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One bag of food for Evie, Cubby, Oakley, Harker and Olive, the stars of Illini Service Dogs: $30.
Two pairs of waterproof boots for Mrs. Mitchell’s Closet, to go to Urbana students without them: $69.98.
A dozen bales of hay — enough to feed 25 hungry rescue horses for a day at a Dewey hoofed animal sanctuary: $90.
The feeling you get when you give to a local non-profit in need: Priceless.
So swear the generous donors and volunteers who help feed the hungry, clothe the less fortunate, care for abandoned animals, fund the arts and preserve parks, theaters, museums and the water that comes from your kitchen faucet.
We’ll introduce you to 10 of them each of the next two weekends. But first, read about the causes they support — and you can too — in our fifth annual, bigger-than-ever, 32-page guide to 171 nonprofits, a special section in Friday's print editions designed by News Editor Joel Leizer and featuring wish lists and how to-donate details for groups doing good behind the scenes in every area county.
40 North
About us: Support local art! The arts are a fundamental expression of our humanity and help us unite and invigorate our community. By supporting 40 North, you are enriching the quality of life in Champaign County and providing a multitude of opportunities for the arts to flourish in our area. We couldn’t do this without you.
Where to give: Online: 40north.org. By mail: 17 E. Taylor St., Champaign, IL 61820.
Altrusa International of Champaign-Urbana
About us: The local Altrusa Club, which has over 60 members, has provided various services to the Twin Cities since its inception in March 1950. The club has endorsed both literacy and food insecurity as its goals. Altrusans devote themselves to these causes by sponsoring two food markets at local high schools. Members also help with literacy through projects such as Books to Prisoners, Books for the Juvenile Detention Center, Read Across America and the CU Mini Libraries.
Where to give: Visit the club’s Facebook page or email cu.altrusa@gmail.com.
A Small Hand — Piatt County Cares
About us: A Small Hand Infant and Diaper Pantry assists families struggling to provide adequate diapers for infants and toddlers as well as additional infant needs. We provide up to 100 diapers per month, per infant, plus wipes and other items. We also provide a food pantry. We gratefully accept monetary donations as well as diapers, wipes and non-perishable food.
Where to give: Online: asmallhand.org. By mail or in person: 315 E. Center St. Monticello, IL 61856. For more: 217 480-6291.
Atwood Area Food Pantry
About us: We partner with the Eastern Illinois Foodbank to serve families from Douglas, Moultrie and Piatt counties. Our Saturday morning food distribution serves more than 100 families each month. We welcome donations to support our mission to provide kindness, love and food for our neighbors.
Where to give: Online: firstbaptistatwood.org. By mail: c/o First Baptist Church of Atwood, 321 N. Illinois St., Atwood IL, 61913.
Avicenna Community Health Center
About us: We put on an interfaith free clinic dedicated to providing healthcare at no cost to the uninsured and underinsured residents of Champaign-Urbana. Your generous donations help us support the hundreds of appointments we provide each year.
Where to give: Online: avicennahealth.org. By mail: 201 W. Kenyon Ave, Suite 4B, Champaign, IL 61820.
Banks, Bridgewater & Lewis Fine Arts Academy
About us: BBL Fine Arts Academy enhances the musical knowledge base of young musicians to allow participation in and contribute successfully to their respective school ensemble. We are seeking donations to continue offering scholarship seats to the community; for one year of ensemble participation, it is $225 and one semester of weekly lessons is $450. We want families to have access to private instruction, no matter their situation or circumstances.
Where to give: By mail: c/o Robert Lewis, 803 N. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801. Online: bblfineartsacademy.com.
Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana
About us: BACH shares the joy and inspiration of choral masterpieces from the Baroque to the present. Beyond concerts, small ensembles of BACH singers visit schools, hospitals and retirement homes to sing for and with members of the community. Your financial contribution will enrich the musical life of C-U through outstanding performances, renowned guest artists and direct outreach.
Where to give: Online: baroqueartists.org. By mail: P.O. Box 2935, Champaign, IL 61825.
Be BRAVE
About us: Our mission is to provide a supportive environment for those who are in recovery of substance use disorder to practice using the skills learned in a treatment facility for a successful reentry into the mainstream. We are seeking monetary donations to establish a home in Douglas County. This facility will aid residents in transitioning to and sustaining a healthy lifestyle.
Where to give: By mail: 1263 E. County Road 700 N, Tuscola, IL 61953. For more: bebraveforpetey.org.
Birthright
About us: We offer free and confidential pregnancy testing, peer counseling and practical assistance to any woman facing a possible untimely pregnancy. Maternity clothes, baby clothes and diapers are provided at no cost to any mother who needs them. Birthright is run entirely by volunteers, with no paid staff. Financial donations help us buy baby supplies and provide assistance to pregnant women.
Where to give: Online: birthright.org/champaign. By mail: 201 W. Springfield Ave., Suite 511, Champaign IL 61820.
Boys & Girls Club of Danville
About us: Our mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. We provide a safe and fun environment and help kids with their educational/career development by providing them with homework and tutoring help. Monetary donations help us with increased costs due to more children being served, additional staffing and overhead, as well as more program supplies.
Where to give: By mail: 850 N. Griffin St., Danville, IL 61832. Online: bgcdnv.org.
C4A Community Center for the Arts
About us: Our mission is to build community through shared experiences with music; we provide top-quality instruction and perform for community and civic events. $120 for scholarships would provide a month of lessons. We also accept usable instruments and music gear for our annual “cheap instrument” sale.
Where to give: Online: c-4a.org. By mail: 02 W Main St, Urbana IL 61801. For more: info@c-4a.org.
Camp Kesem at University of Illinois
About us: Kesem is a national nonprofit that supports children through and beyond their parents’ cancer diagnosis. There are over 130 chapters at colleges and universities across the U.S. Kesem at Illinois is a student-run chapter that fundraises throughout the year to put on a free summer camp for these children. We have over 60 student leaders and 20 exec members. Students then go on to volunteer as counselors at the camp. We seek monetary donations, as well as in-kind donations, such as camp supplies. It costs $500 to sponsor one child. We serve around 50 children and are constantly growing. Our chapter has a goal of fundraising $60,000 this year.
Where to give: By mail: Make checks payable to “Kesem National,” note “Kesem at Illinois” in the memo and send to 302 E. Green St., P.O. Box 2116, Champaign, IL 61820. Online: donate.kesem.org/team/608264.
Carle Health Center for Philanthropy
About us: Carle Health Center for Philanthropy transforms health in our community through charitable giving. When you make a donation to the greatest needs at your local Carle hospital, you help us provide the resources needed to meet immediate, emerging needs in the communities we call home. One hundred percent of every gift is used for the purpose you designate and truly makes a difference in the lives of those who depend on Carle Health for care. The Women’s Legacy Circle is an initiative of Carle Health Center for Philanthropy.
Where to give: 611 W. Park St., Urbana, IL 61801. Online: Carle.org/Giving/Where-To-Give. By email: philanthropy@carle.com.
CASA of Champaign County
About us: Champaign County CASA stands up for children in the court system who have experienced abuse and neglect. Our trained volunteer advocates, with the help of our professional staff and expert attorneys, focus solely on the kids’ situations and advocate for their best interests in court and in the community. Financial donations allow us to recruit, train and support our volunteers so they can give children in the foster care system the best opportunity for hope, stability and a safe and permanent home.
Where to give: By mail: 301 S. Vine St., Suite 210, Urbana, IL 61801. Online: casa4kids.org. Year-end giving link: casa4kids.org/yearend24.
CASA of Vermilion County
About us: CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates and is a one-of-a-kind non-profit organization. CASA trains and manages volunteers that work exclusively with abused and neglected youth within our communities. These volunteers visit with their assigned child and ensure that the child’s needs are being met. Our agency is serving more children than ever. We are searching for community volunteers to assist our youth and/or monetary support to continue our mission. Community members can help break the cycle of abuse and neglect and give a child hope for a better future.
Where to give: By mail: 112 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61832. Online: casavermilion.org. By email: elizabeth.mellen-irle@casavermilion.org.
Champaign Area Trap, Spay, Neuter & Adoption Program
About us: Established in 2005, CATsNAP seeks to reduce pet overpopulation and to improve the welfare of animals in the greater Champaign County area. We strongly advocate that all animals are spayed and neutered, regardless of breed, sex or age. Since 2005, over 12,150 cats have been helped. Our most pressing need is for monetary donations to further support our TNR (trap, neuter, return) program as we are the only animal organization that traps in the greater Champaign area. All donations go directly to support the animals and allow us to continue trapping and provide needed health services.
Where to give: By mail: 1713 S. State St., Suite 104, Champaign, IL 61820. Online: catsnap.org. Email: catsnap@catsnap.org.
Champaign Community Advocacy and Mentoring Resources
About us: CCAMR is an all-volunteer organization that issues grants for up to $2,000 to adults with intellectual disability in Champaign County. Our mission is to support increased independence and quality of life.
By mail: P.O. Box 92, Champaign, IL 61824. Online: ccamr.org. Email: ccamrboard@gmail.com.
Champaign County Audubon Society
About us: Our mission is to promote interest in the natural environment and encourage protection of native habitat in Champaign County and beyond. Email champaigncountyaudubon@gmail.com for any questions about our group. You can come out for a monthly program, field trip or volunteer event when they happen. We always love new members. Visit our website for all information.
Where to give: Online: champaigncountyaudubon.org. By mail: P.O. Box 882, Urbana, IL 61803-0882.
Champaign County Children’s Advocacy Center
About us: Our mission is to create safe, trauma-informed support, while seeking justice for child victims of sexual abuse. Your monetary donation helps provide counseling to victims of abuse. Your investment in our center is an investment in the healing and well-being of children in our community.
Where to give: By mail: 201 W. Kenyon Rd., Suite 1, Champaign, IL 61820. Online: champaigncac.com.
