Community Foundation alliance strengthening philanthropy statewide

This summer marked a milestone for Illinois philanthropy. The state’s charitable tax credit program—Illinois Gives—entered a new era, with improvements that promise to empower donors and communities.

The achievement follows years of organization and advocacy by the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations, a collaborative network of community foundations, including the Quad Cities Community Foundation.

Illinois Gives, a state income tax credit projected to stimulate more than $100 million in permanent philanthropic resources, had already gained momentum, but technical definitions and reporting requirements made it harder for community foundations—and their donors—to participate. That’s where the Alliance stepped in.

Under the guidance of Executive Director Henry Mohn, the Alliance members advocated for critical rule changes and legislative fixes to improve the program. “Our members represent the top experts in giving and philanthropy from across the state,” Mohn said. “People like Anne Calder in the Quad Cities were essential to these changes. Her experience navigating policy in Iowa made a big difference as we advocated for Illinois donors.”

State Recognizes Community Foundations’ Role

Julie Buck, executive director of the Community Foundation of Grundy County, and Byram Fager, CEO of the Southern Illinois Community Foundation, have been appointed to the Illinois Attorney General’s Charitable Advisory Council. Their appointments reflect the state’s recognition of community foundations as trusted stewards of charitable investment—a role that aligns directly with Illinois Gives’ mission.

The improvements to Illinois Gives include a clearer definition of what qualifies as a community foundation and ensure stock gifts are handled consistently. This not only keeps the program’s integrity intact, but it also levels the playing field so donors can confidently invest through their local foundation and know their gift will stay local.

For Joshua Gibb, current president of the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations, the policy reflects the trust that donors and policymakers have in their local community foundations. “We didn’t do it alone, but I’m proud to say Alliance members led this advocacy effort,” Gibb said. “As our organization has grown stronger, we’ve been able to carry a clear message to legislators on why philanthropy matters for Illinois’ future.”

“Every dollar of credit issued through this program equals four permanent donor dollars invested into Illinois charities and causes,” said Gibb. “Pause and consider that level of impact. The structure of the program ensures that the credit will be distributed equitably across the state. Donors are in a position to make lasting change, especially in our small towns and rural areas.”

With changes in place, the Alliance’s efforts now turn to making sure the program is fully utilized and extended in future years. To date, more than $8 million in gifts have been made statewide with both new and longtime donors motivated by the opportunity. The credit is available to all Illinois taxpayers. To make a gift and claim your credit, contact Anne Calder at annecalder@QCCommunityFoundation.org or 563-326-2840.