Supporting local nonprofit organizations
serving Lake County's most vulnerable neighbors
Lake County’s health and human service organizations are experiencing an unprecedented demand for services from neighbors and communities significantly impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
It’s critical these organizations have the resources they need to continue to operate at the highest capacity.
Your donation will support the agencies that are ensuring our neighbors can access critical needs in this time of crisis, including emergency food assistance, rental and stable housing assistance, utility assistance, access to health care, and the many unforeseeable needs that are beginning to arise and are being identified through the 211 information and referral helpline.
About the Lake County
COVID-19 Community Response Fund
In collaboration with Lake County Government, Lake County Community Foundation, and Lake County Municipal League, United Way of Lake County launched the Lake County COVID-19 Community Response Fund to unite the funds raised by Lake County’s philanthropies, corporations and individuals to be disbursed to nonprofit organizations across the county.
As we are individually taking steps to protect our own families, workplaces and neighborhoods from the effects of the virus, let’s not forget the impact this will have on our neighbors. Missing paychecks, the inability to pay rent and utilities, and a lack of access to food and essential supplies are realities that many in our region will have to face in the coming weeks.
Please join us in supporting our neighbors across Lake County, Illinois!
In Partnership With
Thank you to our partners who have come together from philanthropy, government, and business to support our community through the Lake County COVID-19 Community Response Fund.
Lake County
COVID-19 Community Response Fund FAQs
- What will my donation support?
- Your donation will help provide increased access to emergency food and basic supplies, rent and mortgage assistance, utility assistance, and an increased ability to respond to emergency needs identified through the 211 information and referral helpline.
- Will all of the money donated go to the community?
- Yes. 100% of all donations will go directly to support services and supplies for those in need, other than a small credit card processing fee.
- What organizations will receive funds?
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We are already seeing a great strain on local health and human service providers. Based on the most pressing needs identified by 211 and with input from leading non-profits, we will prioritize funding to local non-profit agencies tasked with addressing the critical needs of people and families in our community during this COVID-19 outbreak and its consequences.
Funding decisions will be made by United Way of Lake County staff and volunteers with the Community Impact Council. They will review each application and select for funding organizations that best meet the identified needs. The distribution for the week of March 30 will focus on the provision of Emergency Food and Shelter. As grants are awarded, we will post them on this page.
For assistance finding food, shelter, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help. 211 is available 24/7.
- Can I designate my donation to a specific organization?
- The Lake County COVID-19 Community Response Fund is a general fund to support those most in need. The fund was created in order to move resources quickly based on identified needs and to adapt to evolving needs in subsequent funding phases. We encourage you to give directly to any specific health and human service providers you would like to support.
- How does my organization apply for funding?
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Funding will be distributed in several segments throughout the COVID-19 crisis as we receive it. Funding will be announced on this website. Please check back often as the focus of the distributions will change and the deadlines will be tight. The distribution for the week of March 30 will focus on the provision of Emergency Food and Shelter. Only 501(c)3 non-profit organizations actively meeting this need at the present time should apply. Funding must serve Lake County residents only. A total of $25,000 is available for this distribution.
Organizations eligible to apply should submit a one-page application containing the following information:
- Name of organization, and name and contact information for the person responsible for this program.
- One paragraph summary of the program meeting the identified need of Emergency Food and Shelter.
- 1-2 paragraphs on how this program has changed to address the increasing/changing needs of individuals impacted by COVID-19.
- Amount of request and what will be provided for this request.
- Number of people to be served.
- Geographic area served by this program.
This funding request is due by 4:00 p.m. Monday, March 30 and should be emailed to Robin Bultman at robin.bultman@uwlakeco.org. Because of the quick moving nature of this proposal process, no late submissions will be considered.
If you have questions about this request for proposal, contact Michelle Crombie at michelle.crombie@uwlakeco.org.
The next distribution is set for the week of April 6. Details to be announced by April 3 on this website.
- Can an individual or family apply for resources from the Fund?
- While the fund is not able to provide grants to individuals or families, we will be funding community-based non-profits that have experience and a history of providing people and families with health and human services and support. If you are looking for available resources, please consider calling 211 or texting your zip code to 898211.
- What are the most current updates regarding the impacts of COVID-19 in Lake County?
- Visit the following for accurate, reliable and up-to-date information: Lake County Health Department & Community Health Center website; the Illinois Department of Public Health website and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
To receive general information about coronavirus via text message, text "COVID19" to 211211.
Contact 211 to Connect with Available Community Services
QUESTIONS?
- General questions & inquiries about the Fund can be directed to United Way of Lake County’s COVID-19 Community Response Fund Processing Center at help@uwlakeco.org
- For interested donors, please contact United Way of Lake County’s VP of Resource Development Quinton Snodgrass at quinton.snodgrass@uwlakeco.org
- For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Lori Nerheim at lori.nerheim@uwlakeco.org or Arin Thrower at athrower@lakecountyil.gov
- To make a donation by stock, wire transfer or other assets, please contact United Way of Lake County’s VP of Resource Development Quinton Snodgrass at quinton.snodgrass@uwlakeco.org or 847-775-1046
- To pay by check, please note “COVID-19 Community Response Fund” on the check and make checks payable to United Way of Lake County. Please mail to United Way of Lake County, 330 Greenleaf Street, Gurnee, IL 60031
United Way of Lake County is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit. EIN: 36-2167949.
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