Champaign County Crime Stoppers
About us: Crime Stoppers is dedicated to reducing the amount of crime and the number of unsolved crimes in Champaign County. It’s comprised of diverse, active and dedicated community representatives who provide a method for local law enforcement to receive information on crimes. These efforts increase tips, which in turn increase arrests in our community. The cornerstone of Crime Stoppers is keeping tipsters anonymous as they share information they may have related to a crime that is about to take place or has taken place. We pay tipsters, anonymously, when their information leads to an arrest or the recovery of property. The organization has no paid staff, and donations go directly to the reward fund.
Where to give: By mail: P.O. Box 814, Champaign, IL 61820. Online: 373tips.com.
Champaign County Down Syndrome Network
About us: The Champaign County Down Syndrome Network partners with families and others to create an environment in which individuals with Down syndrome are welcomed with fairness, enthusiasm and encouragement in their community. Make a difference and help us fulfill our mission to empower individuals, educate families, enhance communities and together, celebrate the extraordinary lives of people with Down syndrome.
Where to give: By mail: P.O. Box 1143, Champaign, IL 61824-1143. Online: champaigndsn.org.
Champaign County Environmental Stewards
About us: CCES seeks to improve options available to residents to enable their more convenient and sustainable management of unwanted household materials. “Reducing waste and pollution through material management solutions” summarizes our mission. We are approaching our fundraising halfway point to establish a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility to be open part-time and year-round to serve all residents. But we need your help. Invest in a safe, clean future for our community with your donation of $1,000, $500, $250, $100 or $50. And impact your community for generations to come.
Where to give: Online: ccenvstew.org. By mail: P.O. Box 1696, Champaign IL 61824.
Champaign County Health Care Consumers
About us: CCHCC is the only organization in Champaign County that can help enroll community members in all forms of health insurance — whether that be Medicaid, Marketplace or Medicare and Medicare-related programs. CCHCC also operates our free Rx Fund to help with prescription costs; and beyond health insurance, CCHCC also helps with public benefits such as Medicare Extra Help, Medicare Savings, SNAP, township general assistance and disability benefits (SSI and SSDI). Financial contributions help support CCHCC’s free services.
Where to give: By mail: 44 E. Main St., Suite 208, Champaign, IL 61820. Online: healthcareconsumers.org.
Champaign County History Museum
About us: For over 50 years, the Champaign County History Museum has been dedicated to collecting, exhibiting and interpreting the rich history of Champaign County. With a collection of more than 20,000 artifacts, your donation helps preserve our shared history for future generations.
Where to give: By mail or in person: 102 E. University Ave., Champaign, IL 61820 — in the Historic Cattle Bank. Online: champaigncountyhistory.org.
Champaign County Humane Society
About us: The Champaign County Humane Society relies on all kinds of donations, as it is not a government agency and receives no county, state or federal funds. Monetary donations are used toward anything and everything necessary to keep the shelter running. We currently have 197 animals in our shelter, all needing food, bedding, toys and veterinary care. Donations of supplies are also welcome! Please see our wishlist on our website.
Where to give: Online: cuhumane.org. Physical donations can be dropped off in person at 4003 Kearns Drive, Champaign, IL 61822.
Champaign Firefighters Benevolent Fund
About us: Our mission is to honor the sacrifice of the family members of our fallen brothers and sisters; to support active and retired Local 1260 members and their families; to support other firefighters and their families in Illinois and beyond; and to provide financial support to community members and/or groups locally.
Where to give: Online: champaignheroes.org. By mail: 1601 Bentbrook Dr., Champaign, IL 61822.
Champaign Parks Foundation
About us: The Champaign Parks Foundation provides philanthropic support to Champaign Park District. Your donations help us plant more trees, provide more scholarships to families in need and so much more.
Where to give: By mail: 1311 W. Church St., Champaign, IL 61821. Online: champaignparks.org/foundation.
Champaign Public Library Foundation
About us: The Champaign Public Library inspires, informs and connects our community with outstanding collections of books and digital materials; early literacy and reading programs; access to technology; programs for all ages; and beautiful meeting spaces. Gifts to the library foundation enhance the library’s collections, programs and services, allowing the library to offer more resources to community members of all ages.
Where to give: By mail: 200 W. Green St., Champaign, IL 61820. Online: champaign.org/give.
Champaign Rotary Foundation
About us: For over 100 years, the Champaign Rotary Club and its foundation have provided vital and often life-changing grants and other financial support for causes, initiatives and non-profit organizations supporting children and families throughout Champaign County and beyond. Donations to the foundation provide funding for a broad array of community-based initiatives from the arts and humanities, clean water and conservation, education, health and human services, urban affairs, youth activities and much more.
Where to give: By mail: P.O. Box 83, Savoy, IL 61874. Online: champaignrotary.info/foundation.
Champaign-Urbana Autism Network
About us: The mission of the C-U Autism Network is to support persons on the autism spectrum, their families, caregivers, educators, other professionals and the public by providing opportunities for support and networking, education, training and advocacy, along with promoting awareness and acceptance.
Our vision is that empowered individuals on the autism spectrum, families, educators and professionals will be connected to the resources and support they need to create a positive and healthy environment to best allow the individual on the autism spectrum to grow and develop to their full potential as a participating member of their community.
Where to give: Online: cuautismnetwork.com.
Champaign Urbana Ballet Company
About us: Champaign Urbana Ballet Company brings “The Nutcracker” each December and a spring ballet in May to C-U with audiences exceeding 5,000 in number, hailing from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Donations to CU Ballet help support dancer scholarships, the Tickets for Families and Veterans program, essential costuming and production needs.
Where to give: Online: cuballet.com. By mail: 2816 W. Clark Rd., Champaign, IL 61822.
Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation
About us: Donations provide and support local Jewish programs and activities; provide help to local community Jews in need; support humanitarian causes locally, in Israel and in other places on behalf of the local Jewish community; and educate about Jewish issues and against antisemitism.
Where to give: Online: cujf.org/donate. By mail: 503 E. John St., Champaign, IL 61820. Venmo: @cujewishfederation.
Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation
About us: We invest in an equitable and empowered future by strengthening the community’s commitment to our public schools, teachers and students. Through monetary donations that support teacher grant projects and operations, volunteering in our schools or celebrating achievements, we can provide a promising future with a strong foundation.
Where to give: By mail: P.O. Box 1166, Champaign, IL 61824. Online: cuschoolsfoundation.org. Email: info@cuschoolsfoundation.org.
Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra
About us: The Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra showcases the talents of more than 150 local musicians. Donations fund performances of live orchestral music, including youth concerts performed for 1,700 elementary school children. More than 75 percent of our budget is funded by the generous support of sponsors and donors who know how great music enriches our community.
Where to give: By phone: Credit card donations may be made by calling 217-351-9139. Online: cusymphony.org. By mail: 701 Devonshire Dr., C-24, Champaign, IL 61820.
Champaign-Urbana Tenant Union
About us: Our mission is to prevent and resolve rental housing problems such as neglected property maintenance, evictions and unlawful discrimination by providing to low-income households free counseling about tenants’ rights. Donations enable us to serve 20 to 30 households each week.
Where to give: By mail: P.O. Box 2006, Champaign IL 61825-2006. Online: cutenantunion.org. For more: The CUTU is located at 44 E. Main Street, Suite 208, in downtown Champaign. Email cutenantunion@gmail.com.
Champaign Urbana Theatre Company
About us: CUTC provides opportunities for all in our community to be involved in and enjoy theatrical productions throughout the year. Your donations enable us to continue and expand our work, including 2025 productions of “Little Women” (March 6-9), “Mean Girls: High School Version” (June 26-29) and “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” (July 31-Aug. 3).
Where to give: Online: cutheatreco.org. By mail: 117 E. University Ave., Suite A, Champaign, IL 61820.
Children of Hope and Faith
About us: Children of Hope and Faith brings hope to vulnerable children and their communities in Tanzania, Africa. One of our ministries is to support Angel Home Orphanage. Abandoned children and orphans receive loving care and an excellent education including college or vocational training. They are being saved from a life of extreme poverty. Monetary donations of any amount are needed to provide daily care for the children, including food, clothing and medical care.
Where to give: By mail: 903 Bluegrass Lane, Champaign, IL 61822. Online: childrenofhopeandfaith.org. Email: childrenofhopeandfaith@gmail.com.
The Chorale
About us: The Chorale, founded in 1982 by Julie Beyler and currently directed by Simon R. Tiffin, is an ensemble of mixed voices whose purpose is to provide ongoing opportunities for singers and listeners to enjoy quality choral literature and to encourage and support music education. We have awarded 71 scholarships to high school seniors going on to study music at the university level and perform two concerts each year as well as special events. This year, 2024 scholarship winner Isaac Hanson won the North American Saxophone Association competition and performed with the National Youth Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. The Chorale has enjoyed opportunities to perform with the renowned Craig Jessop, René Clausen and Alice Parker as well as concert tours to Italy, Ireland, Scotland, Central Europe and Spain.
Where to give: Online: the choralecu.com. By mail: Kurt Hirchert-Treasurer, 1502 Sandpiper Lane, Champaign, IL 61821.
The Christie Foundation
About us: The Christie Foundation helps to create healthier children, healthier families and healthier communities. Donations support future medical professionals through the Christie Foundation scholarship program and education. Securing a tile on the Oncology Tribute Wall at Christie Clinic in Champaign on University is an opportunity to provide support for cancer care in our community by dedicating messages of hope, healing and appreciation for patients, family and team members.
Where to give: Online: christie-foundation.org.
Community Choices
About us: Community Choices supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live full lives in the community through employment services, independent living coordination, social connection opportunities and door-to-door transportation support. Your donation will help us continue to serve over 225 individuals and families in our community.
Where to give: Online: communitychoicesinc.org.
Community Foundation of East Central Illinois
About us: Community Foundation of East Central Illinois brings together people and resources to identify and address present and emerging community needs. Monetary donations support educational trainings, workshops and board bootcamp sessions for 300-plus nonprofit partners, raising the quality of life throughout East Central Illinois.
Where to give: By mail: 307 W. University Ave., Champaign, IL 61820. Online: cfeci.org. Email: info@cfeci.org.
Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County
About us: Our mission is assisting residents of northern Champaign County and Champaign County to improve their social conditions and enhance their access to human services. We do this by offering many services ourselves, including two food pantries serving over 1,500 people a month, and providing space as a social service hub for other agencies to see clients onsite. Donations help us continue to provide food and other daily necessities to many.
