Quarterly News & Updates

May, 2025

Congratulations to our 2025 Grant Recipients!

We are thrilled to share that an impressive 52 organizations spanning various sectors – including arts, education, senior care, mental health, environmental issues, human services, food insecurity, healthcare, nonprofit support and volunteering and youth services – participated in our 2025 grant application cycle! With a total request of $858,119, it’s heartwarming to see such a wide array of community needs being addressed.

At our annual Awards Breakfast on May 7, held at the Barrington White House, BACF proudly awarded a total of $433,000, reinforcing our commitment to making a meaningful impact in the Barrington area. This year's collaboration award recipient, Bright Birthdays, whose inspiring mission to provide birthday bags for underprivileged children showcases the power of partnership, having worked alongside local organizations like Barrington Giving Days and WINGS.

We are grateful for the dedication and hard work of all the organizations involved, and we invite our community to stay connected for future updates on the wonderful programs funded by these grants. We look forward to gathering again in the fall to continue fostering collaboration and support within our vibrant Barrington community!

Photos: Linda M. Barrett Productions

Click here for a full list of award recipients

The Arts in Barrington Are Growing—And You’re Helping Make It Happen

Each year through our grants process, the Barrington Area Community Foundation (BACF) gets a unique, bird’s-eye view of Barrington’s arts scene—who’s creating, performing, and teaching, how it enriches our community, and what it takes to bring these experiences to life.

This year, one theme stood out across our grant applications: the arts in Barrington are not only expanding—they’re deepening.

In fact, 28% of BACF’s 2025 grant dollars are going to support arts and culture, across three key areas:

Nurturing Creativity and Excellence

We’re supporting beloved local institutions that spark creativity and cultivate artistic growth in both kids and adults:

Kaleidoscope School of Fine Art

Barrington Children’s Choir

Barrington Dance Ensemble

Bringing the Best to Barrington

We’re helping two established cultural organizations bring their high-quality programming into our community:

Elgin Symphony Orchestra

Encore Music Academy

Investing in Cultural Venues

This year grants will go to three place-making nonprofits—each offering a distinct venue, size, and style of programming that enriches Barrington's cultural landscape:

Barrington’s White House – A beautiful, intimate setting for performances, readings, and exhibitions.

Parker Players Theater – An innovative black box theater with 100 seats and a strong reputation for quality.

Catlow 1927 Foundation – The restoration of our iconic 500+ seat village theater, poised to become a home for films, larger performances, and events currently not possible in Barrington.

Your donations are directly fueling this cultural expansion. Thanks to you – and the dedication of people in each arts organization – for Barrington’s evolution as a thriving hub for the arts.

Donate to BACF

You're Invited:

BACF Annual Fundraising Dinner & Auction

Monday, June 2 at

Biltmore Country Club

Join us for a memorable evening of dinner, community, and giving back—at the only annual fundraising event hosted by the Barrington Area Community Foundation. Enjoy a festive night featuring a delicious meal, spirited conversation, and an exciting live auction, all in support of addressing unmet needs in the Barrington community.

🍽️ Dinner-only tickets — reserve your spot today!

All proceeds help grow the BACF endowment and deepen our local impact.

This year’s live auction features exclusive experiences, including:

🎤 A private suite for 22 (!) at Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism tour at the United Center

🌴 A 4-night stay in a luxury villa at one of Exclusive Resorts’ premier destinations

🍷 A rare 3-bottle set from Vérité Vineyards plus a private tasting for four in Healdsburg

🍾 The coveted Instant Wine Cellar & Spirits collection, curated by BACF leaders

⚾ Two W Club tickets for the Cubs vs. Mariners game on Friday, June 20

⛳ Limited golf foursomes still available—for those looking to hit the links before dinner!

Let’s make this our most impactful event yet. We can’t wait to see you there!

RSVP Here

YAC Spring Turnabout Dance and Fundraiser

BACF's Youth Advisory Council (YAC) once again hosted a successful “Masquerade” themed Turnabout Dance/Fundraiser at Barrington High School.

Through ticket sales, funds donated by BHS students, and the support of amazing corporate and individual sponsors, YAC raised over $10,000!

The Youth Advisory Council, made up of BHS students, supports BHS’ Barrington One Fund, which provides financial assistance to District 220 students to be able to participate in school activities (sports, band, field trips, etc.).

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