote however you wish among the eligible organizations. For instance, you can:

  • Cast all three votes for a single organization.
  • Divide your votes, offering two votes to one organization and one vote to another.
  • Or cast one vote for three different organizations.

Your ballot must be completed online or received at The Foundation office no later than Friday, February 10 at 4:00 p.m. to be included in the vote. We are unable to count late submissions.

Agencies who are eligible to receive funding must meet the following criteria:

  • have an operating budget under one million dollars,
  • applied for The Foundation’s Mission Grants in 2022, but were not selected or did not receive full funding for their requests,
  • did not receive a GIVE360 grant the prior year.

To view the list of eligible charities and their 2022 funding requests, CLICK HERE.

To view the list of past recipients, CLICK HERE.

Thank you to all our GIVE360 members who voted! Voting is now closed. Stayed tuned for information regarding the award winners.

Award Celebration
We will host a reception to present the awards to our deserving charitable organizations. Stay tuned for more information!

Please make sure to include your email address and phone number when completing your online ballot or mailing in your paper ballot.

Community Foundation for McHenry County Launches Crisis Fund to Aid Victims of St. Johns Fire

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November 20, 2024 – Following the devastating five-alarm fire on November 12 that destroyed an apartment building on St. Johns Road in Woodstock, IL, The Community Foundation for McHenry County established the McHenry County Crisis Fund to aid those affected by this tragic event.

The Foundation has committed an initial $10,000 in emergency funding to the McHenry County Crisis Fund. Community supporters have rallied to raise an additional $18,000, bringing the total fund to $28,000. Jessica Rizza, Director of Philanthropy at The Community Foundation, remarked, “The collective generosity shown to support those impacted by the St. Johns Rd. fire is truly inspiring. We are grateful for every contribution and proud to live in a county that cares deeply for its people.”

The McHenry County Crisis Fund focuses on providing long term assistance and recovery, including shelter, medical care, and necessities, in partnership with local organizations.

Currently, there is no need for donations of physical items such as clothing, household goods, or toiletries. Monetary donations remain essential and can be made online, by mail, or in person at The Community Foundation for McHenry County, 33 E. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Gift cards for food, gas, and groceries are also welcome and can be delivered to The Community Foundation or Warp Corps at 114 N. Benton St., Woodstock, IL 60098.

The Community Foundation is collaborating closely with partners including The City of Woodstock, McHenry County Government, The Red Cross, Warp Corps, United Way, NAMI, District 200, St. John’s Church, and other local organizations to ensure a coordinated response. A comprehensive, multi-agency effort will work with each affected individual and family to provide tailored support that meets their unique needs.

Amy Hernon, Executive Director of The Community Foundation, emphasized, “Our hearts remain with the individuals and families impacted by this tragedy. We are committed to providing long-term, comprehensive care and assistance to help the displaced residents rebuild their lives.”

Thursday, November 14, 2024 – The Community Foundation for McHenry County has been working closely with several local partners including The Red Cross, Warp Corps, The City of Woodstock, McHenry County Government, Woodstock Community Unit School District 200, and other vital organizations. Together, we are dedicated to providing prompt, coordinated support for the victims of the devastating St. Johns Rd apartment fire that occurred on November 12. Our unified response team is committed to helping these individuals and families not only recover in the short term but also to plan for a sustainable, long-term future.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the generosity shown by the community. Many have contributed to The McHenry County Crisis Fund with monetary donations, while others have given essential items through Warp Corps and St. Johns Church. Your kindness is already making a difference and all immediate needs such as clothing, food, and temporary shelter have been met. Although the donations of clothes and supplies are greatly appreciated, The American Red Cross, Warp Corps, and St. Johns Church have indicated that at this time they no longer need in-kind donations until specific victim needs have been identified.
 
As we plan for long-term recovery, we are seeking additional monetary donations to provide ongoing, flexible support. Contributions to The McHenry County Crisis Fund will ensure that we can keep helping these families rebuild in the days and weeks ahead. We will keep the community updated on emerging needs and ways to get involved.

