As part of an ongoing effort to shine a spotlight on the many nonprofits, organizations, partnerships, foundations and philanthropies that are working together and investing in Lake County to strengthen the community and position it for long-term success, we have invited our friends at the Lake County Community Foundation to discuss how they help support local business and talent. This is the first in a series of ongoing blog posts highlighting the Lake County Community Foundation.
The Lake County Community Foundation (LCCF) was established in 2003 to improve the quality of life for those who live and work in Lake County by mobilizing resources, building partnerships and supporting innovative solutions to pressing community needs. More than two decades later, LCCF continues to transform our community through our service as a convener, connector and catalyst for positive change throughout the region.
“Since our founding, we have worked to build a sustainable model for collective philanthropy in Lake County,” says LCCF’s Executive Director, Maggie Morales. “With over $25 million in assets and more than $15 million invested into local nonprofits, LCCF has played a vital role in supporting organizations that directly impact the quality of life for Lake County residents.”
As a cross-sector coordinator, LCCF leverages its connections to drive strategic investments and foster innovative partnerships. “Our role goes beyond grantmaking,” Morales explains. “We serve as a hub for knowledge-sharing, bringing together nonprofits, businesses, policymakers and community leaders to address critical issues such as community crisis relief, social support services, gaps in economic development, community wealth-building, workforce development and health equity.”
In recent years, LCCF has taken bold steps to expand its reach and enhance its impact and in the next year will conclude its Campaign for a Thriving Lake County, a five-year $16M initiative to anchor LCCF as a permanent charitable resource for Lake County. “The campaign has allowed for exciting growth. It has increased our capacity to launch and accelerate programs such as the Small Business Growth Initiative (SBGI), strengthened our network of philanthropic partners, expanded offerings and services for local funders and increased our community leadership and collective impact work,” explains Morales.
LCCF’s success is deeply rooted in its ability to foster collaboration among donors, businesses, and nonprofits. “Through our funding priorities, we intend to ensure that all residents have access to resources, opportunities and pathways to success. By harnessing the power of endowments, donor-advised funds and other philanthropic tools, we ensure that charitable resources stay here in Lake County and continue to grow and evolve to meet the emerging needs of our community,” Morales shares.
In 2024 alone, LCCF awarded over $1 million in grants to support nonprofits tackling food insecurity, affordable housing, early childhood education, workforce training programs and more. “It’s not just about writing checks—it’s about building sustainability and creating systems, in partnership with many community stakeholders, that allow our community to thrive long-term,” notes Morales.
Many businesses have joined the Foundation’s mission by contributing to endowments, or “forever funds,” participating in volunteer opportunities and exploring how their Corporate Social Responsibility strategies align with LCCF’s key initiatives. “Corporations and businesses are a crucial part of Lake County’s ecosystem,” Morales shares. “When our businesses invest in their local communities, and by extension, the well-being of their workforce, Lake County becomes stronger.”
As LCCF looks ahead, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to being a trusted steward of charitable resources. “Lake County’s needs will continue to evolve, and so will we,” shares Morales. “We are committed to ensuring that philanthropy remains a powerful force for good—today, tomorrow and for generations to come.”