You Can Help a Local Nonprofit

From writing a check to contacting your state lawmaker, you can help plug many of the gaps in funding at Illinois nonprofits.

Write a check:

  • Nonprofit charities rely on state funding for only a portion of their overall budgets. In many cases, the largest source of their funding comes from private donations.
  • Most nonprofits maintain websites where you can donate online.
  • For a list of not-for-profit organizations in your neighborhood, check out our Better List.


Volunteer:

Have a few hours open on weekends or weekdays? Volunteering at a nonprofit is a great way to help make up for staffing reductions. Have kids? Take them with you. It’s a great way to teach them the importance of civic involvement. You can find easy ways to get involved in our Make A Difference section.

Contact your state legislator:

  • Visit www.elections.il.gov to find out how to contact your state lawmaker.
  • Avoid template letters. Some legislators give little or no consideration to letter-writing campaigns launched by organizations. Consider using personal letterhead.
  • Explain how the state budget crisis is impacting your nonprofit.
  • Include a call to action. Ask the lawmaker to reply with their position on how to solve the state’s budget problem.
  • Follow up with a phone call.

Source: Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest.

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