Where to give: By mail: 520 E. Wabash Ave., Suite 1, Rantoul, IL 61866. Online: cscrantoul.org.
Community Shares
About us: Community Shares is a network of Illinois charities created to connect, fund and raise awareness for local community groups that focus on long-term solutions to social problems. Monetary donations will provide additional funding for our 35 member nonprofits to help them provide education, promote health care, empower women and children, shelter animals, advance home ownership, advocate for individual rights and work to end discrimination and violence.
Where to give: By mail: 44 E. Main Street, Suite 208, Champaign, IL 61820. Online: communitysharesillinois.org.
Courage Connection
About us: Courage Connection is committed to ensuring every member of our community has the education, resources and support to live in safe, healthy relationships. Your gift provides daily access to critical life-saving services that amplify the strength and voices of those impacted by domestic violence.
Where to give: By mail: P.O. Box 7536, Champaign, IL 61826. Online: courageconnection.org.
CRIS Healthy Aging
About us: CRIS is dedicated to keeping older adults safe, healthy and independent in their homes for as long as possible. We do this by providing a variety of programs and services in both Champaign and Vermilion counties serving adults 60 years and older and also disabled persons from 18 to 59. We have two locations: 309 N. Franklin St. in Danville and 4116 Fieldstone Road in Champaign. To make a referral to either location, call 217-443-2999.
Where to give: CRISHealthyAging.org.
Crisis Nursery
About us: Crisis Nursery creates an “Island of Safety” dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect by providing 24-hour emergency care for children and support to strengthen families in crisis. You can help to keep children safe and families strong by giving online or by bringing in items from our wish list like diapers, wipes and snacks. Just $20 provides an hour of care for a child whose parents are experiencing crisis.
Where to give: Drop off donations in person at 1309 W. Hill St., Urbana, IL 61801. Online: crisisnursery.net.
C-U at Home
About us: C-U at Home is a faith-based organization dedicated to providing support and stability to individuals experiencing homelessness through our Pathways to Progress program. We appreciate monetary donations of any amount, with $50 covering a week of meals for one resident, and approximately $19,000 providing a year of services for an individual client. Your donations directly fund essential services like housing, case management and wrap-around care to empower our clients on their journey toward stability.
Where to give: In person: 309 S. Neil St., Champaign. By mail: P.O. Box 8816, Champaign, IL 61822. Online: cuathome.us, where you can track our upcoming move to a new location on Mattis in Champaign, where we will have the opportunity to expand our program to serve 25 additional individuals.
CU Canteen Run
About us: The CU Canteen Run operates three nights a week, providing food and clothing to those living on the streets in Champaign-Urbana. We operate 100 percent by private donations and from local churches. We need gently used or new winter coats, men’s T-shirts in X-Large or bigger, blankets, winter hats and gloves, as well as new underwear.
Where to give: Donated items can be dropped off at 1408 Harrington Drive, Champaign, or we can pick up if you call 217-369-9344. Email: cucanteenrun@gmail.com. Online: cucanteenrun.com
CU Immigration Forum
About us: CU Immigration Forum advocates, welcomes, educates, networks and celebrates. Whether working for local immigrant justice, highlighting issues that our immigrant neighbors face, hosting local forums, creating shows on RFU and UPTV or celebrating diversity through the annual Immigrant Welcome Awards, we stand with our immigrant communities. With the advent of a new presidential administration that campaigned on anti-immigrant rhetoric, we will be following its actions closely and advocating strongly for immigrant rights, safety and well-being. We advocate for immigrant justice and policies that lift up the dignity of every person. Any donations go to the work of immigrant advocacy.
Where to give: Online: cu immigration.org or via the forum’s Facebook page. By mail: CU Immigration Forum c/o treasurer Jack Wilkie, 301 N. Neil St., Suite 400, Champaign, IL 61820.
CU One to One Mentoring
About us: Make a difference in the life of a child. One to One Mentoring positively impacts the lives of select C-U students by pairing them with adult mentors who provide support, encouragement and guidance. One hour a week makes a difference. Apply at cu1to1.org. That’s also where you can also go to donate to the CU One to One Scholarship Foundation. Help support a local high school graduate to attend college. The foundation raises money to provide scholarships for our One to One graduates who are pursuing post-secondary education.
Where to give: Online: cu1to1.org. By mail: CU One to One Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 981, Champaign, IL 61824-0981.
Cunningham Children’s Home
About us: Cunningham Children’s Home is a safe and nurturing place where youth and families receive life-changing services, hope and healing. This Christmas, we need your help to provide gifts, essentials and special holiday moments for the 400 kids and families in our care, making the season brighter for those who need it most.
Where to give: By mail: 1301 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana IL 61802. Online: cunningham.org.
Daily Bread Soup Kitchen
About us: Our mission is to feed the hungry of our community. Every day, thanks to our 200-plus volunteers and a very generous Champaign-Urbana community, we serve a hot, nutritious, home-cooked meal to well over 400 guests, and we give everyone a sack lunch to take home for dinner. In addition, our assistance program offers mail collection and help with obtaining birth certificates, state IDs and bus passes.
At Christmas, we gift our guests with knapsacks filled with cold-weather items and toiletries. We are proud of three things: We have no paid staff (everything, with the exception of some heavy cleaning, is done by volunteers); we get NO federal or state funding (all of our funding comes from donations and a few local grants); and we have never had a guest leave 116 North First St. unfed (the last guest in the door on a busy day may end up with a hot dog or a slice of pizza, but it will be served with a smile, and he or she will probably be offered seconds).
Where to give: Online: dailybreadsoupkitchen.com. By mail: P.O. Box 648, Champaign, IL 61824-0648.
Danville Area Community College Foundation
About us: The foundation is committed to promoting and supporting Danville Area Community College through fundraising and stewardship of the foundation’s resources. The DACC Foundation relies on donations to fund student scholarships, DACC academic programs, college facilities, student emergency fund and the campus food pantry.
Where to give: Online: dacc.edu/giving-dacc. By mail: 2000 E. Main St., Danville, IL 61832. For more: Executive Director Tonya Hill can be reached at 217-443-8772 or t.hill@dacc.edu.
Danville Public Library Foundation
About us: The Danville Public Library connects the community with knowledge, information and culture. The foundation’s mission is to increase community support of the Danville Public Library. We do this by raising and managing funds in order to broaden and enhance library services and promote education and cultural opportunities in support of the library’s mission.
Where to give: Online: danvillepubliclibrary.org/foundation. By mail: 319 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61832. For more: Library director Jennifer Hess can be reached at jhess@danvillepubliclibrary.org, foundation executive director Natalie Duncan at director@danvillelibraryfoundation.org.
Danville Public School Foundation
About us: The Danville Public School Foundation provides funding for creative, inspiring and fun learning experiences above and beyond the basic curriculum for the children attending Danville public schools. Donors to our annual 365 Club Campaign commit at least $1 per day in support of the foundation’s mission.
Where to give: By mail: 516 N. Jackson St., Danville, IL 61832. Online: dpsf.org.
Danville Rescue
About us: Danville Rescue is a homeless shelter for the community of Danville and its surrounding areas. We are committed to fostering a community of hope, dignity and empowerment, guiding those we serve toward stability and self-sufficiency, by providing compassionate and comprehensive support services to individuals and families in need. We are seeking donations for help updating the boiler and heating and air system of our main building on 834 N. Bowman Ave. We are also seeking any blanket donations for our homeless shelter at our thrift store on 900 E. Fairchild St.
Where to give: Online: rescuedanville.com.
Danville Symphony Orchestra
About us: The mission of the DSO is to enrich the communities of East Central Illinois and western Indiana with outstanding musical performances and provide educational outreach opportunities that promote excellence and the appreciation of orchestral music. Any monetary donations or contributions will help the DSO continue to provide excellent orchestral performances and provide educational opportunities for young people in the community.
Where to give: By mail: 715 W. Fairchild St., Danville, IL 61832. Online: danvillesymphony.org.
Danville Wreaths Across America
About us: We place wreaths in the graves of the veterans of Vermilion County. Remember, honor, teach is our motto. Remember the fallen, honor their memory, teach the next generation. Our goal is to make sure Gold Star families know we haven’t forgotten their sacrifice.
Where to give: By mail: Tammy Williams, 24359 Shake Rag Rd., Danville, IL 61834. Make checks payable to Wreaths Across America. For more: danvillewreaths@yahoo.com.
Design Interior Peace
About us: Design Interior Peace is a therapeutic housekeeping process which assists and teaches its clients how to declutter, deep clean, organize and decorate for the purpose of turning chaotic places into peaceful environments. We offer charitable services to low-income households, and our market tends to serve elderly, disabled and mentally ill people, especially those with hoarding tendencies. Monetary donations are appreciated, as we use funds to maintain our cargo van, buy supplies and organization systems for our clients, and store items before they are cleaned and sorted for disbursement into the community.
Where to give: Online: designinteriorpeace.org. By mail: P.O. Box 161, Rantoul, IL 61866.
Developmental Services Center
About us: Help light up the Tree of Hope — a symbol of community and possibility. Your donation supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing programs, resources and the opportunity to thrive. Every light on the Tree of Hope represents a life touched by your generosity. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.
Where to give: Online: dsc-illinois.org. By mail/in person: 1304 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign, IL 61821.
District #305 Education Foundation
About us: The foundation’s mission is to enhance the educational opportunities of students in the Arthur, Lovington, Atwood and Hammond school district. The organization has provided laptop computers to entire classes of students and provides monetary grants to faculty members, continuing education scholarships, vocational school scholarships and much more.
Where to give: By mail/in person: 301 E. Columbia Ave., Arthur, IL 61911. The foundation provides special recognition on a plaque in the foyer of the high school gymnasium to individuals and other organizations who have given $10,000 or more. It also receives annual donations from individuals through its 100 People Who Care program.
Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club
About us: At the Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club, we strive to be a guiding light of safety, support and hope for all youth in our community through our after-school and full-day summer camp programs. Our dedicated staff are trauma-informed professionals who prioritize academic assistance, foster positive relationships with adults and peers, promote physical activities and e-sports, and offer life-enhancing programs and experiences. Your donations play a crucial role in ensuring that bright futures are accessible for every young person.
Where to give: Online: dmbgc.org. By mail: P.O. Box 770, Champaign, IL 61824.
Driven to Reach Excellence and Academic Achievement for Males
About us: DREAAM provides year-round academic enrichment, performing arts, mentoring and parenting classes to over 500 children and parents. Open six days a week, donations will help provide healthy meals, winter coats and childcare supplies for parenting classes.
Where to give: By mail: 2009 Fox Dr., Suite C, Champaign, IL 61820. Online: dreaam.org.
Eastern Illinois Foodbank
About us: Eastern Illinois Foodbank has been alleviating hunger and nourishing stronger communities since 1983. Thanks to Hy-Vee, all gifts through the end of the year will have the double the impact — each $1 will provide six meals to our neighbors.
Where to give: By mail: 2405 North Shore Dr., Urbana, IL 61802. Online: eifoodbank.org.
Eco-Justice Collaborative
About us: Eco-Justice Collaborative connects local action with global concerns, utilizing grassroots education and advocacy to address urgent environmental issues such as climate change through the lens of social, economic and environmental justice. Donations to EJC will go toward education and public awareness campaigns aimed at supporting real and immediate responses to our warming planet.
Where to give: By mail: 919 W. University Ave., Champaign, IL 61821. Online: ecojusticecollaborative.org. Email: ejc@ecojusticecollaborative.org.
Education Justice Project
About us: The Education Justice Project provides free education programs to individuals incarcerated at Danville Correctional Center. We also produce a deportation guide and our state’s reentry guide. Donations of any size are welcome to support our work.
Where to give: Online: educationjustice.net. By mail: Send checks/money orders, with “Education Justice Project” on the memo line, to University of Illinois Foundation, P.O. Box 734500, Chicago, IL 60673-4500.
empty tomb
About us: Loving our neighbors in Jesus’ name: globally through Mission Match, to help children under-5 not die from treatable causes; across town through helping with food, furniture, clothes and bills; and research to document the church’s potential to impact these needs. Year-end donations by Dec. 31 will help meet empty tomb’s goals for 2025. For info on Mission Match, see missionmatch.org.
Where to give: 301 N. Fourth St., P.O. Box 2404, Champaign, IL 61825-2404. Online: emptytomb.org.
Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation
About us: The Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation generates resources that support the destination experiences of people who visit, work and live in the greater CU area, including the development of the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail. Purchase a brick for $100 or $250 to pave the trail.
Where to give: By mail: 17 E. Taylor St., Champaign, IL 61820. Online: experiencecu.org/foundation. For more: Email jayned@experiencecu.org.
Fair Hope Children’s Ministry
About us: Fair Hope Children’s Ministry is a faith-based ministry created with the specific goal of providing clothing for children in Danville and surrounding communities. Other items provided include playards, layettes and car seats that qualify. In 2023, 1,693 children were served at Fair Hope. Our needs currently include new children’s socks, underwear and school-age pajamas for boys and girls. Donations of money would go toward purchasing more of those items for our inventory.
Where to give: By mail: 1225 E. Voorhees St., Danville, IL 61834.
Faith in Place
About us: This organization empowers people of diverse faiths and spiritualities to protect the environment. Monetary donations support Faith in Place’s work to advance environmental and racial justice and foster healthy, just and sustainable communities for all. During December, a group of donors is matching donations dollar-for-dollar up to $11,200.
Where to give: Online: faithinplace.org. By mail: 5416 S. Cornell Ave., 4th Floor,Chicago, IL 60615.
Feeding Our Kids
About us: Feeding Our Kids provides nutritious weekend food to over 1,100 food-insecure children at 44 schools and community programs throughout Champaign County every week. Each donation of $150 provides weekend food to one child for an entire school year.
Where to give: By mail: P.O. Box 7422, Champaign, IL 61826. Online: feedingourkids.org. Email: info@feedingourkids.org.
FirstFollowers
About us: FirstFollowers is a reentry program led by people who have experienced incarceration. We seek funding to expand our offerings of housing for those individuals returning home from prison and to carry out campaigns directed at reducing community violence. Of 70 social justice organizations statewide, FirstFollowers was honored with the Access2Justice Visionary Justice award for our work.
Where to give: By mail: 314 Cottage Court, Champaign, IL 61820 or P.O. Box 8923, Champaign, IL 61826.
First String
About us: First String provides youth development and character-building skills to the north end community of Champaign-Urbana through basketball, refereeing, scouting and baseball. With fees ranging from $18 to $360, community sponsorships ensure an equitable and fun experience for all families.
Where to give: By mail: 1307 Eureka St., Urbana, IL 61801. For more: cu.firststring@gmail.com and tshq.bluesombrero.com/firststringll.
Fisher Area Food Pantry
About us: As a ministry of the Fisher area churches, the food pantry serves qualifying residents of the four townships of Fisher with emergency food and utility assistance. The Fisher Area Food Pantry accepts both financial and physical donations of shelf-stable foods year-round. Physical location (by appointment only): Fisher Community Center, 100 School St, Fisher, IL 61843.
Where to give: By mail: P.O. Box 705, Fisher, IL 61843. Online: the Fisher Area Food Pantry’s Facebook page. For more: foodpantry@fisherareachurches.com.
Forest Preserve Friends Foundation
About us: This organization supports the projects and activities of the Champaign County Forest Preserves. Whether helping to acquire land, maintain natural and recreational areas, provide educational experiences or preserve the county’s natural and cultural resources, your gift will touch the lives of generations to come. Volunteers are also welcome to donate their time to the Forest Preserves to help us protect natural places, support environmental education and preserve and share local history.
Where to give: By mail: P.O. Box 1040, Mahomet, IL 61853. Online: ccfpd.org, where you can also volunteer by clicking on the “get involved” and “volunteer opportunities” tabs.
Friends of Champaign County Food Pantry
About us: The Friends of Champaign County Food Pantry is a grassroots organization dedicated to supplying nutritious food to underserved families in Champaign County. Monetary contributions to our pantry are utilized to purchase non-perishable items for the benefit of our patrons. Once a week (1-3 p.m. Sunday), we extend our services to approximately 100 families, providing an average of 50 pounds of food per family.
Where to give: Online: friendsofchampaigncounty.org. Email friendsofchampaigncounty@gmail.com with questions.
Funeral Consumers Alliance of Champaign County
About us: The Funeral Consumers Alliance of Champaign County provides information about affordable options for funerals and burial, and publishes an annual price survey of local funeral homes and cemeteries. We educate about consumer rights and protections given by the FTC funeral rule, and advocate for reforms in Illinois and nationally.
Where to give: By mail: 309 W. Green St., Urbana, IL 61801. Online: funeralschampaigncounty.org, where information about pre-planning for end-of-life, greener options for burial and many other topics can also be found.
Gateway Family Services
About us: Gateway Family Services of Illinois is a nonprofit mental health agency dedicated to healing through trauma-focused therapies, including trauma-focused equine-assisted psychotherapy (horses helping humans heal), EMDR and various art- and nature-based therapies for all ages. We also offer “Fall In Friday,” a weekly support group for veterans. Our commitment ensures that finances never hinder access to care, with funds specifically allocated to support the uninsured and underinsured.
Where to give: By mail: 7757 U.S. Rte. 136, Potomac, IL 61865. Online: gatewayfamilyservices.org. For more: info@gatewayfamilyservices.org.
Gibson Area Food Pantry
About us: The Gibson Area Food Pantry distributes food on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. We currently serve over 375 families per month, with a high of 454 families from Ford and surrounding counties in November of this year. We have completed our 10th year serving the GCMS district, Ford County, and surrounding counties, and we have served 85,000 individuals in a decade.
Where to give: 619 E. First St., Gibson City, IL 60936. By mail: P.O. Box 324, Gibson City, IL 60936.
Gibson Area Hospital Foundation
About us: Our mission is to ensure that Gibson Area Hospital & Health Services has the charitable and community resources to create excellence in health-care programs and services, in support of a healthy community. Through donations, we are able to provide hospital equipment, scholarships for staff continuing their education in health care and help with needed projects, including our brand-new medical office building and a second CT scanner.
Where to give: By mail: 1120 N. Melvin St., Gibson City, IL 60936. Online: Click on the “Supporting Gibson” tab at gibsonhospital.org.
Gibson City Restoration Association
About us: The purpose of the Gibson City Restoration Association is to repair/restore historical buildings in the city of Gibson. We also intend to share information, understanding and appreciation of historical buildings. Monetary donations are always accepted, but if you are a licensed, insured and experienced tradesman, we would love to have you volunteer your time. All donations will go toward the restoration of the Burwell Building — a historic former opera house in the town’s downtown area.
Where to give: Venmo: GCQueenofHearts (put “donation” in the comments). Online: klintworthd.wixsite.com/gcra. By mail: 617 S. Sangamon Ave., Gibson City, IL 60936.
Girl Scouts of Central Illinois
About us: Girl Scouts of Central Illinois builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. A Gifts For Girls donation to GSCI helps provide membership assistance for local girls to join Girl Scouts, who may be precluded to participate otherwise.
Where to give: Online: getyourgirlpower.org. By mail: 2001 Round Barn Road, Suite C, Champaign, IL 61820.
Girls Go For It
About us: Girls Go For It is a program for young girls with a curriculum designed to develop the leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit and professional abilities of young girls through building confidence and knowledge and creating opportunity. Monetary donations are used to continue to make the program completely free for all participants and go toward the materials and supplies needed to support facilitate the program.
Where to give: Online: girlsgoforit.com.
The Giving Place
About us: The Giving Place, located at 113 N. Bourne in Tolono, is a non-profit food pantry and clothing ministry serving the Unit 7 school district towns of Pesotum, Philo, Sadorus, Sidney and Tolono every Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. Our mission is “Followers of Jesus giving to our community.” We have had several individual and community organizations support us during the year through food drives and monetary gifts. In 2024, we’ve served over 450 families with over $29,000 worth of food and clothing items.
