GURNEE – United Way of Lake County announced that $535,000 has been raised so far for the Lake County COVID-19 Community Response Fund to support local nonprofits providing urgent resources for Lake County neighbors in need.
The fund recently received major gifts of $100,000 from The Baxter International Foundation and $100,000 from First Midwest Bank in support of the effort.
These gifts combined with early support of $40,000 from Trustmark, $25,000 each from Medline Industries and Takeda Pharmaceutical, $20,000 from The Julian Grace Foundation, $15,000 from United Conveyor Corporation, and $10,000 from RoundTable Healthcare Partners are making a big impact in the community.
In addition to support from corporations and philanthropies, more than 400 individuals have contributed to the fund with gifts ranging from $10 to $5,000.
Kristi Long, president and CEO of United Way of Lake County, expressed her deep admiration and appreciation for the donations.
“I’m thrilled, but not surprised, by the generosity of our amazing Lake County neighbors. We’re proud United Way can be the channel through which their donations reach the people who need it most,” she said.
The fund is aimed at meeting critical needs, such as emergency food and shelter, rent and utility assistance, essential basic needs for children and families, and other emerging needs identified through Lake County’s 211 help line. In less than four weeks, United Way has disbursed two fund installments totaling $213,262 to 14 local nonprofit organizations.
A third grant opportunity recently was announced for nonprofits or IRS 170 townships actively meeting the needs of seniors and those providing critical behavioral and mental health services for children and families in this time of crisis.
Needs continue to outpace available funding. There was more than $620,000 in grant requests for the last funding cycle.
For information about the Lake County COVID-19 Community Response Fund, or to donate, visit www.liveunitedlakecounty.org/covid19.