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Highland Park Foundation awards $132K
Updated: January 9, 2013 1:01PM
HIGHLAND PARK — The Highland Park Community Foundation awarded a record $132,000 in grants and scholarships to 24 agencies in Highland Park and Highwood during 2012.
The foundation hopes to increase its endowment to allow the foundation to offer $150,000 in assistance annually.
The foundation is stepping up its appeals on behalf of Highland Park and Highwood agencies, noting that between governmental cuts and reductions in funding from previously reliable sources, it is becoming more difficult than ever to make ends meet.
At the same time, many of the agencies have seen the need for service increases during the economic downturn.
“We have a dual focus on cultural needs and agencies that work in Highland Park and Highwood that benefit our residents most at risk. Oftentimes, these are the members of our society who live or work right next door and need our help the most,” said Andy Livingston, foundation chairman.
Founded in 1992, the Highland Park Community Foundation’s endowment has grown to $2.5 million. The foundation has set a goal of increasing its endowment to $3 million.
Agencies that received funds in 2012, in alphabetical order, are the Anixter Center; the Art Center of Highland Park; Big Brothers/Big Sisters; Catholic Charities; College Bound Opportunities; East on Central; Estudiante to Student; Family Network; Family Service, Bilingual Counseling; Family Service, Nuestro Center; Focus on the Arts; Friendship Circle; Golden Apple and the Highland Park Community Nursery School.
Other recipients were the Digitized Media Center of the Highland Park Library; the Homework Club at HPHS; the JCYS; Midwest Young Artists; Music Institute of Chicago, Highland Park Campus; National Hispanic Leadership at HPHS; Pilgrim Players; Sunday Soccer, Swim & Dance Program at HPHS; South Lake County Faith in Action; Tri-Con and the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center.
More information, including how to donate, can be found by visiting the website, www.hpcommunityfoundation.com. Donations also can be mailed to the Highland Park Community Foundation, P.O. Box 398, Highland Park, IL 60035.
