Hunter Family Foundation

The foundation’s stated belief is that families should have equitable opportunities to learn, play, and grow together in their home communities. Its focus areas include early childhood, literacy and social-emotional learning, post-secondary pathways, healthcare access, food security, and environmental stewardship. Its materials also describe work on family supports, learning conditions, college and career navigation, systems improvement, access to nature, and community response.

The foundation emphasizes trust-based philanthropy, general operating support, advocacy and systems change, and community-driven work. It also describes collaboration through learning communities, community planning, co-investments, and cross-sector convening.

Its 2024 grants included organizations working in several of these areas. For example, Erie Family Health Center received a grant for HealthReach Waukegan; the center describes its mission as providing high-quality, affordable care to support healthier people, families, and communities. The College of Lake County Foundation received support for its apprenticeships program and describes its mission as opening doors to educational opportunity for Lake County residents. The Greater Chicago Food Depository and Northern Illinois Food Bank received general support; the former says its mission is to end hunger in Cook County, while the latter says it provides meals and access to nutritious food across thirteen counties. Ravinia Festival Association received support for CSO program sponsorship and the Hunter Pavilion; it describes itself as a nonprofit music festival presenting performances by leading artists.