Announcing the 2022 Mission Grant Recipients

We are pleased to announce the 2022 Mission Grant recipients. The generosity of donors enabled us to distribute $629,943 to 39 local nonprofit organizations who serve our friends and neighbors in McHenry County.

Below is a full list of 2022 Mission Grant recipients.

Organization Name	Allocation
New Directions Addiction Recovery Services	$25,000
Home of the Sparrow	$22,000
CASA	$22,000
The Break	$21,000
Consumer Credit Counseling	$20,000
NAMI of McHenry County	$20,000
McHenry County Adult Program	$20,000
The AARRK Gardens	$20,000
Environmental Defenders	$20,000
Senior Services Associates, Inc.	$20,000
Turning Point, Inc.	$20,000
Elderwerks Educational Services	$20,000
NISRA Foundation	$20,000
Richmond Township Senior Transportation	$20,000
Child Advocacy Center of McHenry County	$20,000
Main Stay Therapeutic Farm	$20,000
McHenry County Conservation Foundation	$20,000
Raue Center for the Arts	$20,000
The Land Conservancy of McHenry County	$19,000
Encore Music Academy	$19,000
Options & Advocacy for McHenry County	$19,000
Refuge for Women	$18,000
McHenry County Historical Society	$18,000
Northern Illinois Food Bank	$15,000
Pioneer Center for Human Services	$15,000
The Rosecrance Foundation	$15,000
Senior Care Volunteer Network	$15,000
Your Children’s Bookshelf	$13,000
Greater Family Health	$10,000
First Church Crystal Lake Nathaniels Hope	$10,000
Marengo Park District	$10,000
Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley	$10,000
Samaritan Counseling Center	$10,000
Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois	$10,000
Independence Health & Therapy	$10,000
Not-for-Profit Resources	$10,000
Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation	$7,500
Shelter, Inc.	$5,000
Free Guitars for Future Stars	$1,443

Grant Opportunities

Foundant Grant Portal

Grant Recipients

For questions or more information about The Foundation’s annual grant opportunities contact JD Harshbarger, Director of Program Services at jd@thecfmc.org or call 815-338-4483.

The Community Foundation for McHenry County Awards 2022 Transformational Grants to Three Charitable Organizations Totaling $206,600

The Community Foundation for McHenry County is celebrating the third year of their Transformational Grant program, which offers grant funding to support groundbreaking programs, provide innovative services and be a source of positive change in McHenry County.

“We are so grateful for the generous support of our donors who have made the Transformational Grant program possible. The agencies being awarded these grants are deeply rooted in our community and committed to making a difference in McHenry County,” said Deborah Thielen, Executive Director, The Community Foundation for McHenry County.

This year’s grant recipients are:

Promotores (also known as Health Helpers) in action training participants on the use of glucometers and blood pressure machines at the St. Mary's Church A1C screening.

Harvard Community Senior Center

Harvard Community Senior Center received an award of $75,000 for their project: Reducing Health Disparities through Cultivating Health Ministries. This is the third year of Transformational Grant funding for this project which has received a total of $207,000. This year’s funding will be used to expand the number of new health ministry’s working to reduce health disparities for older adults and Latinx populations by providing access to screenings, education, support and community care through churches across the county.

“The Cultivating Health Ministries Program is truly innovative due to our collaborative approach in the prevention of diabetes and its complications. Our program facilitates connections to community resources in the faith-based communities we serve, transforming ways of living; empowering our most vulnerable populations and decreasing health disparities,” said Elizabeth Rios, APRN, Project Director, Cultivating Health Ministries.

A One Million Monarchs teen spends some quite time connecting with a horse during the Fall Retreat at Soulful Prairies.

One Million Monarchs

One Million Monarchs received an award of $60,800 for their project: Supporting Grieving Teens in McHenry County. The mission of One Million Monarchs is to provide a safe space for grieving teens to heal following the loss of a parent, sibling or close friend. This grant will expand counseling services, group and parental support groups and grief retreats.

“After losing my own mother at the age of 16, I knew from experience that grief support for teens was lacking. Grief during my teen years left me feeling isolated and misunderstood by those around me. It is my hope that by building a community of support for grieving teens, that they may learn healthy coping skills and feel understood and supported throughout their grief journey,” said Stacey Sassine, Founder and President, One Million Monarchs.

Staff member from Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project (FLAP) conducting outreach in the community of Latino farmworkers in McHenry County. Raices Latinas will elevate the stories of this sector of the McHenry County population.

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County received an award of $70,800 for their project: Raices Latinas: Agriculture in McHenry County. The goal of this program is to bring residents of McHenry County together to learn about and celebrate the contributions of the Latinx community in shaping our rich agricultural history.

“The impact we hope to have in McHenry County is for all of our cultures to embrace the richness of the contributions the Latinx community has brought and continues to bring to our residents, businesses and education institutions as well as the acceptance of our blended and similar family values, work ethic and increase mutual respect as well as collaboration with one another,” said Dr. Maggie Rivera, President/CEO, Illinois Migrant Council.

