Quarterly News & Updates

September, 2025

Fall season welcomes our

2026 Grant Cycle

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our latest 2026 grant cycle, which presents an incredible opportunity to distribute a substantial $460,000 to our outstanding local nonprofits. This funding is not merely a financial resource; it serves as a vital catalyst for organizations within our beloved Barrington community to elevate their initiatives and make a significant difference by either initiating new programs or enhancing existing ones.

The Barrington Area Community Foundation (BACF), is deeply committed to the empowerment of our community, and we firmly believe that this funding can equip local non profit organizations to address pressing unmet needs and fill critical service gaps.

We invite ALL Grant Applicant Organizations to our workshop on November 6th at the Barrington White House. Whether you're a first time or experienced applicant, the evening is a great opportunity to review the process, network with fellow non-profit leaders and celebrate the start of another season!

Learn More

Important Grant Application Dates

Grant Workshop & Reception

November 6, 2025

Barrington White House

145 W. Main Street

Barrington, IL 60010

Grant Applications Open

December 1, 2025

Grant Applications Deadline

January 9, 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

Grantee Highlight:

Collaborative Award

Recipient Bright Birthdays!

Each year, the Barrington Area Community Foundation (BACF) proudly presents the Collaborative Award. Our 2025 recipient is Bright Birthdays! Bright Birthdays brings joy and celebration to children in need by providing Birthday Bags, each thoughtfully filled with items that families may struggle to afford.

Founded in 2021, their spirit of collaboration shines as Bright Birthdays partners with inspiring local nonprofits like Barrington Giving Day and WINGS as well as District 220, ensuring that these special moments reach as many families as possible.

In recognition of their impactful work, Bright Birthdays receives an additional $5,000, underscoring BACF's unwavering commitment to supporting innovative, community-driven solutions that enhance the welfare of our Barrington community.

Join us in celebrating this wonderful achievement and the collective efforts that make a difference in the lives of our children! Congratulations, Bright Birthdays!

Board Members in the News:

Congratulations OWL Award Recipient Ellaine Sambo-Reyther

Board Member and Past Grants Committee Chair, Ellaine Sambo-Reyther was named the OWL Recipient for Community Impact at the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce's 8th Annual Outstanding Women Leaders (OWL) Awards Luncheon, held on September 25, 2025.

This award specifically honors her extensive contributions to the Barrington community through her leadership and volunteerism. She is the Managing Director at BMO Wealth Management and has served as the Board Chair for the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce.

Her community work also includes leadership roles with organizations like WINGS and the Barrington 220 Educational Foundation.

The OWL Awards, organized by the Chamber's Women’s Biz Net (WBN), recognize women in four categories: Professional Excellence, Community Impact, Nonprofit Leadership, and Mentorship and Education.

20025 Golf Outing & Fundraiser Was a Hole in One!

These summer temperatures have us working on our putts and drives in preparation for next years Golf Outing!

We had a a great day in June at our annual Golf Outing and Fundraiser. Honorary Chair David Nelson along with Committee Chairs Matt McLaughlin and Kristin Frazier warmly welcomed the 22 foursomes at the beautiful Biltmore Country Club.

After a great day on the greens, golfers and dinner guests enjoyed dinner and amazing auction and raffle items including board curated wine cellars, sporting and concert tickets and amazing travel opportunities. As our only fundraiser we are proud to have raised over $120,000 towards our mission to address the unmet needs of the community.

See you all in Monday, June 1, 2026 at The Club at Wynstone!

See More!

What's a YAC?!

BACF's Youth Advisory Council is a group of student volunteers dedicated to giving back to the Barrington Area community.

If you are interested in supporting YAC, please contact Andy Richmond at 312-953-1277 or email Andy.

Follow YAC on Instagram

@yacbarrington

Learn More about YAC

Fall into YAC!

BACF's Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) had it's first meeting of the school year at Barrington High School this month.

The YACsters started the planning for their fall food drive which supports a local food pantry for people in our community.

More information to follow on how you can participate in the food drive with your donations!

Follow YAC on Instagram!