Illinois Immigration Funder Collaborative (IFC)

The Illinois Immigration Funder Collaborative (IFC) is a grantmaking collaborative that awards grants to nonprofit organizations working with immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. IFC funding prioritizes three areas: urgent immediate needs, legal assistance for individuals, and advocacy and organizing to advance immigrant rights and justice.    

History 

The Illinois Immigration Funder Collaborative was launched by three local grantmaking foundations – The Chicago Bar Foundation, The Chicago Community Trust, and Polk Bros. Foundation – in 2012 to respond to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Today, it has 31 funding partners who have enabled IFC to issue nearly $24 million to immigrant-led and -focused nonprofits across the Chicago region and statewide. IFC has demonstrated capacity to respond nimbly and efficiently as challenges arise, while also providing sustained funds for immigrant justice.

Current Needs 

Recent changes to immigration policy, raids, and threats of mass deportation have brought a sense of fear and instability to our immigrant community. These actions affect not only those who have come here in search of a better life but also our broader Chicago community and state from a humanitarian and an economic perspective.

Immigrant-serving organizations are doing what they can to ensure that those who could be affected know their rights and are prepared to exercise them. They are also helping families with mixed documentation status plan in the event of being broken apart and organizing mutual aid efforts.  

Chicago is a world-class city built on the contributions of residents seeking economic opportunity. Both Chicago and Illinois have a history of welcoming immigrants and refugees, embracing their status as a sanctuary city and state.  

However, rapid changes in federal immigration policies are threatening many of our neighbors as well as our ability to welcome newcomers who contribute to the economic and cultural fabric of our city and state.

Illinois currently has a range of organizations with expertise and support systems in place to assist refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants with immediate and longer-term needs. While this ecosystem is robust, it still requires ongoing funding support, especially during times of crisis.  

If you are interested in getting involved as a funding partner, please contact info@cct.org.