Guidelines

The Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County (HFNLC) invests in organizations and initiatives that improve health and well-being for residents in northern Lake County, Illinois. Our funding strategy is built around three complementary pillars that address both immediate community health needs and the systems and leadership that sustain long-term impact.

Each pillar reflects our belief in trust-based philanthropy, cross-sector collaboration, and community-driven solutions to advance health equity.

HFNLC awards both single-year and multi-year grants that support programs and activities serving residents in northern Lake County.

3 Funding Pillars

Pillar 1: General Program and Operating Grants

This pillar supports organizations providing direct services and programs that address health and social determinants of health (SDOH). Funding may be used for program or general operating purposes to strengthen an organization’s ability to deliver coordinated, comprehensive care.

Examples of eligible activities include:

Clinical and behavioral health services
Health education and prevention programs
Care coordination and linkage to care
Programs that address SDOH, such as food access, income and employment, and community engagement
Scholarships that promote healthcare workforce development

Grant Details

Grant awards typically range from $20,000 to $100,000, with potential adjustments based on community need and available resources.
Both single-year and multi-year grants (1–3 years) may be awarded. Multi-year funding is at the discretion of the Foundation and is typically reserved for long-standing grantee partners with a strong performance history. Organizations interested in multi-year consideration should discuss this with HFNLC staff prior to applying.
Smaller grant sizes may be piloted for grassroots or emerging organizations.

Purpose of this pillar:
To reduce barriers to care, promote health equity, and strengthen the local safety net by supporting the full operational and programmatic needs of health-serving organizations.
Pillar 2: Impact Grants
Impact Grants fund special initiatives that promote prevention, system improvement, and community-level change. These grants are designed to address the root causes of poor health outcomes and strengthen the systems that shape community well-being.

Examples of eligible initiatives include:
- Efforts that improve coordination across health and human service systems
- Environmental or infrastructure projects that support prevention and wellness
- Cross-sector initiatives addressing SDOH, such as transportation, housing, food systems, or workforce development
- Collaborative planning or pilot projects that test new approaches to community health and wellbeing
Grant Details
- These initiatives often begin with a learning or planning phase before full grantmaking begins to ensure alignment, shared understanding, and readiness among participating partners.
- Applications are solicited through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process or by invitation to ensure alignment with HFNLC’s strategic priorities.
Purpose of this pillar:
To catalyze innovative, system-level solutions that advance health equity and create lasting structural change.
Pillar 3: Leadership Development and Capacity Building
This pillar invests in the people, organizations, and networks that drive community health improvement. Funding supports leadership growth, organizational effectiveness, and coalition or network development.

Examples of eligible activities include:
- Training and mentorship for emerging or established leaders
- Organizational development and strategic planning
- Technology, data, or infrastructure improvements
- Network or coalition coordination and capacity support
- Special initiatives such as Giving Tuesday Matching Grants, or Endowment Matching Grants
Grant Details
- Leadership and capacity-building grants are generally awarded annually, though multi-year awards may be considered for broad network initiatives.
- Organizations may receive only one individual capacity grant every three years to ensure equitable access.
- Giving Tuesday Matching Grants and Endowment Matching Grants are awarded in alignment with separate eligibility guidelines (based on available funds).
Purpose of this pillar:
To build a sustainable and innovative nonprofit sector led by capable, connected, and community-grounded leaders.

Eligibility and General Requirements

To be eligible for HFNLC funding, organizations must:

Be a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization or a public agency serving northern Lake County residents.
Align with HFNLC’s mission and commitment to improving health and well-being.
Demonstrate capacity to deliver high-quality, equitable services.
Agree that HFNLC funds are used exclusively for programs in northern Lake County.

HFNLC prioritizes proposals that:

Advance health equity and address disparities
Incorporate community voice and participation
Foster collaboration across sectors
Demonstrate measurable outcomes and a plan for sustainability

Multi-Year and Funding Policies

HFNLC may award single-year or multi-year grants (up to three years). All program-funded organizations must observe the Foundation’s five-year funding policy, which includes a one-year break after five consecutive years of funding for the same program.

How to Apply

Grant application cycles and deadlines are announced on the HFNLC Grants page. Some funding opportunities—such as Impact Grants—are available only through targeted RFPs or invitation.

For more information about eligibility or upcoming opportunities, contact Angela Baran, Senior Director of Community Impact Programs at [email protected].