2021 Mission Grant Recipients

The Community Foundation for McHenry County (The Foundation) is pleased to announce the 2021 Mission Grant recipients. The generosity of donors enabled The Foundation to distribute $1,050,000, which is a 140% increase over last year, to 67 charitable organizations who serve our friends and neighbors in McHenry County.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of The Community Foundation for McHenry County. I've been lucky enough to work for several organizations in the county and see how great of an impact you're funding has across not only our organization, but many others as well. Thank for your hard work to help our community!”
- Bobby Gattone, Executive Director, New Directions Addiction Recovery Services

Below is a full list of Mission Grant recipients, the amount allocated and how the funding will be used.

Association for Individual Development Aging Adults and Senior Behavioral Health Service Expansion in McHenry County	$25,000
Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation Bear Hugs Program	$7,500
Bernie's Book Bank Operating Expenses	$10,000
Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County Mentoring Program	$20,000
Blessing Barn Operating Expenses and Capex (Pellet Stove)	$11,223
BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding & Educational Center Equine Assisted Services for Veterans	$10,000
BSA Blackhawk Area Council Operating Expenses	$10,000
Cary Fire Protection District Fire Equipment	$21,684
CASA of McHenry County Operating Expenses	$25,000
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Chicago McHenry County Senior Nutrition Services McHenry County Senior Nutrition Services	$8,000
Child Advocacy Center of McHenry County Operating Expense	$25,000
Clearbrook Transportation Services Program	$25,000
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northern Illinois Financial Literacy Counseling & Educational Workshops	$25,000
Creative Arts Inc. Kids Make Art	$10,000
Crystal Lake Community Band Concert Series	$5,000
Crystal Lake Teen Center Executive Director Position	$12,500
Cycling Without Age McHenry County, Inc Operations Expansion	$18,875
EAA Chapter 932, Inc. Build and Fly Program	$5,000
Elderwerks Educational Services Low-Income Senior Coordination	$15,000
Environmental Defenders of McHenry County Environmental Education & Outreach	$24,600
Eversight McHenry County Sight-Restoring Recovery Supplies	$5,000
Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project - FLAP Community Education and Social Services for Low-Income Latinx Immigrant Workers and Families	$25,000
Fellowship Housing Corporation Transitional Housing and Financial Literacy Training for Single Moms and Children	$25,000
Free Guitars for Future Stars Technology Equipment.	$5,500
Friends of McHenry County College Foundation Career Exploration Camp	$20,000
Friends of Moraine Hills State Park Shrubland Restoration at the McHenry Dam Location	$15,000
Gigi's Playhouse McHenry County Operating Expenses	$15,000
Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Aspire Teen Leadership Conference	$5,815
Girls on the Run of Northwest Illinois Program Accessibility Initiative	$16,395
Habitat for Humanity of McHenry County Building a Stronger McHenry County	$5,479
Harvard Community Senior Center Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Counseling Program	$25,000
Home of the Sparrow, Inc. Homeless to Housed: Housing, Shelter, and Case Management Services	$25,000
Huntley Community Radio NFP Remote Broadcast Expansion, Technology Equipment Upgrade, Operating Expenses	$10,000
Independence Health & Therapy Caregiver Navigator Service	$25,000
Junior Achievement of Chicago Digital Programming in McHenry County	$7,000
Leadership Greater McHenry County (LGMC) Nonprofit Intern Leadership Program	$12,000
Live4Lali Substance Use Disorder- Recovery Coach Training and Development	$11,830
Main Stay Therapeutic Farm Back in the Saddle Again: Encouraging Connection After COVID-19	$22,320
Mano a Mano Family Resource Center Engaged Citizens Program	$25,000
McHenry County Conservation Foundation Prairie Trail Improvements and Renovations	$15,589
McHenry County Farm Bureau Agricultural Education Foundation Agriculture in the Classroom Program	$6,705
NAMI of McHenry County Community Outreach	$10,000
New Directions Addiction Recovery Services New Directions General Operating Support	$12,500
Northern Illinois Food Bank Food Access in McHenry County	$25,000
Northwest Community Music Academy dba Encore Music Academy United through Music: Strengthening Community and Promoting Social Justice	$12,937
Not-For-Profit Resources Inc Operating Expenses	$25,000
Options & Advocacy for McHenry County Autism Resource Center Operating Expenses	$15,000
Pioneer Center for Human Services BRIGHT Program – Pioneer Center and NISRA Collaboration	$25,000
Prairie State Legal Services McHenry Count Legal Aid Operating Support	$25,000
Raue Center for the Arts Arts Education Programming	$20,000
Refuge for Women Staffing and Trauma-Informed Training to Serve Sex Trafficking Survivors	$19,603
Samaritan Counseling Center Financial Scholarships for Counseling	$10,000
Senior Care Volunteer Network Operating Expenses	$20,000
Senior Services Associates, Inc. Social Isolation Prevention	$25,000
The Aarrk Gardens Agricultural Equipment/Training	$18,000
The Allendale Association - LINC Special Education School Ready...Set...LEARN!	$5,000
The Land Conservancy of McHenry County Conservation Leader Internship Program	$16,440
The Rosecrance Foundation Rosecrance Therapeutic Recreation Program	$10,850
Theatre 121 Storybook Players	$4,000
Turning Point, Inc. Operating Expenses	$25,000
United Way of Greater McHenry County Community Resource Awareness Campaign to Support Recovery from COVID-19	$5,000
Veterans Path to Hope Veteran Nutrition	$25,000
Woodstock Fine Arts Association Speaker Series	$3,000
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago Rock Steady Boxing Program and Financial Assistance	$10,735
Young at Heart Senior Pet Adoptions Operating Expenses	$6,921
Your Children's Bookshelf Our Books to You Program	$12,000
Youth and Family Center of McHenry County Operating Expenses	$25,000

