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.
