Established in 1980 with a mission to generate resources that enhance the programming of the University of Illinois Extension serving northern Illinois’ Lake and McHenry Counties, the Lake County Extension Foundation supports the research, educational programming, and community outreach of the University of Illinois and University of Illinois Extension. However, the Foundation operates as an independent nonprofit organization governed by its own Board of Directors. The Foundation maintains its own policies, procedures, bylaws, tax identification number, and Articles of Incorporation, and functions separately from the University of Illinois and the Extension Office while working in partnership to advance Extension’s mission in Lake County and throughout the service region which includes the addition of McHenry County.
Extension bridges the gap between university research and the public by delivering educational programs that address real community needs. Through the Cooperative Extension System, individuals, families, farmers, and communities gain access to research-based knowledge that helps them solve problems, develop practical skills, and create positive change locally. This partnership model ensures that the latest university discoveries are translated into real-world solutions that strengthen communities, support agriculture, improve environmental stewardship, and expand opportunities for youth and lifelong learning through programs such as 4-H, Master Gardeners, and community education initiatives.
What is the University of Illinois Extension?
While all universities engage in research and teaching, the nation’s 112 Land-grant Universities and Colleges, including Historically Black Land-grant Universities and Tribal Colleges, have a third critical mission: Extension.
Extension bridges the gap between university research and the public by delivering educational programs that address community needs. Through the Cooperative Extension System (CES), individuals gain the tools and knowledge to solve problems, develop skills, and create positive change in their communities.
Extension’s Mission in Lake and McHenry Counties
The University of Illinois Extension focuses on empowering individuals to improve their lives and communities through dynamic learning partnerships. With programs tailored to local needs, our team works across diverse areas, including food access, youth development, and wellness education.
What Extension Does
Enhancing Food Access
Food insecurity affects communities throughout Illinois. University of Illinois Extension works alongside youth, volunteers, community organizations, and local partners to strengthen food access through education, service, and community-based initiatives.
In 2024, 17 Extension-supported food-producing gardens donated 34,018 pounds of fresh produce to local food pantries, helping provide locally grown, nutritious food to individuals and families in need.
4-H Ambassador Program
Recognizing gaps in college and career readiness, the Lake and McHenry County 4-H Ambassador program equips youth with leadership and life skills while fostering personal and community growth. This initiative prepares participants for success by promoting confidence, communication, and collaboration.
Community Nutrition Education
University of Illinois Extension has long helped individuals and families build the knowledge and practical skills needed to make healthy choices, stretch food dollars, improve food literacy, and incorporate wellness and physical activity into everyday life.
As federal and state funding structures change, some of this work can no longer rely on the federal resources that historically supported programs such as SNAP-Ed. The Lake County Extension Foundation is committed to helping Extension sustain and develop locally responsive approaches to community nutrition education, healthy food literacy, wellness, and practical skills for healthier communities.
Through charitable giving, community partnerships, grants, and other private resources, the Foundation can help support community-based nutrition and wellness initiatives that respond to the needs of Lake and McHenry County residents while allowing Extension to adapt programs as funding sources, community needs, and public policy evolve.
In 2024, more than 1,200 individuals ranging in age from 5 to 76 participated in SNAP-Ed programming, demonstrating the reach and importance of nutrition education within our communities. As that federal funding model changes, the Foundation seeks to help preserve the impact of this work through locally supported initiatives for the future.
Join Us to Support Extension!
At the Lake County Extension Foundation, we believe in the power of education to create stronger, healthier communities. Whether you're interested in volunteering, supporting our events or Extension’s programs, or learning more about what we and Extension do, we welcome you to connect with us and be part of our mission to empower local communities.