2021 Transformational Grant Recipients Awarded for a total of $222,000

The Community Foundation for McHenry County is celebrating our second year of the Transformational Grant program which offers three local charitable organizations grant funding to launch groundbreaking programs, provide innovative services and be a source of positive change in McHenry County. We are so grateful for the generous support of our donors who have made the Transformational Grant program possible. The agencies being awarded these grants are deeply rooted in our community and committed to making a difference in McHenry County,” This year’s recipients are:

The City of Woodstock

The City of Woodstock received an award of $75,000 for their Community Dot-Connecting with Age-Friendly Woodstock program. This is the second year receiving a Transformational Grant. The survey conducted with funding from year one identified program areas that will directly benefit the rapidly increasing aging population. Year two priorities include partnering with Dorr Township to reinstate and expand their Senior Center, creating a centralized information hub designed for senior access and expanding housing options using senior/disabled Universal Design principles.

“Woodstock is deeply grateful to The Foundation for their continued support of our Age-Friendly Community initiative. The Foundation’s support will help implement recommendations that came directly from Woodstock residents as reflected in our recently-completed Action Plan. This includes partnering with Dorr Township to develop a staffed drop-in center for our older adults’ benefit and enjoyment,” said Dr. Brian Sager, Mayor of Woodstock.

Harvard Community Senior Center

Harvard Community Senior Center received an award of $72,000 for their project: Reducing Health Disparities through Cultivating Health Ministries. This is the second year of Transformational Grant funding for this project which will expand the number of new health ministries working to reduce health disparities for older adults and Latinx populations by providing access to screenings, education, support and community care through churches across the county.

“I believe the faith communities were touched by Cultivating Health Ministries caring and compassion as we remained connected during COVID-19. Lives are being transformed by these partnerships and programs, and we envision a healthier tomorrow for the Latinx and senior populations,” said Suzanne “Sam” Martinez, Advocate Good Shepherd Congregational Outreach Coordinator & Cultivating Health Ministries Collaboration Council Member.

Kids in Need (KIN) of McHenry County

Kids in Need (KIN) of McHenry County received a grant in the amount of $75,000 for their Family Visitation and Resource Home. This home is designed with family connections and reunification in mind for visitation between non-custodial parents and children. The goal is to create a supportive, home-like atmosphere where parents can receive the support and services they need while maintaining the bond with their children.

Michelle Prickett, Executive Director, Kids In Need, "The focus of the KIN Family Visitation and Resource Home is on family preservation and parent/child reunification.

Amber Rakoczy, Owner/Therapist, Roan Solutions LLC, "The KIN home provides much more than just a visit between children and their parents, we offer a private home environment with trained professionals who provide coaching and feedback."

2020 Mission Grant Recipients

The Community Foundation for McHenry County (The Foundation) is pleased to announce the 2020 Mission Grant recipients. The generosity of donors enabled The Foundation to distribute $426,000 to 30 charitable organizations who serve our friends and neighbors in McHenry County.

“Resilience was the theme of the 2020 Mission Grant award”, said Deborah Thielen, Executive Director. “It implies a sense of strength, adaptability, and perseverance. We believe the incredible charitable organizations in our community have the resilience to help move McHenry County through these tough times and emerge even stronger in the future.”

When developing their applications, charitable organizations were asked to focus on showcasing the resilience of their organization and its work in the community. Please see below a complete list of Mission Grant recipients, the amount allocated and how the funding will be used.

Atrocious Poets Writing workshops, open mic events, mental health workshops	$1,400
Bernie’s Book Bank General operating expenses	$5,000
CASA COVID-19 related expenses	$20,000
Clearbrook Transportation program	$25,000
Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Northern Illinois General operating expenses	$21,500
Family Health Partnership General operating expenses	$16,485
Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project (FLAP) Education and advocacy	$10,000
Free Guitars for Future Stars General operating expenses	$5,000
Friends of Moraine Hills State Park Construction of trail side terrace and exhibit	$9,000
GiGi’s Playhouse General operating expenses	$5,000
Home of the Sparrow General operating expenses	$25,000
Huntley Community Radio NFP Purchase replacement radio station equipment	$19,000
JourneyCare Foundation Charity care	$21,485
Land Conservancy of McHenry County General operating expenses	$3,500
Leadership Greater McHenry County General operating expenses	$5,000
Mano A Mano Family Resources General operating expenses	$15,000
McHenry County Conservation Foundation General operating expenses	$5,300
McHenry County Historical Society Climate controlled storage facility for artifacts	$2,760
New Directions Addiction Recovery Services General operating expenses	$21,485
Northern Illinois Food Bank General operating expenses	$16,100
Northwest Community Music Academy General operating expenses and PPE	$20,000
Not-For-Profit Resources (VCMC) General operating expenses	$20,000
Openlands General operating expenses	$3,500
Pioneer Center for Human Services General operating expenses	$21,485
Raue Center for the Arts General operating expenses	$20,000
Refuge for Women General operating expenses	$15,000
Turning Point General operating expenses	$18,000
United Way of Greater McHenry County Technology	$15,000
University of Illinois Extension General operating expenses	$20,000
Youth and Family Center of McHenry County General operating expenses	$20,000

2020 Transformational Grant Recipients

The Community Foundation for McHenry County is celebrating our inaugural year of offering three charitable organizations a Transformational Grant. Each grant provides funding of up to $75,000 - some of our largest grants to date - creating a true force of positive change in McHenry County!

