The DeKalb County Community Foundation is honored to announce the establishment of the Michael and Lana Haines Fund. Created by Michael and Lana Haines, the Designated Fund provides long-term support for organizations and causes they have valued throughout their many years in DeKalb County.

Michael and Lana Haines have lived in rural Kingston for more than 40 years and remain active members of the community. Michael is a retired Northern Illinois University administrator with a background in community mental health and many years of volunteer service. He currently serves on the DeKalb County Community Foundation Board, representing Kingston. Lana is a retired teacher known for her involvement in local literacy efforts, gardening, and community projects. She is also a past member of the Community Foundation Board. Together, their generosity reflects a shared commitment to education, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of DeKalb County residents.

“We hope our commitment will encourage others to contribute to this Fund and support community organizations that are making a meaningful difference,” said Lana and Michael Haines.

The Michael and Lana Haines Fund provides support to three local organizations: the Voluntary Action Center in DeKalb, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA DeKalb County) in Sycamore, and the DeKalb County Forest Preserve District. Contributions to the Fund support the charitable work and missions of these organizations in alignment with the Fund’s purpose and do not provide any financial benefit to the Haines family.

Foundation Executive Director Dan Templin said, “We are grateful to Michael and Lana for partnering with their community foundation to provide perpetual financial support to these organizations, in particular, that hold a special place in their hearts, because of the services they provide to our quality of life in DeKalb County.”

Donations to any Fund at the Community Foundation, including the Michael and Lana Haines Fund, can be made online at dekalbccf.org or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178. Gifts to the Fund directly support the charitable work of the organizations it was created to benefit.

To learn more about creating your own named Fund or to discuss your charitable interests, contact Foundation Executive Director Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.