What Local Charities Should I Support at the End of the Year?
When you give local, you can support the people and places that make northwest Illinois home. If you are choosing a charity for an end-of-year gift, think about the needs you care about most and the communities you want to reach.
How to choose a local charity
There is no single right answer. Start with a cause that matters to you. You may want to help children learn, support mental health, strengthen family finances, or help neighbors meet basic needs.
Next, look at where an organization works. United Way of Northwest Illinois serves communities in Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll Counties. If you want your gift to stay connected to this region, check whether the charity serves people here and explains the work it does.
Finally, decide whether you want to support one specific program or several community needs. Both approaches can make a difference. The choice depends on what you hope your gift will do.
Why give local in northwest Illinois?
Local organizations see the challenges families face every day. They also know the strengths of the communities they serve. Giving close to home can support work in areas such as:
- Youth opportunities and early learning;
- Mental health and healthy communities;
- Financial security for families; and
- Food, housing, and other basic needs.
How United Way works with local nonprofits
United Way brings donors and nonprofit organizations together to address needs across our region. Local volunteers review eligible funding requests. They consider community needs, proposed results, and how an organization plans to use its resources.
You can read more about this process on our funding and partnership opportunities page. It explains how nonprofit organizations work with United Way and how funding proposals are reviewed.
Make an end-of-year gift close to home
Your gift can help strengthen the community you know. Choose a cause that matters to you and explore ways to support local work.