Our 2020 Transformational Grants will help:

The Friends of McHenry County College Foundation break down barriers to unemployment through a six-week skill-building boot camp.
Community Crosswalk work with the faith community to provide vital health screenings and education.
The City of Woodstock achieve their goal of being an Age-Friendly Livable Community!

The Friends of McHenry County College Foundation, Community Crosswalk, and The City of Woodstock each demonstrated that they have what it takes to be a force of innovation, problem-solving and progress in their community—and inspire real transformation from the ground up.

Making Waves with Transformational Grants

The three recipients’ proposals exemplified the mission and purpose of a Transformational Grant. Successful applicants showcased how their plans demonstrated true breakthroughs in McHenry County with a focus on collaboration and positive, multi-level change.

“It is absolutely thrilling to see our vision of Transformational Grants come to fruition. This opportunity will continue to be a yearly resource for charitable organizations who are serious about being the change they want to see in their community,” said Deborah Thielen, Executive Director, The Community Foundation for McHenry County. “True transformation is a lofty goal and even with the best plans and dedicated collaborators, it often requires substantial resources to help move it forward.”

“While we had many praiseworthy applicants, we believe these three proposals have a winning strategy and plenty of heart to create change, provide real world solutions, and live up to the expectations that come with being a Transformational Grant recipient,” said Thielen.

City of Woodstock: On the Path to an Age-Friendly Community

Grant: $74,951

Project: Serving Our Elderly Through the Age-Friendly Livable Community Initiative

Collaborators: City of Woodstock, McHenry County Department of Planning and Development, Independence Health and Therapy, Northern Illinois University’s Center for Governmental Studies, Satori Pathway LLC.

“This funding provided by The Community Foundation for McHenry County will help create positive changes in housing, transportation, and healthcare options for our growing senior population, with resulting benefits for all community members, young and older,” said Dr. Brian Sager, Mayor, City of Woodstock.

The City of Woodstock is honored to be one of the chosen three, as the grant will fuel the city’s “Serving Our Elderly Through the Age-Friendly Livable Community” initiative. This ambitious endeavor enlists a number of local stakeholders to identify distinct needs and improve quality of life for residents ages 60+ through Woodstock’s Age-Friendly Livable Community participation. The funds will support a comprehensive assessment of housing, transportation, medical, social and employment opportunities.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to develop Woodstock into a role model Age-Friendly Livable Community and to share our successes with community leaders throughout McHenry County,” said Sager.

Friends of McHenry County College Foundation: Breaking Down Barriers to Employment

Grant: $75,000

Project: Bridge to Success

Collaborators: Friends of McHenry County College Foundation, Home of the Sparrow, McHenry County Workforce Network, McHenry County Mental Health Board, New Directions Addiction Recovery Services, TLS Veterans.

Job security and employability not only impacts the individual seeking work, but it contributes to a thriving local workforce, community and economy. That is why the Friends of McHenry County College Foundation are committed to building a “Bridge to Success.”

This program seeks to assist adults facing obstacles to employment by providing specialized career training while addressing the county’s “skills gap”. A six-week boot camp in manufacturing, health care or information technology is the heart of the “Bridge to Success” initiative, which will help 24 participants gain entry-level technical and employability skills.

“Through a strong collaboration with our community partners, McHenry County College’s Bridge to Success project will address barriers that lead to chronic unemployment or underemployment, and provide a pathway to independence for job seekers, as well as a pipeline of skilled talent for employers. We are so appreciative of the opportunity to impact our community through this effort,” said Dr. Clint Gabbard, President of McHenry County College.

Community Crosswalk: A New Access Point in Healthcare Delivery

Grant: $60,000

Project: Reducing Health Disparities through Health Ministries

Collaborators: Community Crosswalk, McHenry County PEARLS, the Congregational Outreach Office for Mission Spiritual Care/Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, Nathan Kakish, M.D., Epilepsy Health Management, Harvard Community Senior Center, Illinois Migrant Council, Nutrition Educator Daniel Garcia, Project Director Elizabeth Rios, R.N.

As preventive care continues to be an underutilized but powerful tool in health and wellness, some McHenry County leaders are looking to the faith community to increase access and reach more residents.

Community Crosswalk is working to do just that with their “Reducing Health Disparities through Health Ministries” initiative. By providing countywide access to diabetes screenings, health education, resources and healthcare services in churches instead of clinics or medical offices, the program could potentially impact 650 lives in the first year through this non-traditional delivery model.

