December 12, 2005 - Charitable giving in Illinois totaled $9.1 billion in 2003, an increase of 2 percent from 2001, according to a new report on foundation, corporate and individual giving trends in the state. Released by the Donors Forum of Chicago, Giving in Illinois 2005 found that this increase was fueled by a rise in individual giving, while foundation and corporate giving dropped for the first time in six years.

Giving in Illinois 2005 offers detailed analysis on grantmaking by region, subject area and support type using 2003 data, the most current data available for Illinois foundations.

After steadily increasing since 1997, grantmaking by foundations and corporations fell for the first time in 2003. Giving by foundations and corporations totaled $1.49 billion, a decrease of 9 percent from 2001. Meanwhile, giving by individuals in Illinois rose to $7.6 billion in 2003, an increase of 5.8 percent compared with 2001.

"Illinois residents continue to be generous in their support of charitable causes," said Valerie S. Lies, president and CEO of the Donors Forum. "While foundations and corporations are still recovering from the impact of the recession on their assets, the increase in giving by individuals more than made up for that loss."

While grantmaking fell, assets of Illinois foundations rose by 6 percent in 2003. "The rise in assets is a good sign that foundations will be in position to increase grantmaking in the future," Lies said. "Funders are being cautious now so that they will have the asset base necessary to maintain or increase grantmaking later."

In spite of the slow economy, some Illinois regions saw growth in philanthropy. DuPage County experienced a 31 percent increase in grantmaking between 2001 and 2003, McHenry County saw a 41 percent increase and Lake County saw an 8 percent increase. Grantmaking by Cook County foundations fell 10 percent during the same period.

Other signs of growth include a 12 percent increase in the number of foundations, which totaled 2,888 in 2003. Giving in Illinois 2005 also reported that giving to arts, environmental and international affairs causes increased.

The report found that out-of-state foundations awarded $213.9 million in grants to Illinois recipients. The majority of these grants supported education, human services and health organizations.

Read an executive summary of Giving in Illinois 2005. The full report is available for purchase at www.donorsforum.org.

Editor's Note: Representatives from the Donors Forum are available to speak about the report's findings. We can also refer reporters to foundations and nonprofits in the metropolitan area who can share their organization's current outlook as a result of recent events. To receive a copy of the report or arrange an interview, please call Loraine DeBonis at (312) 327-8942 or ldebonis@donorsforum.org.

The Donors Forum of Chicago is the region's premier resource for leadership, education, research, and action on behalf of philanthropy and nonprofits. A regional association of grantmakers, the Donors Forum enables the philanthropic and nonprofit sector to address community concerns with comprehensive information, skilled leadership, and the resources necessary to build institutions and affect change.

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