Non-profit organizations play a vital role in Illinois communities, addressing crucial social, educational, and environmental needs across the state.
Whether you’re researching established organizations or planning to start your non-profit, this guide covers everything from the most impactful Illinois non-profits to the step-by-step process of forming and registering your 501(c)(3) organization.
Top Non-Profit Organizations in Illinois
Chicago-Based Non-Profits
Greater Chicago Food Depository
- Website: www.chicagosfoodbank.org
- Mission: Fighting hunger throughout Cook County
- Impact: Distributes more than 93 million meals annually
- Contact: (773) 247-3663
Chicago Community Trust
- Website: www.cct.org
- Mission: Improving the lives of people across metropolitan Chicago
- Impact: Manages over $3.5 billion in assets and grants over $100 million annually
- Contact: (312) 616-8000
After School Matters
- Website: www.afterschoolmatters.org
- Mission: Providing Chicago teens with high-quality after-school programs
- Impact: Serves over 19,000 teens annually through arts, sports, STEM, and leadership programs
- Contact: (312) 742-4182
YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
- Website: www.ywcachicago.org
- Mission: Eliminating racism and empowering women
- Services: Childcare, economic empowerment, sexual violence support
- Contact: (312) 372-6600
Springfield Non-Profit Organizations
Central Illinois Foodbank
- Website: www.centralilfoodbank.org
- Mission: Providing food and resources to those in need across 21 counties
- Impact: Distributes over 10 million pounds of food annually
- Contact: (217) 522-4022
Springfield Urban League
- Website: www.springfieldul.org
- Mission: Empowering communities and changing lives
- Services: Workforce development, housing assistance, youth education
- Contact: (217) 789-0830
Memorial Medical Center Foundation
- Website: www.memorial.health/foundation
- Mission: Supporting healthcare initiatives and community health programs
- Impact: Provides millions in grant funding for healthcare improvements
- Contact: (217) 788-4700
Rockford Area Non-Profits
Northern Illinois Food Bank (Rockford Branch)
- Website: www.solvehungertoday.org
- Mission: Solving hunger across Northern Illinois
- Impact: Serves over 900,000 people annually
- Contact: (815) 639-1257
Rockford Rescue Mission
- Website: www.rockfordrescuemission.org
- Mission: Providing food, shelter, and life transformation programs
- Services: Emergency shelter, addiction recovery, education services
- Contact: (815) 965-5332
United Way of Rock River Valley
- Website: www.unitedwayrrv.org
- Mission: Uniting people and resources to improve lives
- Focus Areas: Education, income, health
- Contact: (815) 968-5400
Champaign-Urbana Non-Profit Organizations
Eastern Illinois Foodbank
- Website: www.eifoodbank.org
- Mission: Alleviating hunger in eastern Illinois
- Impact: Partners with 170+ agencies across 18 counties
- Contact: (217) 328-3663
Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County
- Website: www.cuhabitat.org
- Mission: Building affordable housing for families in need
- Impact: Built over 120 homes in Champaign County
- Contact: (217) 355-6460
Cunningham Children’s Home
- Website: www.cunninghamhome.org
- Mission: Providing caring support to children and families
- Services: Residential treatment, special education, community services
- Contact: (217) 367-3728
Peoria-Based Non-Profits
Heart of Illinois United Way
- Website: www.hoiunitedway.org
- Mission: Improving lives by mobilizing community resources
- Impact: Coordinates funding for over 50 partner agencies
- Contact: (309) 674-5181
Midwest Food Bank (Peoria Division)
- Website: www.midwestfoodbank.org
- Mission: Alleviating hunger by gathering and distributing food donations
- Impact: Serves hundreds of agencies throughout Central Illinois
- Contact: (309) 291-0900
Children’s Home Association of Illinois
- Website: www.chail.org
- Mission: Giving children a childhood and future
- Services: Youth and family services, counseling, adoption support
- Contact: (309) 685-1047
Joliet Area Non-Profits
Northern Illinois Food Bank (Will County)
- Website: www.solvehungertoday.org
- Mission: Solving hunger in Will County and beyond
- Impact: Distributes millions of meals annually
- Contact: (815) 254-1700
Spanish Community Center
- Website: www.spanishcenter.org
- Mission: Providing bilingual social services to the community
- Services: Education programs, immigration assistance, food distribution
- Contact: (815) 727-3683
United Way of Will County
- Website: www.uwwill.org
- Mission: Uniting people and resources to build a stronger community
- Focus Areas: Education, financial stability, health
- Contact: (815) 723-2500
Starting a Non-Profit in Illinois: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Define Your Mission and Purpose
Before diving into paperwork, clearly articulate your organization’s mission, target population, and the specific needs you’ll address. Conduct community research to identify gaps in existing services and develop a strategic plan demonstrating your organization’s unique value.