“The Cultivating Health Ministries Collaboration Council is excited to integrate social, spiritual and community health care in churches and houses of worship across the county,” said Kathy McNeil, MS, RN, Vice-President of Community Crosswalk.

“Working with The Community Foundation for McHenry County, this program partnership will transform the way health care can be delivered to reduce health disparities for McHenry County’s older adult and Latinx populations.”

Health and Human Services

In fall 2018, the Foundation awarded $318,000 to programs focusing on the areas of Health and Human Services.

The following agencies and projects were supported through the Foundation’s Permanent Endowment Fund, unless otherwise noted. This fund receives donations from residents and grant sources year-round.

AARRK GARDEN

$4,000

STIPENDS FOR HOMELESS WORKERS

Using agriculture, The Aarrk Gardens optimizes self-sufficiency among homeless workers, by offering stipends to the homeless for part-time work done at the Aarrk Garden, providing teachable moments of respect, responsibility and relationships.
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ALBUMS OF HOPE

$2,500

MAKING IT PERSONAL: PERSONALIZED ALBUMS OF HOPE

The project will give recipients the chance to personalize their Album of Hope. Recipients will be able to customize their Album of Hope using cardstock, stickers, and photos of themselves, their families, and their friends.
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BEAR NECESSITIES PEDIATRIC CANCER FOUNDATION

$5,000

BEAR HUGS PROGRAM

The Bear Hugs Program helps pediatric cancer patients (ages 0-19) and their families face the many challenges accompanying the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cancer via a customized personal experience for the child and financial assistance.

This grant was funded by the Christine and Donald Schellhaass Family Fund held at the Foundation.
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BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF MCHENRY COUNTY

$10,000

INCREASED CAPACITY TO HANDLE COMPLEX BEHAVIORAL ISSUES INCREASING AMONG AT-RISK YOUTH

Better serve Littles by improving staff ability to recognize when a Little is at risk of complex behavioral issues through a series of trainings; then use the new knowledge to link the Little to services necessary to help them succeed.
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CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING SERVICE OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS, INC.

$15,000

FINANCIAL LITERACY WORKSHOPS FOR PARTNERS IN HUMAN SERVICES

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northern Illinois is expanding bi-weekly financial literacy workshops to serve 3 McHenry County human service agencies, instilling tools for financial self-sufficiency in clients through budgeting, building credit, and avoiding bankruptcy and mortgage default.
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CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING SERVICE OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS, INC.

$3,945

CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING SERVICE OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS OFFICE UPDATE 2018 PROJECT

The main office in Woodstock will receive some basic updates like new client chairs, counselor chairs, shelving, locking file cabinets, and paint for many counselor offices. These modest improvements will help to keep Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northern Illinois’ office presentable.
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FAMILY ALLIANCE, INC.

$20,000

COMPUTERS, TECHNOLOGY AND BRAIN GYM

The cognitive/brain gym will provide a resource for seniors to increase their cognitive flexibility and stamina. It is a tool to identify those individuals that are at risk for memory loss and promote early detection, diagnosis and treatment.
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FAMILY HEALTH PARTNERSHIP CLINIC

$20,000

HEALTHY SMILES

This project supports the dental clinic. FHPC has the only dental clinic in the county available to uninsured/low income adults. It will provide for a portion of the salary of the dental assistant, as well as supply costs.
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FRIENDSHIP HOUSE OF CRYSTAL LAKE

$15,000

HEALTHY KIDS

This project includes kitchen upgrades to further our ability to prepare nutritious and healthy meals and provide funding for active enrichment programs such as dance, yoga, and Stretch N Grow to the children we serve in our program.

This grant was partially funded by the Community Works Endowment Fund held at the Foundation.
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HARVARD COMMUNITY SENIOR CENTER

$4,800

FREE SHIP (SENIOR HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM) COUNSELING SERVICES

The Harvard Community Senior Center will provide free SHIP (Senior Heallth Insurance Program) Counseling Services for Medicare/Medicaid Beneficiaries in under-served, rural areas in and around Harvard.

HOME OF THE SPARROW, INC.

$14,000

HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION AND DIVERSION

HOME OF THE SPARROW, INC.

$13,000

HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION AND DIVERSION

Provides individualized adult, adolescent, and child therapy services to Shelter residents in preparation for a return to self-sufficiency and stable, sustainable housing. Services are delivered by qualified personnel, with measurable outcomes.
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LAST CHANCE HOUSE, INC.

$13,680

LAST CHANCE HOUSE PARKING IMPROVEMENT

Removal of deteriorated asphalt driveway. Replace with new asphalt or concrete driveway, optimized for current parking needs for residents and meeting attendees.
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LAST CHANCE HOUSE, INC.

$14,490

LAST CHANCE HOUSE COMMUNITY MEETING ROOM IMPROVEMENTS

The goal of the Last Chance House Community Meeting Room Improvements is to make improvements to the existing structure, in order to accommodate the increasing use of and attendance by those in the addiction recovery community.
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MAIN STAY THERAPEUTIC FARM

$9,000

INSPIRING NEW DIRECTIONS PROGRAM

Inspiring New Directions is a positive intervention for students as an alternative to traditional disciplinary and support services in school. Students participate in sessions to develop healthy conflict resolution, coping, and social skills.
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MAIN STAY THERAPEUTIC FARM

$4,050

INSPIRING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES PROGRAM

Inspiring Healthy Communities increases Main Stay’s ability to work with clients with mental health or domestic and substance abuse concerns. Many clients with these needs are not directly connected with specific agencies, or are between services.