Where to give: In person: We accept non-perishable food items (no refrigerated or frozen foods) and gently used clothing at our location from 4-6 p.m. Wednesdays and monetary donations at Busey Bank in Tolono. By mail: P.O. Box 610, Tolono, IL 61880.
Grand Prairie Friends
About us: Join Grand Prairie Friends on this journey to protect prairies, wetlands and forests throughout East Central Illinois. Once covering more than 85 percent of the land in central Illinois, less than 0.01 percent of the state’s original prairie acreage remains. Connecting our communities with these spaces, we work with other nonprofits to provide programs such as veteran outdoor experiences and senior living van tours. Donor funds ensure future land purchase and management of these critically endangered habitats, be a part of this good work.
Where to give: By mail: P.O. Box 36, Urbana IL 61803. Online: grandprairiefriends.org.
Greater Champaign County AMBUCS
About us: The Greater Champaign County AMBUCS works with therapists to provide children and adults with ways to increase their mobility and independence. Our biggest program is our gifting of therapeutic tricycles, called Amtrykes, to help people with disabilities improve their health by exercising while having fun. We survive by fundraisers, grants, and donations which go to our various programs: Amtryke gifting, scholarships to Parkland College, support of AMBUCS Park in east Urbana, fun events like our Scarecrow Festival and Amtryke Road Rally, and support of the Tom Jones Challenger League, which plays in AMBUCS Park.
Where to give: By mail: Box 592, Urbana, IL 61803. Online: thegccambucs.org.
Greater Community AIDS Project of East Central Illinois
About us: The Greater Community AIDS Project is a lifeline for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. Your generous donation provides essential services like shelter, food, health care and diapers and formula for babies born exposed to HIV. Every dollar brings hope and transforms lives. Please donate today to support our mission and make a difference in the lives of those in need.
Where to give: Online: GCAPnow.com/donate. By mail: P.O. Box 713, Champaign, IL 61824.
GROW
About us: GROW’s free mutual-help services are uniquely structured to achieve substantial and lasting solutions for people seeking help for serious mental health issues or to focus on prevention while maintaining their mental health. Our group method and caring and sharing community is at the heart of our mutual help program. Our leadership model has a host of tools to help people achieve the goal of recovery and personal growth. GROW has in-person community groups, virtual groups, inmate groups, homeless shelter groups and GROW partners with other health agencies to hold meetings at their locations.
Your gift will be used in a variety of ways for those attending free weekly groups. Buying program literature for those that cannot afford it. Paying for gas for our volunteers to facilitate weekly groups, etc.
Where to give: By mail: P.O. Box 3667, Champaign, IL 61826-0667. Online: growinamerica.org/donate/fundraising.
Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County
About us: Donations to Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County build homes, communities and hope. Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat works to provide safe, affordable homes to families.
Where to give: By mail: 1914 Glenn Park, Champaign, IL 61821. Online: cuhabitat.org. By phone: 217-359-0507.
Hope Center
About us: The Hope Center is the community outreach arm of the Vineyard Church. Our main focus is our weekly food pantry, which has offered food to an average of 450 families a week this year. We generally put food donations in our Little Free Food Pantry and also accept cash donations. If readers shop at Meijer in Champaign, right now they can buy $10 Simply Give cards and all of those donations will come to us in Meijer food gift cards.
Where to give: 1802 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana, IL 61801. Online: tvc.us/give. Note “Hope Center” in the dropdown menu.
Hope Lives Youth Ranch
About us: We use horses to help children who suffer from anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. You can help us by contributing to the building fund for our new facility; it is almost fully funded.
Where to give: By mail: 976 E. 2250 North Road, Monticello, IL 61856. Online: hopelivesyouthranch.org.
Hospice Hearts Animal Rescue
About us: Hospice Hearts gives abandoned cats and dogs a second chance, providing them with a safe haven until they find new homes. In 2024, we’ve cared for over 100 animals, thanks to the generous financial donations, pet toys, cleaning supplies and more from our supporters.
Where to give: By mail: P.O. Box 17605, Urbana, IL 61803. Online: hospiceheartsanimalrescue.org.
Illini Service Dogs
About us: From providing mobility service dogs at absolutely no cost to educating the public on disability culture and rights, we are passionate students and professionals who volunteer their time and skills to accomplish one mission of mobilizing the world. Our mission ends when the financial barriers to obtaining and owning a high-quality service dog are eliminated and the public’s knowledge of the disability community and its rights are second nature. Monetary donations go to the supplies used in training our service dogs in the program. This is included but not limited to the highest-quality veterinary care, food, toys, training items and more.
Where to give: Online: Go to linktr.ee/illiniservicedogs for a variety of ways to donate. By mail: 1206 S. Fourth St., Huff Hall, Room 2005, Champaign, IL 61820.
Immigrant Services of Champaign-Urbana
About us: Immigrant Services helps immigrant families, including asylum seekers and refugees, overcome their adversities and become self-sufficient members of the C-U community. We seek monetary donations, household appliances/furnishings and children’s clothes, to provide emergency assistance, household necessities, transportation, counseling, medical and mental health referrals — all part of our holistic approach to providing services in a way that encourages self-sufficiency.
Where to give: Online: isc-u.org. By mail: P.O. Box 364, Urbana, IL 61803-0364. In-person donations: We are located in the C-U Public Health District complex on West Kenyon Road. If you have household goods to donate, email iscuwarehouse@isc-u.org.
The Jamie Boone Project
About us: The purpose of The Jamie Boone Project is to provide J.A.M.I.E. Bags (Just a Mental Inventory Everyday) — backpacks filled with mental health tools, resources and guides — to be given to individuals experiencing self-harm or crisis situations. Contributions will support the creation, assembly and distribution of these resources, promoting mental health, intervention and post-crisis recovery.
Where to give: By mail: P.O. Box 20, Monticello, IL 62856. Online: thejamiebooneproject.org.
Jesus is the Way Ministries
About us: In addition to ministering in the jails/prisons, Jesus is the Way Ministries also has a residential program located in Rantoul, where we assist men in getting back on their feet after they’ve been incarcerated and/or had other issues that led them to being homeless. At full capacity, it takes about $1,250 monthly per man to keep the ministry operational; however, we have some special projects that require additional funding. Projects such as our sponsoring a resident’s room, each of which would cost about $2,000 to do new (paint, carpet, furniture).
Where to give: By mail/in person: P.O. Box 98 or 602 Liberty Ave., Rantoul, IL 61866. Online: jitwministries.aplos.org. For more: Email brian@jitwministries.org.
Josh Gottheil Memorial Fund for Lymphoma Research
About us: Dedicated to nurses, the Josh Gottheil Memorial Fund for Lymphoma Research provides career development awards to those who work in bone marrow and stem cell transplant units at hospitals across the United States. The fund has established endowments in support of resiliency programs for nurses at Carle Health in Urbana and Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis.
Where to give: Online: joshsfund.org. By mail: 509 E. Holmes St., Urbana, IL 61801. All donations go to the mission of the fund, which is run by volunteers.
Korean War Educator
About us: The Tuscola-based foundation incorporated in 2000 to educate the public about the Korean War and to seek and record the memoirs of Korean War veterans and Gold Star families. All donations are used to maintain the foundation’s website — thekwe.org, home to 5,549 photos, 102 full-length memoirs and 44 mini memoirs — which has been built and updated for the past two-and-a-half decades by Lynnita Brown. She could use your help — be it helping research the circumstances of loss and biographical information for every Air Force veteran missing or killed in action in the Korean War or helping fund the $10,000 needed to migrate to a new website capable of handling all of the information following the February death of the Korean War Educator’s longtime webmaster.
Where to give: By mail: Lynnita Brown, 111 E. Houghton St., Tuscola, IL 61953. By phone: 217-253-4620. Says Lynnita: “This is a great volunteer opportunity for home-bound individuals who are going stir crazy or for those who just want to stay in out of the cold this winter.”
The Land Connection
About us: The Land Connection provides education and resources to farmers, food businesses and eaters. Donations support the nearly 1,000 farmers we serve through events, our work distributing local food recipe kits to over 600 kids, or the more than $140,000 we distribute in additional food dollars to our neighbors in need.
Where to give: By mail: 206 N. Randolph St., Suite 400, Champaign, IL 61820. Online: thelandconnection.org. For more: info@thelandconnection.org.
Land Conservation Foundation
About us: Donations to the Land Conservation Foundation are used to provide hiking opportunities for people and to protect river corridors and woodlands for wildlife, including the river otter, bobcat and mussels — forever.
Where to give: By mail: 3413 Waterville Court, Champaign, IL 61822. Online: landconservationfoundation.org.
Little Free Pantry Villa Grove
About us: The Little Free Pantry serves the Villa Grove community by providing free food and hygiene items to anyone in need. The pantry also stocks snacks and drinks for kids during the summer and after school. This past year, the pantry was able to provide fresh Indiana watermelon, cantaloupe and sweet corn to the Villa Grove community. The pantry also had a free hot dog lunch on the Fourth of July. We had several people in our community who donated turkeys to the pantry for those in need. We receive generous donations from many people in our community and the Villa Grove Rotary has also been a big supporter. The pantry relies on food, hygiene products and monetary donations.
Where to give: Food and hygiene item donations can be placed directly in the pantry — at 406 First St., Villa Grove, IL 61956. That’s also where checks can be sent. For more, visit the “Little Free Pantry Villa Grove” on Facebook.
Luella’s Lodge
About us: Luella’s Lodge serves over 100 grieving parents a year and could use help covering the costs of our therapeutic and holistic retreats for parents through monetary donations. We also have an Amazon Wish List with items for grief care packages and therapeutic activities at Luella’s Lodge.
Where to give: By mail: 7397 E. 1500 North Road, Oakwood, IL 61858. Online, where our wish list can be found: luellaslodge.org. For more: luellaslodge@gmail.com.
Mahomet Area Youth Club
About us: The Mahomet Area Youth Club serves 300-plus members aged 6-15 and their families. MAYC works to improve attendance, grades, behavior and school engagement. Activities include full-day summer camp as well as spring and winter break camp with age-specific activities and field trips. MAYC operations are not funded by federal or state aid. The majority of funding comes from donations, sponsorships and events.
