Chicago’s North Shore has long been a hub for generosity, where neighbors champion causes spanning education, housing, health, food security and the arts. They mobilize, fundraise and show up. From Glenview to Glencoe, from Evanston to Lake Forest, this suburban stretch has become a quiet powerhouse of philanthropy, where causes are championed for community.
As we wind down 2025, we turn our attention to 25 nonprofits that aren’t just doing good, they’re doing it with grace, grit and a kind of local poetry. From food pantries and mental health providers to cancer research and cultural enrichment, these 25 organizations reflect the spirit of the North Shore: neighbors helping neighbors.
As you look ahead to 2026, consider supporting one, or several, of these nonprofits and become part of the region’s philanthropic story.
CHILDREN AND EDUCATION
Bernie’s Book Bank (Lake Bluff)
Delivers free, quality books to underserved children, building a foundation for lifelong learning.
berniesbookbank.org
The Cove School (Northbrook)
Provides specialized education for children with learning disabilities, helping each student reach their full potential.
coveschool.org
Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook (Glenview)
Offers after-school programs, therapy and mentoring that nurture resilience in kids and teens.
ysgn.org
Our Place of New Trier Township (Wilmette)
A welcoming community for adults with developmental disabilities, offering social, life skills and enrichment programs
ourplaceofnewtrier.org
Glenview Education Foundation (Glenview)
Funds enrichment and innovation in Glenview District 34 schools, from STEM labs to arts programs.
gef34.org
North Shore Country Day School Scholarship Fund (Winnetka) – Expands access to independent school education for talented students with need.
nscds.org
HOUSING AND CRISIS SUPPORT
Mimi’s House (North Chicago / Lake Forest)
A transitional housing program for homeless teen boys, with a focus on education and independence.
mimishouse.net
A Safe Place (Lake County / North Shore)
Provides shelter, housing and counseling for survivors of domestic violence and their children.
asafeplaceforhelp.org
North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (Highland Park)
Free legal aid for survivors of domestic violence, immigrants and those facing housing insecurity.
nslegalaid.org
Family Promise (North Shore / Evanston)
Faith groups and civic leaders join forces to offer shelter, meals and job readiness for families on the edge.
familypromisechicagonorthshore.org
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Cancer Wellness Center (Northbrook)
Offers free support groups, counseling and wellness programs for cancer patients and their families.
cancerwellness.org
Erika’s Lighthouse (Winnetka)
Founded locally, this national nonprofit promotes youth mental health and depression awareness in schools.
erikaslighthouse.org
PEER Services (Evanston/Glenview)
Substance abuse prevention and treatment programs for youth and adults, with a strong recovery focus.
peerservices.org
Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) (North Shore donor base)
Funds groundbreaking cancer research at Israel’s top institutions, with strong support from local philanthropists.
icrfonline.org
The Super Jake Foundation (Glenview)
Funds research for neuroblastoma, a rare pediatric cancer, and provides support for families in treatment. The Red Cape Gala, its signature fundraiser held every 2 years, will be on Feb 14 at Marriott Lincolnshire Resort.
superjake.org
The Woman’s Board of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital (Lake Forest)
Raises funds for cutting-edge care and community health initiatives.
foundation.nm.org
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Family Service of Glencoe (Glencoe)
Provides counseling, crisis intervention and community programs to strengthen families. familyserviceofglencoe.org
North Shore Senior Center (Northfield)
A trusted resource for older adults, offering enrichment, memory care, and caregiver support.
nssc.org
ARTS AND CULTURE
Ravinia Festival’s Reach/Teach/Play (Highland Park)
Expands music education and concert opportunities to underserved schools and communities.
ravinia.org/reachteachplay
Writers Theatre (Glencoe)
One of the nation’s most acclaimed theaters, offering innovative productions and community engagement.
writerstheatre.org
Mitchell Museum of the American Indian (Evanston)
Preserves and shares Native American culture through exhibits and programs.
mitchellmuseum.org
FOOD SECURITY
Northfield Township Food Pantry (Glenview)
Ensures families in need have access to groceries, serving more than 1,000 households annually.
twp.northfield.il.us/pantry
Hunger Resource Network (Northbrook)
Connects surplus food from donors to pantries and shelters across the North Shore.
hungerresourcenetwork.org
Highwood Public Library and Community Center (Highwood)
Beyond books, this library offers meals, wellness programs and a model for what modern community care can look like.
highwoodlibrary.org
These 25 organizations remind us that philanthropy isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about sustained attention, quiet action and the belief that every life deserves dignity. As 2026 unfolds, consider joining their story.