History
.jpg){kind=logo}
.jpg)
The Gorter Family Foundation was established by James P. Gorter and Audrey F. Gorter in 1978 to provide a vehicle for the family to make its charitable gifts. Until the early 2000s, GFF was mainly reactive, responding to requests from charities in the Chicago area and elsewhere. In 2006, Jim and Audrey, along with their children and spouses Mary and Brad Krey and David and Lauren Gorter, strategized to target the foundation's giving more effectively.
After considerable research, GFF decided to focus its philanthropic efforts on the needs in Lake County, Illinois, and more specifically, on education. While continuing to support charitable causes in other areas, the majority of its early grants
After considerable research, GFF decided to focus its philanthropic efforts on the needs in Lake County, Illinois, and more specifically, on education. While continuing to support charitable causes in other areas, the majority of its early grants
were concentrated on providing enhanced educational opportunities to the children of North Chicago.
GFF also focused its efforts on persuading other donors and foundations to direct a portion of their charitable giving to the great needs in Lake County. This led to "Look North" becoming GFF's most important initiative.
Today, the Gorter Family Foundation is still focused on education, but its approach has shifted from a targeted program approach to a holistic approach that involves investment in and partnership with all of the support systems, sectors, and residents in the county.
GFF also focused its efforts on persuading other donors and foundations to direct a portion of their charitable giving to the great needs in Lake County. This led to "Look North" becoming GFF's most important initiative.
Today, the Gorter Family Foundation is still focused on education, but its approach has shifted from a targeted program approach to a holistic approach that involves investment in and partnership with all of the support systems, sectors, and residents in the county.