Where to give: Online: mahometyouth.org.
Mahomet Community Foundation
About us: Our mission is to fund projects that improve the lives of the people who live in, work in and visit Mahomet. We also serve as a connector between people in need and the non-profits who serve those populations in the Mahomet area. To serve this mission, we have launched the “100 People of Impact” initiative, a community-based philanthropic group that brings together diverse members of the community to pool their resources to support local charities and the foundation with an annual donation of $200.
Where to give: By mail: 503 E. Main St., P.O. Box 259, Mahomet, IL 61853-0259. Online: MahometCommunityFoundation.org.
Marisa’s Purpose: Faith, Hope and Love
About us: Every year, thousands of children experiment with drugs that they know nothing about. Help us educate as many students as possible about the dangers of alcohol and drugs. We want to empower students to make better life changing decisions.
Where to give: Online: marisaspurpose.org.
Mi Raza Community Center
About us: Serving immigrants living in East Central Illinois from over 40 countries through donations and the help of tireless volunteers, Mi Raza Community Center provides education, outreach and assistance to immigrants and their families living in Douglas County and the surrounding rural regions.
Where to give: By mail: 113 N. Collins Street, Arcola, IL 61910. For more: 217-268-3555, miraza.arcola@yahoo.com or “Mi Raza Community Center” on Facebook.
Monticello Area Education Foundation
About us: The Monticello Area Education Foundation is committed to benefiting students by supporting, enriching and enhancing educational opportunities and strengthening community involvement in the Monticello CUSD #25, by supporting educational initiatives for which other funding is not readily available with monetary donations. Examples of initiatives include summer tutoring for children and scholarships given out each year.
Where to give: By mail: P.O. Box 473, Monticello, IL 61856. Online: sites.google.com/sages.us/maef. For more: maef@sages.us.
Moore’s Rescue Ranch
About us: Moore’s Rescue Ranch rescues cats and dogs, focusing on those on euthanasia lists or with disabilities. Monetary donations fund veterinary care, food, supplies and keeping The Kitty Crib cat lounge open for adoptable cats. We are also fundraising for a new building to house adoptable dogs and offer animal therapy.
Where to give: By mail: P.O. Box 483, Savoy, IL 61874. For more: mooresrescueranch@gmail.com.
Mrs. Mitchell’s Closet
About us: Mrs. Mitchell’s Closet provides free access to essential items, such as clothing, school supplies and hygiene products to students and families in need. Currently, there are six locations: Urbana Middle School, Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center, Thomas Paine Elementary, Urbana High School, Yankee Ridge Elementary and Dr. King Elementary. We accept donations of new and gently used clothing, as well as cash or checks.
Where to give: By mail or in person: Urbana School District 116, 1101 E. University Ave., Urbana, IL 61802 or Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center, 1401 E. Main St., Urbana, IL 61802. Amazon Wish List: tinyurl.com/MrsMitchellsCloset.
Multicultural Community Center
About us: The Rantoul-based Multicultural Community Center helps underprivileged children receive quality education and social services. We are asking for donations so each child can receive an educational gift for the holidays.
Where to give: By mail: 1126 Country Club Lane, Rantoul, IL 61822. For more: email contact@mcc-rantoul.org.
NAMI Champaign
About us: National Alliance on Mental Illness Champaign’s mission is to provide free education, support and advocacy to all persons living in our community who are affected by mental health conditions. We’re able to do this thanks to volunteers and donations that keep our public mental health awareness programs and advocacy, mental health classes and in-person and online support groups free to all who need it. Email us if interested in registering for a spring 2025 English Family-to-Family Class or a Spanish class, De Familia a Familia de NAMI. Our catchment area includes the counties of Champaign, Coles, Douglas, Effingham, Ford and Vermilion.
Where to give: Online: namichampaign.org. By mail: P.O Box 3552, Champaign, IL 61826. For more: info@namichampaign.org or 217-419-5345.
New American Welcome Center of the University YMCA
About us: The New American Welcome Center works to co-create a community where all immigrants can thrive and flourish. We do this by engaging local institutions and mobilizing community resources to ensure equitable access to services, economic opportunity and meaningful belonging. Our community-responsive programs include immigrant family services, immigration legal services and community bridge-building.
Where to give: Online: nawc.universityymca.org. By mail: 301 S. Vine St., Suite 102, Urbana, IL 61801.
Not On My Watch
About us: Not On My Watch’s mission is “Empowering the Community One Person at a Time” and this is accomplished through our various programs, such as the Leadership Development Academy, financial literacy classes, Midnight Basketball, community events and youth and family programming at Bob Fulling’s Hope Center in Rantoul. Another NOMW initiative is Hood2Hood Mentoring, which provides direct support and case management to youth while incarcerated in the juvenile detention center and for at least a year upon their release.
Where to give: By mail: 3209 County Road 1700 E., Rantoul, IL 61866.
Oakwood Area Food Pantry
About us: Our mission is to alleviate hunger while nourishing individuals and families residing in the rural communities of Oakwood, Catlin, Muncie, Fithian, Fairmount, Sidell and Indianola. We distribute to approximately 40 families every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon. Our Bags of Hope program also provides weekend food for 64 students in the Oakwood and Salt Fork school districts every week.
Where to give: By mail: 202 S. Scott St., Oakwood, IL 61858. Online: feedoakwood.myevent.com.
Orphans Treasure Box
About us: Orphans Treasure Box employs women coming out of trauma, such as prison, addiction and domestic abuse. We also donate books and money to vulnerable kids. One hundred percent of money donated to ReStart goes to the women we employ.
Where to give: Online: orphanstreasurebox.org.
OSF HealthCare Foundation
About us: Monetary donations support the OSF HealthCare mission of serving our patients and communities with the greatest care and love. A current focus at OSF Heart of Mary in Urbana is increasing the resources we offer to patients with mental health concerns, such as increasing the number of beds for patients who need to stay with us.
Where to give: Online: osfhealthcare.org/foundation. By mail: 1400 W. Park St., Urbana, IL 61801. Learn more by emailing major gifts officer Cindy Magsamen at Lucinda.A.Magsamen@osfhealthcare.org.
PACE, A Center for Independent Living
About us: PACE supports and provides services for people with various disabilities who reside within the five-county area of Champaign, Vermilion, Edgar, Piatt and Douglas. Our core services include, but are not limited to, independent living skills, advocacy, information and referral, peer counseling, and Transition. At PACE, we also provide Low Vision, Deaf Services, Home modification, youth and adult transition, personal assistant and personal support worker programs. We also maintain a medical device loan closet made possible by donations from community members.
Where to give: Online: pacecil.org. By mail: 301 S. Vine St. Suite 211 Urbana, IL 61801. For more: 217-344-5433.
Page’s ALS Challenge
About us: Inspired by the memory of Page Parkhill, who died in 2018 after a struggle with the disease, Page’s ALS Challenge is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by ALS. Your donations directly support critical research, provide support services and equipment, and enhance the quality of life for individuals and families in the Champaign-Urbana area facing the challenges of ALS.
Where to give: By mail: Page’s ALS Challenge through ALS United Greater Chicago, 5315 N. Clark St., #650, Chicago, IL 60640. Online: donate.alsunitedchicago.org.
Parkland College Foundation
About us: The foundation’s mission is to provide resources for Parkland College students and the college. Donors can direct their gift to support a program or provide equipment, contribute to an existing scholarship, create their own scholarship, provide student emergency funding or simply designate their donation to the area of greatest need — $100 buys a book; $500 pays for a three-credit-hour class; $2,500 pays for a semester.
Where to give: By mail: 2400 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign, IL 61821. Online: parkland.edu/donations. For more: 217-373-3789 or foundation@parkland.edu.
Prairie Dragon Paddlers
About us: Prairie Dragon Paddlers is an organization of breast cancer survivors and supporters who promote health, well-being and camaraderie through the sport of dragon boating, and offer programs related to breast cancer awareness, research and survivorship. Donations are appreciated to fund and expand outreach efforts to more survivors.
Where to give: Online: prairiedragonpaddlers.org. By mail: P.O. Box 44, Savoy, IL 61874.
Prairie Rivers Network
About us: Prairie Rivers Network works to protect water, heal land and inspire change in Illinois. Using the creative power of science, law and collective action, we protect and restore rivers, bring healthy soils and wildlife back to our lands, and advocate for clean water and vibrant ecosystems for all. We seek monetary donations of any amount to support our efforts. Contributions help fund initiatives like our Clean Water Forever campaign, which ensures clean and accessible water across the state including the Mahomet Aqufier, and our Save Our Trees campaign, aimed at protecting trees across Illinois from herbicide drit.
Where to give: By mail: 1665 S. State St., Suite 1, Champaign, IL 61820. Online: prairierivers.org. For more: info@prairierivers.org.
Prairielands Council, Scouting America
About us: The Prairielands Council, Scouting America, located in East Central Illinois and western Indiana, provides youth with character development programs and value-based leadership training. The council serves 2,000 youth in nine counties in Illinois and Indiana. The mission of Scouting America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Where to give: By mail: 3301 Farber Dr., Champaign, IL 61822. Online: prairielandsbsa.org.
Preservation and Conservation Association
About us: At PACA, we seek to identify and educate the community about its historic architectural resources. We also work to keep valuable material out of the landfill. Your donations help us save our shared history.
Where to give: By mail: 44 E. Washington St., Champaign, IL 61820. Online: pacacc.org
Project Success of Vermilion County
About us: Project Success provides out-of-school-time programs to over 1,700 K-12 students at 20 locations. Our mission is to empower children and families to achieve their highest potential and become responsible and productive members of our community. As an agency, Project Success celebrated 26 years in August.
Where to give: By mail: 917 N. Walnut St., Suite 203, Danville, IL 61832. Online: vcprojectsuccess.org.
Promise Healthcare
About us: Promise Healthcare provides primary care, dental care and mental wellness care to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for services. Monetary donations are used to enhance quality of care by funding equipment or enabling services to better care for our patients.
