2025 Annual Report Illuminating Our Impact
Children playing with blocks in clas

Moving Forward With Purpose

We believe every child has a right to the care, education, and resources they need to thrive in school and in life.​

Guided by our values and grounded in community, we remain true to our mission: ​Illinois Action for Children (IAFC) uplifts children and all who care for them, advancing strong families and prosperous communities. And we move forward with purpose to make this vision a reality—in a landscape filled with challenge and opportunity.​

In addition to connecting families to affordable, high-quality child care as Illinois' largest child care resource and referral agency (CCR&R), IAFC operates four early learning sites that support families with young children, along with a number of additional programs making an impact on communities throughout the Chicago area.

Below, explore highlights from some of our programs that are directly supported by philanthropy and generous partners like you.

 

Lighting the Path for Children & Families to Thrive​

We provide support so that all children—regardless of their life circumstances—can access the high-quality programs and services they need to succeed. And we do this so that parents can work, attend school, and focus on their professional growth with confidence, knowing their children are receiving excellent care. Thanks to generous partners like you:

203,591

Children & families accessed quality early childhood education, care, and vital services

14,427

Early childhood centers, homes, & care providers received training and resources to enhance the quality of their care

6,613

Early childhood advocates participated in advocacy initiatives to benefit children, families, and the early childhood sector

5,638

Children (birth to 12) benefitted from nutritious meals and snacks through our Healthy Food Program

Our Impact is Deep

We light a pathway to success for children by: 

  • Working alongside families to build stability and resilience
  • Strengthening community resources and opportunities
  • Advancing the quality of the state’s early childhood workforce
  • Advocating for policies and practices that create meaningful and lasting change

Scroll down to see our programs in action. 

Smiling preschool children

Parent University Chicago-West (PUCW)

Parent University Chicago-West provides parents with the space to choose and learn the skills they need most to enhance their parent/child relationships. Quarterly parent-driven events combine a supportive peer community and personalized case management, as well as workshops that support financial wellness, mental health, physical wellness, and positive parenting. Together, these elements foster deeper involvement in their children’s education and development.

Early Childhood Advocacy Day 2026

Advocacy

IAFC began as a small, grassroots advocacy organization and 57 years later, we continue to champion children, families, communities, and the early childhood eduation and care workforce by: 

  • Advocating for equitable early childhood funding and policies
  • Educating the public on the issues facing children and families
  • Building a movement of advocacy leaders through the We, The Village Coalition and Providers in Action
Hear From One of Our Advocates

Early Childhood Emerging Leaders Fellowship​

Since 2022, the Maria Whelan Leadership Institute (MWLI) Early Childhood Emerging Leaders Fellowship has guided 79 passionate leaders through the program, strengthening the early learning field. Caring mentors and an alumni community have deepened fellows’ learning, advocacy, and professional networks, with graduates overwhelmingly reporting both personal and professional growth.

Hear From Our Alumni
The Maria Whelan Leadership Institute's Early Childhood Emerging Leader's Fellowship 2025 cohort at the Illinois state capitol building.

Strengthening Connections

Strengthening Connections highlights the power of parents’ love by creating meaningful opportunities for families impacted by incarceration to bond. At barrier-free events, parents in custody—dressed in street clothes—spend quality time with their children, sharing hugs, meals, and joyful moments together.

Licensed social workers further support families by providing case management, connecting them to emergency resources like child care, and helping them build resilience and hope for the future.

Stewardship You Can Trust

Integrity guides every aspect of our work—including our financial practices. Through a sound commitment to transparency and long-term stewardship, we honor every gift and ensure it’s used thoughtfully and responsibly.​ Your gifts are instrumental in fueling the programs supported through philanthropy and going beyond the restrictions of our government-funded work. 

Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Highlights

1
2
3
View Our Audited Financials
Mother hugging her child

Lighting the Way Forward

Since the beginning, our work at Illinois Action for Children has been guided by the belief that every child deserves a bright and equitable future. That commitment endures through our strategic plan, Lighting the Way Forward, which will guide our growth for the next three years.

As we continue to address the increasingly complex issues facing children and all who care for them, this plan will also position us to make an even deeper impact for years to come.

Explore the Plan

Generosity in Action​

The impact we have achieved would not have been possible without the generosity and commitment of our caring supporters. Your continued partnership makes it possible for us to grow, innovate, and reach even more families in need. Thank you to our 2025 donors!

Give a Gift
Raffle attendees during a A Time to Shine 2025

Board and Development Leadership

Officers

  • Chair—Peter Kim, JLL​

  • Vice Chair—Jason Smith, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

  • Secretary—Catherine Merritt, Spool Marketing & Communications​

  • Treasurer—Amirh Collis, PwC

Directors

  • LaChar Crayton, Community Representative​

  • Hardik Dalal, Corewell Health West​

  • Katie Durick, Meta​

  • Linda Hodo, The Pivot Page​

  • Christopher Knapik, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)​

  • George West, Westpoint Financial Group​

  • Nirav Patel, NJP Strategic Insights​

  • Ben Wasmuth, RSM, US LLP​

  • Magen Hanrahan, Ferrara Candy Company

IAFC

  • April Janney, CEO​

  • Sandy Matthews, Senior Vice President, Organizational Advancement

  • Sari Rubin, Director, Philanthropy​

  • Jessica Bernthal, Director, Marketing and Communications