Our mission is to engage in protecting and restoring the treasured natural habitats of the Forest Preserves of Cook County and to enhance the outdoor experiences of all communities. We will do this by encouraging and administering private gifts to further the Forest Preserves' mission and goals. The Forest Preserve Foundation, founded in 2006, had its genesis in the belief that tax dollars would need to be supplemented in order to realize the visionary goals of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. In 2012, the Foundation actively started raising private funds, hosting the first Conservation Cup, its annual golf benefit. That year the Foundation granted $3,500 to the Forest Preserves. Because the Foundation’s mission so clearly resonated with local businesses and community leaders, it has been able to continually increase its grant making with their support. The Foundation looks back on another strong year of grantmaking in 2016, with total lifetime grants in excess of $685,000. The Foundation grants underwrite youth conservation leadership programs, camping courses, gear rental programs and capital improvements that welcome and engage visitors to the Preserves.