Where to give: Online: promisehealth.org. By mail: 819 Bloomington Rd., Champaign, IL 61820. Make checks out to “Promise Healthcare” and put “Donation” in the memo line.
RA Kirby Foundation
About us: The RA Kirby Foundation is a non-profit whose goals are to spread awareness and raise funds for mitochondrial disease research, while also providing memorial kits to local hospitals for those families who do not get to take their babies home. All monetary donations will go to helping to support these families.
Where to give: By Venmo to @RAKF2015.
Rantoul City Schools Foundation
About us: The Rantoul City Schools Foundation supports Pre-K through eighth-grade students and their classroom teachers by providing financial support for programs not typically 100 percent covered by local funding sources such as field trips, food for special events and unique classroom material requests. One of the special projects during the past two years has been to sponsor Cooper, Ms. Harper’s kindergarten classroom dog. Cooper is a certified therapy dog, and additional insurance is required so that he can work directly with students.
Where to give: By mail: 1 Aviation Center Drive, Rantoul, IL 61866. Online: Enter “Rantoul City Schools Foundation Fund” in the search tool at cfeci.fcsuite.com/erp/donate.
Rantoul Historical Society
About us: The Rantoul Historical Society’s mission is to collect and preserve village and Chanute Air Force Base history for the purpose of education and research. We have an all-voluntary staff of six. There is no admission charge but we do encourage donations, which help preserve artifacts as well as the purchase of needed operational supplies and equipment.
Where to give: By mail: 1040 Klein Ave., Rantoul, IL 61866. For more: j.cheekvet49@hotmail.com.
Rape Advocacy, Counseling, & Education Services
About us: RACES provides comprehensive sexual violence and stalking prevention and response services in Champaign, Ford, Piatt and Douglas counties. Donations support free therapy for survivors of sexual violence, assistance for survivors in the emergency department and as they navigate the legal system, and prevention education programming to help create a safer world.
Where to give: By mail: 301 S. Vine St., Suite 103, Urbana, IL 61801. Online: cu-races.org.
The Refugee Center
About us: The mission of The Refugee Center is to provide services essential to refugee and immigrant resettlement in East Central Illinois. Monetary donations of any size allow us to respond to immediate client needs, ranging from groceries and household items to new refugee arrivals to offering rental and utility payment assistance to newcomers still seeking employment.
Where to give: By mail: 201 W. Kenyon Rd, Suite 4D, Champaign, IL 61820. Online: therefugeecenter-cu.org.
Restoration Urban Ministries
About us: Monetary donations to Restoration Urban Ministries play a vital role in sustaining the organization’s ability to offer essential services to those in need, helping to foster emotional, spiritual and practical support for individuals and families seeking a fresh start.
Where to give: By mail: 1213 Parkland Court, P.O. Box 3277, Champaign, IL 61821. Online: restorationurbanministries.org. By mail: P.O. Box 3277, Champaign, IL 61826. For more: info@restorationurbanministries.org.
Rosecrance Foundation
About us: Since 1916, Rosecrance has had one goal: To change and save lives. The Rosecrance Foundation supports its mission of providing help and hope for lasting recovery from mental health and substance use disorders. Donors can contribute through financial gifts, special appeals, legacy planning, volunteering or attending fundraising events.
Where to give: By mail: 1021 North Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61107. Online: rosecrance.org.
Salt & Light
About us: Our program participants receive comprehensive, relational support to meet their basic financial needs and improve their personal and community outcomes. Participants meet in small monthly Affinity Groups for support and encouragement, participate in education and training opportunities, receive job coaching and job placement support, and can earn up to $90 per week in store credit for groceries, clothing and other basic necessities through volunteering in our stores and attending classes. Financial donations help supply all these resources for participants.
Where to give: Financial and item donations: 1819 S. Philo Road, Urbana, IL 61802. Item donations only: 1512 W. Anthony Drive, Champaign, IL 61821. Online: saltandlightministry.org.
Salvation Army of Champaign County
About us: The mission statement of The Salvation Army concludes by saying: “Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination.” Monetary donations are best because it helps us to be versatile in how we are able to meet the various needs we are presented with. Beyond that, food and produce donations are great as they are distributed in our food pantry.
Where to give: By mail: 2212 N. Market St., Champaign, IL 61822. Online: sachampaign.org. For more: kenyon.sivels@usc.salvationarmy.org or aaron.bird@usc.salvationarmy.org.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
About us: Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a national nonprofit with a chapter in Mahomet. We build and deliver beds with new bedding to kids ages 3-17. No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.
Where to give: By mail: P.O. Box 11, Mahomet, IL 61853. Online: shpbeds.org. Choose the Mahomet chapter via the drop-down menu.
Society for Hooved Animal Rescue and Emergencies
About us: Our mission is to maintain the integrity, well-being and health of hooved animals through education first. S.H.A.R.E. is mostly a sanctuary now for horses, mules and donkeys that were rescued from situations of neglect, abuse and other situations where owners simply could not care for them anymore. Although we do not adopt out the sanctuary horses due to age and/or health issues, we do have some horses that are adoptable to good forever homes. S.H.A.R.E. feeds 25 rescue horses an average of 12 bales of alfalfa and/or grass hay per day. Each hay bale is $7 to $8. That comes out to $100/day in hay alone. All monetary donations are appreciated.
Where to give: Online: s-h-a-r-e.net. By mail: 2946 County Road 800 E., Dewey, IL 61840.
Sola Gratia Farm
About us: We are an urban vegetable farm committed to ensuring that fresh, healthy food is available, accessible and affordable for all in our community. Every gift given through our fundraising campaign will support our expansion for more fresh food production (including fruit!) and enhanced educational services.
Where to give: By mail: 2200 S. Philo Road, Urbana, IL 61802. Online: solagratiacsa.com.
Station Theatre
About us: The Station Theatre is an inclusive and challenging theatre created by and for the Urbana-Champaign community in 1972. Join us for our 52nd season as we continue to tell timely stories that highlight the remarkable talents in our diverse community.
Where to give: Online: stationtheatre.com. By mail: P.O. Box 2906, Station A, Champaign, IL 61825-2906.
Stephens Family YMCA
About us: Our mission: to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Stephens Family YMCA supports over 1,000 kids and families annually through our scholarship program. Scholarships ensure that our Y can remain a place for all. Each day, we witness the impact of our generous donors — youth engaging in activities, new swimmers braving their first strokes, families creating memories and so much more. These moments are made possible through the unwavering support of our community.
Where to give: Online: sf-ymca.net. By mail: 2501 Fields South Drive, Champaign, IL 61822.
St. James Food Pantry
About us: Each month, St. James volunteers currently distribute groceries to over 380 families who are suffering from food insecurity. We can stretch the purchasing power of any monetary donations because of our partnerships with the Eastern Illinois Foodbank and our local grocery stores.
Where to give: By mail: 504 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61832. Online: stjamesumc.churchcenter.com.
St. Joseph Recreation Foundation
About us: The St. Joseph Recreation Foundation is partnering with village of St. Joseph to raise private funds to build and operate a community center. SJRF is accepting cash/securities and is offering sponsorships as well.
Where to give: Online: stjoerf.org. By mail: P.O. Box 11, St. Joseph, IL 61873.
StreetCollege
About us: StreetCollege creates STEM/STEAM programming and experiences to encourage underserved young people to operate in their genius. Every donation, from $25 to $225, keeps us delivering innovative coursework that exposes students to unique, high-level engineering concepts and design thinking from the hip hop perspective.
Where to give: By mail: 306 N. Abbey Rd, Urbana, IL 61802. Online: streetcollege.org. For more: info@streetcollege.org.
Survivor Resource Center
About us: We provide free and confidential counseling, legal advocacy, prevention education and more to survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones. Supporting survivors to heal after their sexual assault. Monetary donations keep services free for survivors.
Where to give: By mail: 27 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61832 or 108 S. Central St., Paris, IL 61944. Online: survivorresourcecenter.org.
Sustainable Water Resources Group
About us: Sustainable Water Resources Group partners with faculty at the University of Malawi to identify rural villages in need of a water source. SWRG uses both scientific data and information from the villagers to drill deep water wells that serve about 200 families. Your gift makes it happen!
Where to give: Online: sustainablewaterresources.org. By mail: 207 W. California Ave., Urbana, IL 61801. For more: timothylarson@sustainablewaterresources.org.
TM Horse Haven
About us: Nestled in East Central, Illinois, TM Horse Haven provides a serene space for you, your family, your friends and/or your colleagues to breathe and be in nature. Our vision is to create and cultivate an environment where people have the time and space to care for their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being while building community and connecting with others and/or simply enjoying nature and bonding with our animals. We offer a variety of seasonal community events and opportunities to learn about and care for barn/farm animals, host birthday parties and other special gatherings and meetings, and hope to soon offer boarding and caretaking for additional horses, as well as equine therapy and riding lessons sometime in the future.
Where to give: By mail: 917 CR 1000 East, Tolono, IL 61880. Online: givebutter.com/TMHH. Text: “HORSEHAVEN” to 53-555. For more: tmhorsehaven.org.
Trails of the Grand Prairie
About us: Trails of the Grand Prairie works to steward, develop and expand recreational bicycle and hiking trails on vacated rail corridors throughout the East Central Illinois region. The organization formerly known as Friends of the Kickapoo Rail Trail now also manages Heartland Pathways’ 30-mile inventory of prairie and woodland corridors in Piatt and DeWitt counties. Your gift will continue the development of the Kickapoo Rail Trail while helping to build a regional network of trails that will span from Danville all the way to Clinton.
Where to give: Online: friendsofkrt.org. By mail: PO Box 271, Oakwood, IL 61858-0271. For more: info@FriendsofKRT.org.
Trauma & Resilience Initiative
About us: This holiday season, support the Trauma & Resilience Initiative as we work to promote healing and wellness for individuals impacted by violence. A gift of $50 provides food and snacks for our grief groups, while $100 offers a comfort care basket for a family in need.
Where to give: Via PayPal at traumaresilienceinc.org.
