The Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) was established to create and grow a permanent endowment fund. Its mission is to support and enhance the services of social service, cultural, educational, and environmental agencies in Highland Park and Highwood, and to foster the early development of new and innovative programs.
The HPCF Annual Grants aim to address unmet needs within five main categories: education, human services, services for individuals with disabilities, senior services, and the creative and cultural arts. While funding is generally allocated to specific programs and services, exceptions for operational expenses may be made in extraordinary cases. Annual Grant amounts range from $1,000 to $50,000, based on available funds and the specifics of each request. First-time grant recipients typically receive $1,000 to $3,000. The application process requires prior approval for new applicants and those not awarded a grant in the past three years.