Quarterly News & Updates

Winter, 2026

New Year, New Look!

We are thrilled to invite you to explore our newly refreshed website. Our marketing committee has worked tirelessly to create a vibrant and intuitive design that not only elevates user interaction but also embodies our dedication to transparency and accessibility for potential donors. With updated graphics and imagery, we aim to provide a visually pleasing experience that fosters deeper connections within our community. The streamlined grant cycle information is designed to empower local organizations, enabling them to navigate funding opportunities with greater ease and efficiency. We encourage you to delve into our new site and discover how you can contribute to BACF's mission of addressing the unmet needs in our community. Together, we can make a meaningful impact!

Visit our New Website

Important Grant Application Dates

Grant Applications Extended Deadline

January 23, 2026

Grant Primary Interviews

February 1 – March 31, 2026

Grant Second Interviews

April 10 & 11, 2026

Village of South Barrington - Rose Hall

30 S. Barrington Rd

South Barrington, IL 60010

Grant Awards Breakfast

May 6, 2026

Barrington White House

145 W. Main Street

Barrington, IL 60010

Grant Update

Our grant application cycle has officially come to a close. We are so excited to have 50 applications submitted, many of which are first time applicants.

Grant committee members will be partnered with applicants to be interviewed. Extensive documentation review along with one on one interviews, when possible at the location of the organization, will be taking place throughout February and March.

From there, organizations with a larger award request will continue to a second interview with the entire committee present where more in depth questions can be asked and more detailed information regarding everything from financials to programs goals will be discussed in greater detail.

We are excited to begin the vetting process and thank all of the organizations for their time and service to the community.

Visit our Dashboard

Board Member Spotlight:

With gratitude to James Fitzgerald

We raise a glass to Board Member Jim Fitzgerald, along with colleague Laurel Stewart, for nearly three decades of service and management of BACF’s day to day financial affairs. Jim announced his retirement from the board about three years ago and we knew we had some big shoes to fill. The “Dynamic Duo” of Jim and Laurel did so many different tasks and thankfully will still be available when questions arise. We look forward to their continued involvement at future BACF events.

2025 Annual President Society Dinner

Our annual dinner, dedicated to honoring and expressing heartfelt gratitude to our incredible donors and supporters, took place in December, creating a truly magical evening. The Biltmore Country Club transformed into a stunning winter wonderland, where guests indulged in a fabulous dinner while surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decor.

Beth Gallagher, the principal and founder of Emergent Philanthropy, LLC, was our guest speaker. Beth’s expertise in strategic philanthropy and her insights truly inspired us all.

Click the button below to the Quintessential Barrington article for more!

YAC chats with Quintessential Barrington!

BACF's Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) was featured in the January/February edition of Quintessential Barrington. From participating in the Cuba Township Food Drive to raising money for the Barrington One program, our high school YACsters make us proud all year!

Learn more about YAC through the perspective of two of our members, Henry Green, Senior at BHS and Lily Richmond, Junior at BHS!

Read about YAC in QB!

Golf Outing Photo Gallery

Save the Date for Golf!

Get ready to swing into action at the Barrington Area Community Foundation's 23rd Annual Golf Outing on June 1, 2026, at the picturesque Club at Wynstone! This isn't just another day on the greens—it's our sole fundraising extravaganza that supports local initiatives to address the unmet needs of the Barrington area community.

Picture this: you and your friends warming up, showcasing your putting prowess in a friendly contest, and indulging in a delicious lunch before hitting the fairways. As the sun sets, the fun continues with a dinner and both silent and live auctions featuring fabulous items and once-in-a-lifetime experiences just waiting for your bid!

So, grab those clubs, mark your calendars, and stay tuned for more details—let's make this event a hole-in-one!

Our Mission

The Mission of the Barrington Area Community Foundation is to address the unmet needs of the community.

The Barrington Area is the greater of the Barrington Area Council of Governments (five suburbs with Barrington in the name and Tower Lakes and Deer Park) and School District #220. Population is approximately 45,000.

Our Purpose

The purpose of the Barrington Area Community Foundation is to establish a permanent, long-term fund for the betterment of the community. The Foundation will use the annual proceeds to support initiatives that benefit the community and maintain our quality of life.

Ways to Give