Tuscola Community Foundation
About us: The foundation funds programs and services that make a lasting impact in our community. Donated funds are used to serve a broad spectrum of interests like youth activities, education, health and human services, senior services and more. We are committed to ensuring all entrusted funds support our community. Funds are awarded through the grant and scholarship processes. As you consider your own future and charitable goals, take a moment to think about how the community of Tuscola has shaped you. Let’s work together and give back to our great community.
Where to give: Online: tuscolafoundation.org. By mail: P.O. Box 252, Tuscola, IL 61953. For more: tuscolafoundation@gmail.com.
Twin City Theatre Company
About us: Twin City Theatre Company’s mission is to operate as a theatrical company with a focus on presenting productions related to under-represented cultures and voices. Creating a production for the stage can cost from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on the cost of royalties, space rental, costumes, props and set design/construction. Only about half of the cost of a production comes from ticket sales. The rest comes from donations from people who value theatre and its ability to entertain, educate and inspire.
Where to give: Online: twincitytheatreco.org.
U-C Books to Prisoners
About us: The volunteers of U-C Books to Prisoners collect and sort books from the community and send them to people incarcerated in Illinois per their request. Right now, we need money more than we need books. $35 ships one box of eight-plus book orders to a prison in Illinois.
Where to give: Online: books2prisoners.org. By mail: P.O. Box 515, Urbana, IL 61803.
United Way of Champaign County
About us: United Way of Champaign County is dedicated to improving lives and strengthening our community by addressing critical needs and creating opportunities for all. We rely on generous financial support to fund impactful programs, provide grants to local non-profits, and advance initiatives that promote education, financial stability and health — making a lasting difference in the lives of our neighbors.
Where to give: By mail: 5 Dunlap Court, Savoy, IL 61874. Facebook: @UWChampaignCounty. Instagram: @uwchampaign.
United Way of Danville Area
About us: United Way of Danville Area responds to the needs of our local communities while addressing the root causes of key issues. We do this by inspiring and uniting the power of individuals, businesses and the public and nonprofit sectors around common goals. Together, we work to ensure that every individual can receive a quality education, a good job to support their family and live a healthy life. United Way of Danville Area has served residents in Vermilion County and Indiana’s Fountain and Warren counties for more than 96 years.
Where to give: Online: unitedwayda.com.
Uniting Pride of Champaign County
About us: Uniting Pride exists to create a Champaign County where all who identify as sexual and/or gender minorities can live full, healthy and vibrant lives. With the recent massive increase in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, our work is more important than ever. Donations support our educational programming, community resources like our food pantry and harm reduction program, free advocacy services, social and support groups, community-wide events and more.
Where to give: By mail: 1001 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL 61821. Online: unitingpride.org.
University of Illinois Foundation
About us: The foundation is the gift-receiving agency for the University of Illinois. Your generosity supports students, faculty and staff and helps world-class education, research and innovation thrive for generations to come.
Where to give: By mail: P.O. Box 734500, Chicago, IL 60673-4500. Include a short note (or memo on your check) stating the purpose or designation of your gift. Online: uif.uillinois.edu/give.
University YMCA
About us: The University YMCA develops campus and community leaders committed to social justice, environmental protection, interfaith cooperation and global engagement by fostering dialogue, reflection and action. Your contributions help the Y to offer civic and arts programming free to the public, scholarship opportunities for students, resources and emergency aid to our immigrant community, and more.
Where to give: Online: universityymca.org. By mail: 1001 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL 61820. For more: marc@universityymca.org.
Upper Sangamon River Conservancy
About us: The Upper Sangamon River Conservancy works to preserve, maintain, monitor and promote public use and awareness of the Sangamon River. Your donations will help us purchase supplies and facilitate volunteers to help maintain and improve the Sangamon River watershed through trash pickups and natural area management. New equipment can improve our monitoring river health and get more people involved in our efforts.
Where to give: Online: sangamonriver.org. By mail: P.O. Box 765, Mahomet, IL 61853.
The Urbana Free Library Foundation
About us: The foundation is an independent nonprofit established to support The Urbana Free Library in fulfilling its mission of encouraging learning and enriching lives by providing access to vital community resources and diverse programs.
Where to give: Online: urbanafreelibrary.org. Text: “TUFL” to 50155. By mail: 210 W. Green St., Urbana, IL 61801.
Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center
About us: Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center — where our youth will grow, our parents will help and our community will share — is a youth development organization that provides recreational, cultural, STEAM, college/career preparatory and academic enrichment programming during after-school, summer and school closure terms. UNCC provides affordable transportation, nutritious meals and supervision to local K-12 students. We welcome monetary donations of any amount by check, cash, or card online; all donations support our youth programming and sponsorship throughout the year.
Where to give: By mail: 1401 E. Main Street, Urbana, IL 61802. Online: urbanaconnectionscenter.org.
Urbana Parks Foundation
About us: The foundation provides supplemental funding for Urbana Park District parks and programs. UPF seeks donations from people and organizations who appreciate the value of parks or programs not just for their immediate esthetic or environmental value, but for the impact they can have on future generations. Our sponsors and donors provide generous financial and in-kind assistance, as well as contributing in ways that benefit the greater Urbana-Champaign community.
Where to give: By mail: 303 W. University Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801. Online: urbanaparksfoundation.org.
Urbana Pops Orchestra
About us: Urbana Pops Orchestra “plays well with others!” UPO brings together professional and semi-professional musicians who share their music stands with talented youth musicians in unique concerts of popular music — such as film scores and recognizable light classics — absolutely free to this community. Your gift primarily provides stipends for UPO’s adult musicians and to rent musical scores.
Where to give: Online: urbanapops.org or via UPO’s Facebook page. By mail: 207 W. California, Urbana, IL 61801.
Vermilion County Crime Stoppers
About us: The mission of Vermilion County Crime Stoppers is be an effective tool to help fight crime in the area. Crime Stoppers provides a method for local law enforcement to receive information on crimes. These efforts increase tips, which in turn increases arrests in our community. VC Crime Stoppers seeks tips from the community as well as cash donations to provide those who give tips.
Where to give: Online: vccrimestoppers.com.
Vermilion County Museum Society
About us: The mission of the Vermilion County Museum Society is to disseminate the local history of the county through exhibits, special programs and presentations. Donations help support the society’s largest program, The Historical School Program, which is offered yearly, free of charge, to over 3,000 students.
Where to give: By mail: 116 N. Gilbert St., Danville, IL 61832. Online: vermilioncountymuseum.org.
Vermilion Heritage Foundation
About us: The Vermilion Heritage Foundation owns and operates the Fischer Theatre, and has overseen the restoration of this landmark to its current state through the continued development and active use of the historic theatre. The foundation believes art is vital to a good life. Our purpose is to fund and oversee the restoration, maintenance and operations of the Historic Fischer Theatre in order for all to experience the arts in this local treasure.
Where to give: In person: 158 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61832. By mail: P.O. Box 158, Danville, IL 61834.
WEFT Community Radio
About us: Since 1975, WEFT has provided East Central Illinois with a media platform and access for community volunteers to share alternative voices, unique perspectives and diverse musical programming. Support financially or through volunteering enables WEFT to remain a vital area resource promoting engagement, cultural expression and local activism.
Where to give: Online: weft.org or through the new WEFT app. By mail: P.O. Box 1223, Champaign, IL 61824. Questions about donating, volunteering or hosting your own radio show? Contact Eric Bohlen at stationmanager@weft.org or 217-359-9338.
The Well Experience
About us: The Well Experience supports the holistic growth of underrepresented families, with a strong focus on women, girls and children. We provide education, services, resources and advocacy that help dismantle racial disparities and systemic oppression while encouraging hope. Your generosity allows us to provide vital mental health care, academic support and family services to vulnerable populations in Urbana, Champaign and Rantoul. Because of you, families are finding hope, students are achieving success, and individuals are discovering healing and community.
Where to give: By mail: P.O. Box 51, Urbana, IL 61803. Online: thewellexperience.org. Email: info@thewellexperience.org.
Wesley Food Pantry
About us: Wesley Food Pantry provides healthy groceries and fresh vegetables for Champaign County families in need at three locations in C-U. Monetary donations help us ensure that guests find food that fits their diets and help support our mobile pantry to communities lacking transportation to traditional pantry hours.
Where to give: By mail: 1203 W. Green St., Urbana, IL 61801. Online: wesleypantry.org.
Westville Community Academic Foundation
About us: The Westville Community Academic Foundation annually awards scholarships to graduating seniors pursuing future academic and/or vocational learning after high school. Financial donations over $10,000 may be structured to be dispersed into scholarships awarded into perpetuity. Smaller donations may be compiled with scholarships awarded each year.
Where to give: By mail: Mandy Alvarez, Foundation president, Westville School District, 125 Ellsworth St., Westville, IL 61883.
Willow Tree Missions
About us: Willow Tree Missions is a Christ-centered organization dedicated to eliminating domestic violence and abuse. We strive to accomplish this mission trough shelter service, legal advocacy and emotional support. This year, monetary donations are going toward a new program: transitional housing. Gently used items may also be donated for resale to assist with our current domestic violence prevention programs.
Where to give: By mail: 100 E. Washington St., Monticello, IL 61856. Donations of goods for resale: 351 W. Monroe St., Monticello, IL 61856.
Women’s Care Clinic
About us: Women’s Care Clinic in Danville has been serving the community for 30-plus years, by providing help and hope to Vermilion County women and men facing unplanned or difficult pregnancies. The life-affirming clinic provides free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, parental education, after-abortion care and STI testing. Moms are invited to participate in a program that allows them to earn free must-have baby items, until the baby reaches 18 months of age.
Where to give: By mail: 1509 N. Bowman Ave., Danville, IL 61832. Online: danvillewcc.org.
YoungLives Champaign County
About us: YoungLives comes alongside pregnant and parenting teen moms to offer acceptance, support, friendship, hope and love. Monetary donations from our community makes this work possible.
Where to give: By mail: P.O. Box 8291, Champaign, IL 61826. Email: elgrace321@gmail.com.
YWCA Champaign County
About us: Our mission is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity. Currently, we are seeking monetary donations for our ongoing STRIVE program. STRIVE is a free digital skills program with the mission to build confidence, improve resumes, increase employability and jumpstart new careers.
Where to give: Online: ywcachampaigncounty.org.