Thank you to every individual, family, and organization who has rallied together to support those affected. Your generosity and compassion are invaluable.

Donations may be made online to The McHenry County Crisis Fund or in person or mail to The Community Foundation for McHenry County at 33 E Woodstock St. Crystal Lake, IL 60014. 

 
 

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 - In the wake of a devastating five-alarm fire on November 12 that destroyed an apartment building on St. Johns Road in Woodstock, IL, The Community Foundation for McHenry County has established the McHenry County Crisis Fund to support those affected by this tragic event. The fire claimed one life, injured four others, and left dozens of residents displaced. Firefighters from Woodstock and nearby communities came together to control the blaze and assist victims.

The Community Foundation for McHenry County has committed an initial $10,000 in emergency funding to the McHenry County Crisis Fund. Amy Hernon, Executive Director of The Community Foundation, shared, “Our hearts are with the victims and families impacted by this tragedy. We are actively partnering with local agencies to meet the immediate needs of those displaced and affected by the fire.”

The McHenry County Crisis Fund aims to provide critical support, including shelter, medical assistance, and basic necessities. Donations to the fund will assist the families and individuals affected by this disaster through collaborative efforts with local organizations.

The Community Foundation for McHenry County stands alongside local partners to ensure that those affected by this fire receive the urgent and comprehensive support they need during this difficult time. Amy Hernon went on to comment, “The people of McHenry County deeply care for one another. In times of crisis, we show up to lend a helping hand and stand by those in need. This crisis fund is a way for our community to come together and support those impacted by the fire.”

Donations to the McHenry County Crisis Fund can be made online, by mail, or in person at The Community Foundation for McHenry County, 33 E. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

2021 GIVE360 Grant Recipients

Congratulations to the 2021 GIVE360 Grant Recipients. Because of the generosity of our GIVE360 members, three area non-profits were each awarded a $5,000 grant to use as they see fit.


GiGi’s Playhouse McHenry County - $5,000 Grant Recipient
Pictured: Andrew Hamilton, GiGi’s Board Member and Donna Sather, Assistant Director of Development, The Foundation


McHenry County Conservation Foundation - $5,000 Grant Recipient
Pictured: Deb Thielen, Executive Director, The Community Foundation for McHenry County, Martie Gorman, McHenry County Conservation Foundation Board Member and Shawna Flavell, Executive Director, McHenry County Conservation Foundation

Why I Give
There are so many worthy non-profits that strive to improve life in McHenry County, help those in need, or serve the underserved that it's difficult to single one out to donate to. The GIVE360 Program is a perfect way for a community member to donate approximately a dollar a day and have three agencies a year receive a grant to help in their efforts. I also love the concept of the full circle......a donation starts in our community and ends up in our community.

Martie Gorman, GIVE360 Member and McHenry County Conservation Foundation Board Member


NAMI McHenry County - $5,000 Grant Recipient

2020 GIVE360 Grant Recipients

Congratulations to the 2020 GIVE360 Grant Recipients. Because of the generosity of the GIVE360 members, three area non-profits were each awarded a $5,000 grant for a total of $15,000, and increased the GIVE360 Endowment Fund to nearly $135,000.

Bernie’s Book Bank - $5,000 Grant Recipient
Pictured: Deb Thielen, Executive Director, The Foundation and Darrin Utynek, Chief Executive Officer at Bernie’s Book Bank.

Family Health Partnership - $5,000 Grant Recipient
Pictured: Suzanne Hoban, Executive Director, Family Health Partnership and Lyndsey Thompson, Program Director, The Foundation.

Main Stay Therapeutic Farm - $5,000 Grant Recipient
Pictured: Deb Thielen, Executive Director, The Foundation, Shauna Egan, Director of Development, Main Stay, Casa (a rescued carriage horse); and Loriann Dowell, Executive Director, Main Stay.