Patricia Huber, CEO and President of the Crown Point Community Foundation (CPCF), is retiring at the end of 2016 after 17 years of service. Hired in late 1999 as the CPCF’s first full time director, Ms. Huber has overseen amazing growth in the organization’s philanthropic work. “When I began, the CPCF administered 38 funds and it was easy to remember every detail! Today, we manage 338 funds with assets totaling over $24,000,000. It’s been amazing to be a part of such a rapidly growing and impactful organization.”
The Crown Point Community Foundation was established in 1990 to serve Crown Point, Winfield and south Lake County. It is governed by a 19-member Board of Directors. The Foundation is built on three main principals: “Building Endowments”, “Grantmaking”, and “Community Connections”.
“Creating endowed funds, or permanent investments, is the backbone of our work”, said Pat Huber. “Donors put their trust in the Foundation by making charitable gifts that are deposited into existing or newly established funds. The Foundation invests those assets with the objective of growing each fund’s value over time while generating annual income that is granted to the donor’s selected cause(s). What a great concept! Donor money remains in the community doing work for the community. It’s a terrific way for people to be involved with philanthropy in a local way where they can see the benefits.”
“Grantmaking is the single most important element of the work of the CPCF”, says Ms. Huber. “The impact of these grants astonishes me each and every day. Just last year alone, over one million dollars was distributed to various local non-profits to enhance the quality of life in our community and all of south Lake County. The endowed funds at CPCF will be a dynamic force for good – forever!”
In the past 17 years, Huber has helped extend the CPCF’s community presence in numerous new ways. For example, the Crown Point Community Foundation initiated and remains the lead sponsor of the Summer Symphony on the Lawn event. Recognizing the significance of women donors, the CPCF developed the Power of the Purse event in 2004, which has grown to generate over $217,000 for local causes. In 2010, the CPCF kicked-off the Spring Volunteer Fair. This year that event provided over ninety non-profit organizations the opportunity to present their missions and connect with potential volunteers.
Relationship building is critical to growing the CPCF’s community impact. Commenting on Huber’s retirement, CPCF Chairman of the Board, Greg Forsythe, noted, “Pat’s ability to promote the CPCF as a vehicle to connect charitably-minded people to local non-profits who seek funding and volunteer assistance has been a critical driver of the CPCF’s long-term growth. Pat’s leadership, dedication, and enthusiasm will be missed. We are pleased to know that Pat plans to continue serving as a mentor to the board and staff after she enters retirement.”
The CPCF Board of Directors has implemented a succession and transition plan. Linda Armstrong, the 1st Vice Chair of the Foundation, leads the Search Committee to find a new President to lead the CPCF into its next growth phase. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on professional with non-profit or relevant business leadership experience. This candidate must be highly ethical, a proactive relationship builder, an excellent communicator and someone with a heart for philanthropy. The candidate must be passionate about improving the quality of life in Crown Point, Winfield and south Lake County communities. Details about applying for the position are posted on www.theCPCF.org. If you know someone with these qualities, please contact Linda at HR@theCPCF.org.