First $2.6 Million In Community Investment Fund Grants Revealed

EVANSTON, IL — Seven community organizations in Lake and Cook counties have been awarded a combined $2.6 million as part of the first rounds of grants from NorthShore University HealthSystem.

The Evanston-based hospital group announced a $100 million commitment to a new Community Investment Fund earlier this year as part of its merger with Edward-Elmhurst Health, which has itself also pledged $100 million to its own such fund.

Grantees were chosen based upon their alignment with the objectives of the new fund, which include health equity, economic security and social determinants of health, NorthShore officials announced.

“These relationships will go far deeper than the funding," J.P. Gallagher, president and CEO of the merged entity, said in a release. "Our aim is to be a true catalyst for change—putting our talents, unique capabilities and resources to work by collaborating with likeminded local organizations for the benefit of our communities."

Edward-Elmhurst Health officials plan to solicit grant proposals and announce their first awards in coming months, according to NorthShore representatives.

The largest single grant — $682,000 — goes to Rosalind Franklin University’s Community Care Connection, which operates a mobile clinic that offers free medical screening services for low-income Lake County residents. The money will allow the North Chicago-based program to expand its hours, according to Lupe Rodriguez, director of community health engagement.

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In the next largest award, the Highwood Public Library and Community Center was awarded $578,000 to provide preventative health and mental health education, case management and counseling in English and Spanish to underserved families. The funding will allow the library to hire staff to conduct counseling, lead support groups and handle case management. Library staff will also be able to connect patrons with resources to increase their resiliency by managing mental health issues.

"In the Latino culture, mental health is stigmatized, preventing individuals from seeking the services they need," Executive Director Carmen Patlan said in a statement. "The Highwood Public Library & Community Center is a safe space where families feel comfortable expressing their needs and seeking the support necessary to overcome challenges. We are establishing best practices that reimagine what libraries can be to their communities."

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Highland Park Hospital President Gabrielle Cummings said in a statement that NorthShore's new fund will help the award-winning library build the trust it has established in the community and expand its outreach and service offerings.

“Our Community Investment Fund is built on the principle that the more we connect and invest in our communities, the better we all become,” Cummings said. “We aim to be a true catalyst for change—putting our talents, unique capabilities and resources to work by collaborating with local organizations, like Highwood Public Library, through creative partnerships for the benefit or our communities.”

In Evanston, the fund has committed $500,000 to The AUX, a community-owned hub of Black-owned businesses planned to open next year in a vacant factory at 2223 Washington St. With 12 anchor tenants, the program will create 30 jobs and increase access to health-related services. The fund also awarded $200,000 to support the launch of a workforce development partnership to encourage young people to pursue careers in healthcare. NorthShore's grant is being matched by the city's American Rescue Plan Act funds and a donation from the Finnegan Family Foundation.

Between Friends, a domestic violence support and education group that has operated for more than 35 years, was awarded $300,000 from the NorthShore community fund. The funding will allow it to expand its 24-hour helpline and counseling services, according to NorthShore.

The Friendship Center, a Northwest Side organization located near NorthShore Swedish Hospital that has helped those in need of food for a half-century, was awarded a $200,00 grant. The money will allow the group to increase its mobile outreach and enhance its facilities to create a pantry with less stigma.

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And Partners for Our Communities has gotten $116,300 in funding to increase access to resources for low-income and immigrant populations in the northwest suburbs. The organization has been a partner of Northwest Community Healthcare for decades and helps manage an all-inclusive community resource center at 1585 Rand Road in Palatine.

Gallagher, chief of the combined hospital group currently known as NorthShore – Edward Elmhurst Health, said there was much more to come from the community funds.

“Through an intentional model focused on impact, outcomes, engagement and partnership, we’re doubling down on what vibrant, community-connected care looks and feels like. The more we connect with and invest in our communities, the better we all become," Gallagher said. " We’re just getting started, and the potential is tremendous.”

Update: NorthShore Awards $4 Million To Local Groups In Second Round Of Community Investment Fund Grants