FAQs
We are leading efforts to fully fund human services to ensure that all Illinoisans reach their full potential and have access to a sector that is equitable, sustainable and speaks with a collective voice.
What does “human service” mean?
Human services play an integral role in fostering human potential by providing an infrastructure of well-being that supports all members of society. This includes ensuring that we have the essential elements to build and maintain our physical, emotional and economic well-being at every phase of life.
Human service includes health care, mental health, early childhood services, after school programs, job training and workforce development, homelessness, nutrition, immigration, youth services, support for victims and survivors of domestic violence, and care for older adults, among others.
Visit What Are Human Services?
Who are your “Illinois Partners” and where are they located?
From Chicago to Springfield to Cairo, our coalition partners represent a wide range of Illinois human service organizations located in every legislative district.
Visit Our Partners
What are your strategic goals and priorities?
View Illinois Partners Strategic Plan
Public Policy
Our priorities are focused on two areas: robust public investment and collective power. We are leading efforts to fully fund human services to ensure that all Illinoisans reach their full potential and have access to a sector that is equitable, sustainable and speaks with a collective voice. Our strategic priorities include advocating for increased government efficiency and investment in human services, such as full funding of the minimum wage, and supporting the fair tax, a vital solution to building a more equitable Illinois.
Research
Our team is developing key resources to increase equity and the visibility of issues facing the human service sector. These priorities include providing research that demonstrates the value of human services, such as the sector’s contributions to the Illinois economy and the relationship between low wages, employee turnover, and community well-being.
View our Research and Reframing Human Services
Reframing Human Services
We are expanding the reach of our statewide reframing initiative, an evidence-based communications strategy designed to build broader and deeper support for human services.
View our Reframing Human Services
How is Illinois Partners funded?
Illinois Partners is primarily funded from two sources – voluntary coalition partner contributions and foundational support through granting opportunities. At this time, a very small percentage (<10%) of our revenue is generated by way of individual donations and we do not seek or accept funding from government entities.
Is Illinois Partners a membership organization?
Illinois Partners is not a membership organization. There is no fee to join our coalition. However, we rely on the generous contributions of our coalition partners as a significant portion of our annual revenue comes from partner support. We understand that our partners represent a broad spectrum of financial capacity; therefore we recommend pledge amounts based on publicly available revenue information (see the chart below). Each organization determines the level that best suits their budget. All amounts are accepted and appreciated. Make a donation today!
Suggested Pledge Levels:
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$150 = Revenue up to $300,000 |
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$250 = Revenue from $300,000 – $750,000 |
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$500 = Revenue from $750,000 – $1M |
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$750 = Revenue from $1M – $4M |
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$1000 = Revenue from $4M – $8M |
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$2,500 = Revenue from $8M- $12M |
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$3,500 = Revenue from $12M- $25M |
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$4,500 = Revenue greater than $25M |
How does a human service organization join the coalition or become a partner?
There are a variety of ways you can get involved.
You can sign up today to be a partner and join the 850+ human service organizations in our coalition. If you have questions please email info@illinoispartners.org and a staff member will be in touch.
What are the benefits of being a contributing or paid partner?
Contributing or paid partners receive advanced access to special events and webinars as well as invitations to working groups with key administrative and legislative leaders. See the chart below for detailed benefits. Join our coalition.
What are Local Area Councils and who can attend their meetings?
We engage our partners in collaborative opportunities to strengthen human services around the state through regional convenings. We have active Local Area Councils in Southern and Central Illinois and we participate in other geographically-focused human service collectives to discuss legislative policy and advocacy efforts, sector priorities, and research opportunities. If you would like to learn more about these existing partner networks or are interested in connecting with Illinois Partners to start one in your area, please contact our Executive Director, Lauren Wright, at info@illinoispartners.org.
What kind of training do you offer?
Illinois Partners offers training and technical assistance for human service professionals and supporters. Our current offerings include Reframing Human Services, Reframing Aging, Racial Equity, and Advocacy.
Visit our Training Opportunities
How much does training cost?
Training costs range from $50 to $250 for individuals and $250 to $750 for organizations. Discounts are available for financially contributing partners, and scholarships are offered for individuals not employed or sponsored by an organization. Additional information is available here.