This grant was partially funded by the Dooley Family Fund held at the Foundation.
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MANO A MANO FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

$10,000

ENGAGED CITIZENS PROGRAM

Through our legal expertise and by leveraging local partnerships, the Engaged Citizens Program provides quality immigration legal services, community education, and outreach to the growing immigrant population in McHenry County.

This grant was funded by the McHenry Latino Fund held at the Foundation.
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NAMI OF MCHENRY COUNTY

$12,000

COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH OUTREACH AND EDUCATION

Funds will enable NAMI to hire a Community Outreach Coordinator for 20 hours/week. The Community Outreach Coordinator will visit faith communities, schools and businesses in McHenry County to provide education about NAMI’s free mental health services and programs, and will schedule speaking engagements addressing mental health.
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NAMI OF MCHENRY COUNTY

$8,000

PARA-TRANSIT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE ACTIVITY BUS

The Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association will replace a 2011 Ford Elkhart para-transit wheelchair accessible activity bus. The para-transit activity bus can seat up to 14 ambulatory riders or 5 riders in wheelchairs.
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NORTHERN ILLINOIS FOOD BANK

$12,500

TAKE 50 FOODS TO ENCOURAGE GRANT FUND

Funding will support the distribution of nutritious Foods to Encourage (F2E) at 23 member food pantries and two soup kitchens in McHenry County to ensure access to healthy food choices for our hungry neighbors.
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NORTHWEST CENTER AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT

$7,500

SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION EDUCATION

Funding will support Sexual Abuse Prevention Education.
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PIONEER CENTER FOR HUMAN SERVICES

$20,000

PIONEER CENTER CHILD & FAMILY THERAPY CENTER SUPPORTIVE FURNISHINGS & MATERIALS

Funding will enable Pioneer Center to purchase supportive furnishings and materials for the Child & Family Therapy Center, which offers individual and family outpatient services for youth with a mental health diagnosis in need of therapy and skill development.
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PIONEER CENTER FOR HUMAN SERVICES

$5,000

PIONEER CENTER CHILD & FAMILY THERAPY CENTER THERAPIST TRAINING

Funding will support Trauma-Informed Training for therapists working through Child & Family Therapy Center, which offers individual and family outpatient services for youth with a mental health diagnosis.

Both grants were funded by the Ruth Frejd Memorial Fund held at the Foundation.
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PRAIRIE STATE LEGAL SERVICES, INC.

$3,768

MCHENRY CIVIL LEGAL AID

Funding will support 20% of the full-time support staff position in the McHenry office of Prairie State so the office can continue to be open and operational on Fridays.
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REFUGE FOR WOMEN

$8,000

TRANSITIONAL SHELTER & AFTERCARE FOR WOMEN SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL TRAFFICKING/EXPLOITATION

Refuge for Women provides safe, holistic, long-term aftercare for women who have escaped sexual trafficking/exploitation. We focus on physical/mental healing, addiction recovery, and career preparation, so clients can live lives marked with dignity. This grant was funded by an anonymous Fund held at the Foundation.
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ROSECRANCE FOUNDATION

$5,000

ARTS, ANIMALS AND ADVENTURES (AAA)

Arts, Animals and Adventures, an experiential therapy program offered to low-income youth with behavior disorders, combines group therapy with fun and engaging excursions such as animal therapy, ropes courses and a nature playground.
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SAMARITAN COUNSELING CENTER

$7,500

TELE-BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PLATFORM FOR MOBILITY-CHALLENGED, COLLEGE STUDENTS, TRAVELERS AND OTHERS

This project will launch Samaritan’s entry into the tele-behavioral health arena in the Northwest suburbs. Ten therapists are ready to deliver services via technology, with funding supporting set-up, training, subscription and support.
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SENIOR CARE VOLUNTEER NETWORK

$5,000

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOAN CLOSET SUPPORT

SCVN currently has no advanced inventory system for our medical equipment loans. We can get free inventory software, but we need funding to purchase the additional equipment and supplies to complete the project.

This grant was funded by the Belle Allen Fund held at the Foundation.
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SENIOR SERVICES ASSOCIATES, INC.

$10,000

CARE COORDINATION SUPPORT SERVICES POSITION

This position will complete client intake, place calls for services and follow up with clients to ensure services are in place. The position will enable Care Coordinators to see more seniors and provide more timely, enhanced services for the client.
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TRANSITIONAL LIVING SERVICES

COMFORTS OF HOME FOR VETERANS

$20,000

TLS Veterans operates a social enterprise program; the sale of items allow for the hire of veterans to deliver donated furniture and household items to vets in need. The funds are for a trailer and hourly payments to a veteran team to deliver.
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TURNING POINT, INC.

