CSI General Operating Funds

Our Mission Matters

In a rural county like Lake County, distance, terrain, and limited resources can make it hard for people to access the basics many take for granted — safe homes, clean water, and reliable community services. When systems fall short, neighbors step in. Community Solutions Innovators (CSI) exists to listen, to show up, and to help ensure residents know their voices matter and their community is worth investing in.

Since our founding, CSI has been powered entirely by volunteers — veterans and community members working side by side — driven by care for this place and the people who call it home. Our 2024 operating budget was $8,994, and our 2025 operating budget was $19,675. For 2026, we are hoping to hire a full time paid office administrative assistant to amplify our impact.

Why CSI Exists

Lake County faces real structural challenges. Over the past five years, traditional economic development agencies have experienced setbacks, leaving gaps in capacity and funding at a critical moment. At the same time, aging infrastructure, housing conditions, and public safety needs continue to put pressure on residents and local systems.

CSI helps fill those gaps. To date, every community dollar donated has gone directly toward community engagement materials and outreach events. We also co-fund and support other organizations with their projects, a few you may recognize are: Wheels-In-Motion Skate Park, the Lakeview Community Pool, and the Public Safety Committee Barn raiser.

In 2025, our focus was on listening — helping residents feel heard and included. In 2026, we continue this work by stabilizing economic opportunity, strengthening infrastructure, and turning community priorities into action.

How Your Support Makes an Immediate Difference

This campaign supports CSI’s General Operating Funds, giving us the flexibility to respond where needs are greatest and impact is most immediate.

If you prefer, you may designate to a specific program or event that your contribution will help make possible, please note the Public Safety Committee has its own separate fundraising campaign: https://givebutter.com/LakeCountyPublicSafety

Commercial Building Repair Program
Health and safety upgrades such as roof repairs, insulation, air sealing, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and heating and cooling system improvements — particularly for homes and buildings that fall outside traditional Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) eligibility. This work reduces climate pollution and strengthens buildings to withstand extreme weather and natural disasters.
Residential Safety and Security Modifications Program
Helping seniors and people with disabilities remain safely in their homes through mobility, safety, security, and visual-access improvements.
Water Line Replacement Program – Lakeview
Replacing or installing new water lines from the meter into the home in the Lakeview area, while also verifying that wastewater is legally connected to a septic or sewer system. This program serves both renters and homeowners, ensuring access to clean, potable water and safe, sanitary wastewater management.
Community Engagement & Economic Development
Continuing resident-led planning, outreach, and coordination so projects move from ideas to implementation. This incorporates activities that support Parks and Recreation as well as Public Safety.

Our Ask

A gift to CSI’s General Operating Fund allows us to expand outreach, coordinate partnerships, and deliver practical, community-driven solutions across Lake County. Your support directly strengthens health, safety, and stability for residents — today and into the future.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about our work. With your help, we can continue growing our services throughout Lake County!

Chantal Dugied