PCA Chicago Region

Charity of the Year

Charity and fundraising are not specific or isolated events or activities in the Chicago Region; they are integral to all of our events.  At the start of each year, a charity for the year is selected from not-for-profit organizations nominated by members.  Each nominating member and their charity has an opportunity to present to the Board details of their organization, the impact that a relationship with the Region will provide, and how they will work with the Region to ensure the success of the fund raising efforts.  After each organization has had an opportunity to present, the Board selects the charity that it feels is the best fit for the Region.

Factors that are considered for selection are:

  • Is the nominee’s focus on serving those in the Chicago Region area, and is the nominee a “local” organization?
  • Does the nominee’s mission emphasize children or youth?
  • Will our contribution be a “meaningful amount” to the charity?  There are many excellent charities whose noble work is undeniable, but the Club prefers that its contributions make a difference to the organization. Another consideration is whether the charity can absorb a significant contribution.
  • Does the organization have the correct tax status, legal registration, documentation, etc.?
  • Is the nominating member willing to represent the charity at club events?
  • The charity should also make a commitment to attending multiple club events to help raise awareness within the club membership and the help with the fundraising.  RADE and TRAC are particularly good events to attend as the touring sessions generally raise significant amounts of money.

A submission should include all the relevant tax and legal documentation as well as the organization’s overall mission, outcomes, and the impacts of the outcomes.  A detained statement as to what impact our contribution will make to the charity and/or it’s programs and how those funds will be spent are also key to a successful submission.

For the first time, The Chicago Region has selected two organizations to support. The organizations we will be supporting in 2026 are CASA of McHenry County and The Spring Foundation.

CASA of McHenry County

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. It is a vital organization that plays a critical role in advocating for the well-being of children in McHenry County’s foster care system.

Our Mission

At CASA, our mission is to protect and support children who have been abused or neglected by providing them with trained, commited volunteers who advocate for their best interest. We believe that every child deserves a safe, loving, forever home, and we work tirelessly to make that vision a reality!

How CASA Works

CASA staff recruit, train and support adult volunteers who are appointed by a McHenry County judge to represent the best interests of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. These dedicated individuals undergo extensive training to become advocates for these vulnerable children. They visit the children twice per month, speak with their caregivers, teachers, and healthcare providers, and gather important information to help the judge make informed decisions about the children’s futures. A CASA volunteer stays with the child as long as their case is open, often being the only constant adult in the child’s life.

The Impact of CASA

CASA volunteers make a profound impact on the lives of the children they serve. They provide a consistent and caring presence in the child’s life, ensuring that their needs are met and their voices are heard. Studies have shown that children with CASA advocates are more likely to find safe, permanent homes, perform better in school, and have improved mental and physical health.

Scholarships: Children between the ages of 4 – 21 are eligible for up to $300 per year in scholarships for extra-curricular activities, educational opportunities, and job preparedness.

Transportation: McHenry County is only the second CASA office in the state of IL to allow our volunteers the option of driving their CASA kids (ages 8+). These volunteers complete extra training and an additional DMV background check. Being able to transport their CASA kid can help make it easier for a child to attend after school sports, visit with a sibling they are separated from, go to a therapy appointment, or even just get out of the residential facility they live in to go get a piece of pizza with their CASA. The outcomes of this new program have been more impactful than we ever expeted.

Fostering Futures: A new program starting in 2026 that trains our CASA volunteers on a curriculum they can go through with their CASA youth (ages 16+) to set the teens and young adults up for success in the future. This curriculum covers topics such as budgeting, grocery shopping, using public transportation, setting goals and breaking those goals into steps. We are thrilled to launch this program this year. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of our most vulnerable children. For more information:

SPRING FOUNDATION


The Spring Foundation operates in the greater Chicago area and runs the Noble Gift Project: a pro bono volunteer-driven social initiative providing tailored support to families facing difficult life situations beyond their control. We deliver “wise help” by carefully assessing each family’s needs and mobilizing donors to offer targeted assistance that helps families break the cycle of poverty and empowers lasting change.

WHAT WE DO: Working through volunteers who assess each family’s needs and connect them directly with donors, Spring Foundation delivers “wise help” that avoids dependency, breaks cycles of poverty, and ensures that 100% of donations go directly to those in need. Because every family’s situation is unique, no two Noble Gifts are ever the same. Support is tailored to real needs and may include helping a single parent move from a shelter into an apartment, furnishing a home with basic essentials, providing school supplies or computers for children, or covering critical medical or legal expenses.

2025 STATS
26 families received Noble Gifts 705 donors contributed $79,500 in material gifts delivered(1),     (1) Overall impact significantly higher, incl. legal assistance, courses, and professional guidance

INTRIGUED? GET INVOLVED!

Volunteer to work directly with a family and witness real change, become a Donor to provide targeted support to a chosen family, contribute services or contribute financially – 100% of your donation will go directly to those in need, as the Foundation is fully volunteer-run https://www.springfoundation.org/zaangazuj-sie/

ANNA KOCZYJAN President and Co-founder

anna.koczyjan@springfoundation.org – 773-387-9686

Previous year’s charities

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