What we do at LCOE
We provide access and opportunity for all Lake County public school students without burdening the taxpayer

What We Do

Learning takes a backseat when students come to school hungry, without weather-appropriate clothing, or without school supplies. They may be too distracted to focus or too embarrassed to show up at all.

At the Lake County Regional Office of Education Foundation (LCROEF), we remove these barriers so students across Lake County, Illinois, can be ready to learn. We work hand-in-hand with local school districts, families, and community partners to provide essentials. Because when students’ basic needs are met, they can thrive in the classroom—and in life.

We believe that a properly structured foundation can:

  • Make public education more accessible without burdening the taxpayer.
  • Function as a wellbeing and inclusion initiative.
  • Allow the school district to keep the foundation consistent with it’s vision and values.

We believe it is incumbent upon a school foundation to:

  • Create a culture of philanthropy within the district, including parents, staff, and suppliers.
  • Develop & support programs whose goals result in public education becoming more accessible.
  • Maintain the dignity of it’s beneficiaries.

Consistency works. We recommend:

  • Your foundation should incorporate as a 509(a)(3) non-profit organization.
  • The majority of funds raised should be allocated to programs that will help students arrive at school ready to learn.
  • Develop and monitor metrics that will measure program progress.

Membership to Foundation Articulation Council.

Join the Foundation Articulation Council 

Membership benefits offer support from experts and peers within Lake County. Gain access to & collaborate in creating shared Ready to Learn Programs, Fundraising Programs and Metrics Program to benchmark with peers and measure success.

Foundation in a Box.

What's Inside?

A clear roadmap and customized tools to help you: 

  • Establish or revitalize your district’s foundation
  • Set up board structures and fundraising plans
  • Navigate legal and financial requirements
  • Launch communications, events, and donor outreach
  • Learn best practices for foundation leadership and sustainability

Concierge Services.

Executive Director & Support

Every school district is unique. Populations vary in size, demographics, budgets & participation. We offer support to whatever needs arise for Executive Directors. Support is flexible & available virtually or in-person. We offer physical meeting & shared office space.

Next Step Grant

Public school students continue to have wants or needs after graduating high school. Whether that next step is college, trade or vocational school, becoming a first responder, or joining the Armed Services the Lake County Regional Office of Education Foundation is ready to help with the Next Step grant.  The grant will be awarded to public high school districts in Lake County. 

When the program is fully funded, every high school in Lake County will be eligible. No application will be necessary. Until then, priority will be given to those high schools with the highest percentage of students who qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch program.
 

Fill the Gap

A Next Step program

When urgent needs arise, LCROEF steps in to help. Through our Fill the Gap program, we provided direct support for Lake and Cook county students who abruptly found themselves without anticipated college tuition assistance. The generosity of local foundations allowed us to help over 500 students at 103 colleges and universities.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

LCROEF proudly partners with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to give young children across Lake County a strong start. Through this program, children from birth to age five receive free, high-quality books each month—building early literacy skills, nurturing a love of reading, and setting the foundation for lifelong learning. Join us by registering today.

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