$15,500

RAPID REHOUSING PROGRAM FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Funds would support Turning Point’s new Rapid Rehousing Program which serves domestic violence victims of limited financial resources. We offer short-term financial assistance in the form of rent primarily, and when necessary, utility expenses, etc.
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Arts & Culture, Education, Environment

In spring 2019, the Foundation awarded over $231,000 to programs focusing on the areas of Arts, Education, Environment, and Economic Development.

BERNIE’S BOOK BANK

$5,000

BERNIE’S BOOK BANK

Using sound business and logistics, Bernie’s Book Bank sources, processes and distributes quality new and gently used children’s books to greatly increase book ownership among at-risk infants, toddlers and school-age children throughout Chicagoland.
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BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF MCHENRY COUNTY, INC.

$12,000 Funded by James and Karlen Cooney Family Fund

AFTERSCHOOL MENTORING EXPANSION: HANNAH BEARDSLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL

Launch an afterschool mentoring program at a Crystal Lake middle school in which high-achieving teens help shape a child’s future by empowering them to achieve classroom success, increased self-esteem and better interpersonal skills.
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CITY OF WOODSTOCK

$14,679

GROWING WOODSTOCK'S COMMUNITY GREENS

The City's Environmental Commission is developing and will manage the community's first rentable garden space for residents to grow fresh, healthy, economical food items. Educational programs and charitable food donations are part of the mission.

This grant was funded by an anonymous family fund held at the Foundation.
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CLEARBROOK

$1,875

CHOICE NATURALLY GIFTED

The purpose of Clearbrook's CHOICE Naturally Gifted project is to offer vocational enrichment and hands-on vocational skills training to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) through a 12 week curriculum.
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THE BREAK – CRYSTAL LAKE TEEN CENTER

$5,500

DEVELOPMENT COACHING

The BREAK has contacted a consultant for help with development and fundraising. It is a six-month plan that includes on-site evaluation, assessment of current fundraising strategy and collaboration and training with staff.
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CULTURE, ARTS & MUSIC

$5,000

PERFORMANCE AREA AT CULTURE, ARTS & MUSIC

Culture, Arts & Music will purchase materials for building a stage and stage lighting to create a true performance area for their students and audience.

This grant was funded by the Ruth Frejd Memorial Fund held at the Foundation.
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ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENDERS FOR MCHENRY COUNTY

$12,000

ROADSIDE PRAIRIE HABITAT FOR POLLINATORS

This project will help McHenry Township Road District (MTRD) expand pollinator plantings along township roads. Funding will provide for an additional six miles of pollinator habitat to be planted along roads in the northeastern part of the township.

This grant was funded by the Community Works Endowment Fund held at the Foundation.
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ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENDERS FOR MCHENRY COUNTY

$3,200

POLYSTYRENE POLLUTION REDUCTION PROGRAM

The Defenders will continue keeping polystyrene - a long-lasting plastic composed of the toxic chemical styrene - out of our waste stream and away from our watersheds and land for the health of all, with help from a group of partners and volunteers.
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FARMWORKER AND LANDSCAPER ADVOCACY PROJECT

$5,000

COMMUNITY LEGAL EDUCATION MATERIAL DISTRIBUTION-HUMAN LABOR TRAFFICKING-WAGE THEFT TARGETING LATINAS

FLAP proposes to expand its offerings for low-income Latinos in McHenry County by not only offering another year of community legal education, but by offering education programs for area Latino women.

This grant was funded by the Christine and Donald Schellhaass Family Fund held at the Foundation.
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FREE GUITARS FOR FUTURE STARS

$2,500

SUMMER GUITAR CAMP

To take our graduating students to the next level, Free Guitars for Future Stars will host a week long "Summer Camp". Students will work on a variety of projects including, live performance, guitar construction and repair, songwriting, and recording.
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FRIENDS OF MORAINE HILLS STATE PARK

$7,000

DUAL WILDLIFE VIEWING STATION LOCATED ON THE FOX RIVER AT THE MCHENRY DAM

Purchase and install a dual wildlife viewing station at the Moraine Hills State Park McHenry Dam site on the Fox River. The non-coin operated station will have two binocular viewers, one of which is wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant.
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HARVARD BROADCASTING

$5,000

HCR ROCKS

Harvard Community Radio (HCR) will use grant monies to purchase four computers, four wireless headsets, Sam Broadcasting software and an FM transmitter. These items are necessary to keep us functioning as a Low Power FM radio station.
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HUNTLEY COMMUNITY RADIO

$5,000

FUND AND IMPLEMENT NEW EQUIPMENT TO REPLACE END-OF-LIFE WORKSTATIONS, FILE SERVER, AND FM EQUIPMENT

Some broadcasting equipment, our station file server, and all computer workstations MUST be replaced to avoid component failure and to restore operational efficiency. They have been in daily operation since August 2012, well beyond their end-of-life.
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INDEPENDENCE HEALTH & THERAPY

$1,500

DEMENTIA EDUCATION FOR COMMUNITIES

The Independence Health & Therapy program manager will conduct an hour-long dementia-friendly training with Huntley businesses and agencies. Education will cover facts about what dementia is and how to communicate with someone with dementia.
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JUDSON UNIVERSITY