2. Forming a Non-Profit Corporation in Illinois
The first formal step in starting a nonprofit in Illinois is incorporating as a not-for-profit corporation with the Illinois Secretary of State. This process includes:
- Selecting a unique organization name (searchable through the Secretary of State’s database)
- Appointing at least three directors for your initial board
- Filing Articles of Incorporation (Form NFP 102.10)
- Paying the $50 filing fee
- Creating corporate bylaws governing your organization’s operations
Resource: Illinois Secretary of State – www.ilsos.gov/departments/business_services/organization/not_for_profit_home.html
3. Illinois Non-Profit Registration Requirements
After incorporation, you’ll need to:
- Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS
- Register with the Illinois Attorney General’s Charitable Trust Bureau using Form CO-1
- File the Illinois Charitable Organization Annual Report (Form AG990-IL) annually
- Register for state tax accounts if you’ll have employees or collect sales tax
Resource: Illinois Attorney General’s Charitable Trust Bureau – www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/charities
4. Applying for 501(c)(3) Status in Illinois
Federal tax exemption requires filing Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ with the IRS. Key components include:
- Detailed organizational structure and activities
- Financial statements and projected budgets
- Governance policies and conflict of interest procedures
- Compensation information for directors and key employees
Resource: IRS Tax Information for Charities – www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits
5. Illinois Non-Profit Compliance Requirements
Maintaining your non-profit status requires ongoing compliance with state and federal regulations:
- Annual filing of Form AG990-IL with the Illinois Attorney General
- Annual filing of Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N with the IRS
- Maintaining detailed financial records and board meeting minutes
- Submitting an annual report to the Secretary of State with an $11 filing fee
6. Illinois State Grants for Non-Profit Organizations
Illinois offers various grant opportunities for qualifying non-profits through:
- The Illinois Department of Human Services
- The Illinois Arts Council
- The Community Services Block Grant program
- The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Resource: Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Portal – www2.illinois.gov/sites/GATA
Support Organizations for Illinois Non-Profits
Illinois Nonprofit Alliance
- Website: www.illinoisnonprofits.org
- Services: Advocacy, professional development, resource sharing
- Contact: (312) 265-9411
Forefront
- Website: www.myforefront.org
- Services: Networking, training, policy advocacy
- Contact: (312) 578-0090
The Donors Forum
- Website: www.donorsforum.org
- Services: Philanthropy resources, research, networking
- Contact: (312) 578-0175
Finding Registered Non-Profit Organizations in Illinois
Illinois Attorney General’s Charitable Database
- Website: www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/charities/search_charities.html
- Features: Search by name, location, or registration number
GuideStar
- Website: www.guidestar.org
- Features: Detailed profiles, financial information, impact data
IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search
- Website: www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search
- Features: Verify 501(c)(3) status, download determination letters
Conclusion
To maximize community impact in Illinois, whether you’re researching existing or starting a non-profit, this resource highlights the importance of proper registration, governance, and access to support.
By carefully following the incorporation and registration processes, developing strong governance structures, and connecting with supportive resources, new non-profits can join the vibrant network of organizations creating positive change throughout Illinois.
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