$5,000

RISE PROGRAM

The RISE program at Judson University aims to provide students, aged 18-25, with intellectual disabilities, the college experience to prepare them for independent living and customized employment.
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LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF ILLINOIS

$5,000

GABLE POINT SENIOR HOUSING ART AND CRAFTS THERAPY

We want to provide art and crafts therapy for a year to give seniors the ability to restore, maintain, and improve social functioning, mental processing, and physical health. A local art therapist, "Muse Art", will come to Gable Point twice a month.
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MARENGO COMMUNITY RADIO

$2,500

UPDATE AUDIO AND TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT

Purchase microphones for remote broadcasts, especially Marengo City Council meetings, to improve the quality of the broadcast for those who cannot attend meetings. Purchase audio processor to boost signal and cut interference from other stations.
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MCHENRY COUNTY FARM BUREAU

$10,000

MCHENRY COUNTY AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Our goal is to fully fund McHenry County’s Ag in the Classroom program. To do this we plan to write grants and step up our fundraising efforts.
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MCSEEP

$6,000

MCHENRY COUNTY SCHOOLS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

In 2017, the organization was awarded funds to develop a pre-school program and to hold a workshop for pre-school teachers. This was a success and there is a call to expand the program to additional schools and to expand into the high school.
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MCSEEP

$6,500

MEASURING MCHENRY COUNTY WATER QUALITY THROUGH CITIZEN SCIENCE

Working with the McHenry County Schools Environmental Education Program, the Environmental Defenders and the Water Resource Specialist from the county, teachers and students will learn how to sample groundwater and surface water for chlorides.
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NEW DIRECTIONS ADDICTION RECOVERY SERVICES

$15,000

THE OTHER SIDE PROJECT

NDARS is in need of support for our substance use recovery community center "The Other Side". In order to offer educational events to the community at no charge we are requesting support for volunteer coordinator salary and facility overhead costs.
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NEW DIRECTIONS ADDICTION RECOVERY SERVICES

$6,000

THE OTHER SIDE EQUIPMENT UPDATES

NDARS would like to make necessary updates to "The Other Side" facility by adding a computer lab, updated presentation and A/V equipment, and making improvements to the community group meeting area.
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NORTHWEST COMMUNITY MUSIC ACADEMY

$12,500

ENCORE MUSIC ACADEMY YOUTH SUMMER MUSIC PROGRAMS

Youth Summer Music Programs welcome and challenge all levels of students. Funds will allow for professional musicians to work with students and increase tuition support to make programs more accessible to underserved families and broader audiences.
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NOT-FOR-PROFIT RESOURCES A.K.A. VOLUNTEER CENTER MCHENRY COUNTY

$14,611

TEN CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS FOR LOCAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Provide a minimum of ten Northern Illinois University nonprofit capacity building classes to McHenry County organizations, helping them to scale appropriately, develop leadership, and prepare for the future.
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OPENLANDS

$17,500

FURTHERING LAND PROTECTION THROUGHOUT HACKMATACK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Six sites (575 acres) from willing sellers have been identified for protection. Acquisition funding is secured, and Openlands is seeking support for transaction costs and staff time associated with this incredible opportunity to grow Hackmatack.
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RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

$10,000

TAKE A VET TO A SHOW

Our initiative is focused on serving the 10,000+ veterans in McHenry County by providing entertainment and socialization opportunities for veterans. Veterans will be partnered with or accompany pre-selected audience members to attend a show.

This grant was partially funded by the Tim Dooley Family Fund held at The Foundation.

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REFUGE FOR WOMEN

$6,000

EDUCATION (GED, COLLEGE CREDITS, PROFESSIONAL RE-CERTIFICATION) FOR SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL TRAFFICKING

RfW will assist our residents in expanding their individualized educational needs via online classes, GED courses/ tests, and program rectification so that they will be able to have greater career prospects, better stability, and more independence.

This grant was funded by an anonymous donor.
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TOWNSQUARE PLAYERS

$5,000

TOWNSQUARE PLAYERS SUMMER THEATRE WORKSHOP

The workshop is to provide affordable theatre education to youth, ages 11-18, in McHenry County. They will receive instruction in acting, singing, and dancing. In addition, students will learn basic elements of the technical aspects of production.

This grant was funded by James and Karlen Cooney Family Fund held at The Foundation.
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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION

$15,000

LOCAL FOODS SYSTEMS/SMALL FARM EDUCATOR

To hire a Local Foods System/Small Farm Educator with primary responsibility in developing a sustainable food production, marketing, delivery and evaluation system that support educational programs for McHenry Local Foods and Small Farms community.
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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION

$5,000

MCHENRY 4-H PROGRAM "I THINK GREEN"

Extension staff will implement "I Think Green" program that teaches youth how living things interact with each other and their environment using interactive, hands-on learning from four tracks: Worms, Butterflies, Insects, and Nature Detectives.
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WOODSTOCK FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION

$5,000

CREATIVE LIVING SPEAKERS SERIES 2019-2020

Bring six compelling, notable speakers to audiences who want to learn, be inspired and entertained. WFAA is attuned to mass culture, networks with past speakers and works to connect directly with speakers rather than through more costly agents.

This grant was funded by the Ruth Frejd Memorial Fund held at the Foundation.
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