The Champions Program

The Champions of the Illinois Bar Foundation

The Champions of the Illinois Bar Foundation (formerly known a the Fellows of the Illinois Bar Foundation) are a distinguished group of attorneys and non-attorney Foundation supporters who believe in the value of justice and philanthropy. Champions commit to a pledge payable over ten years, creating sustainable long-term funding for our Access to Justice and Lawyers Care programs throughout the state.

Becoming a Champion

It’s easy to pledge your support and further the work of the Illinois Bar Foundation. Select your membership level and you can choose to be billed annually or enroll in automatic annual, quarterly, or monthly payments. Champions receive special recognition at ISBA Annual & Midyear Meetings and  Champions badges that can be used to display your Champions level on your website or email signature, as well as ongoing recognition on our website, social media, and in publications such as the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Illinois Lawyer Now, and the Illinois Bar Journal. 

Contributions from our Champions make a direct impact on the lives of those we serve in communities around Illinois. Champions may also opt to restrict their pledge for the appellate district of their choice, allowing their contributions to stay close to home and help neighbors in need.

Champion Membership Levels

10 Year Commitment

Bronze Champion $100 per year
Silver Champion $200 per year
Gold Champion $500 per year
Diamond Champion $1,000 per year
Platinum Champion $1,500 per year
Pillar of the Foundation $2,500 per year
Become a Champion

Already a Champion?

Champion pledges can be upgraded at any time, and the amount already paid toward your existing pledge applies to your upgraded level, making an upgrade less costly but more impactful for those in need.

Questions about your current giving level? Contact Jessie Reeves at jreeves@illinoisbarfoundation.org or 312-920-4681.

Upgrade Your Champion Membership

Past Chairs & Award Recipients

Past Chairs

Since its inception in 1983, the Chairs of the Champions have demonstrated strong leadership of the program and the Illinois Bar Foundation. We appreciate the invaluable contributions of all of our Past Chairs.

View Past Chairs

Champion Award Honorees

The Illinois Bar Foundation is proud to present awards to esteemed members of our legal community at our annual Champions Breakfast (formerly known as the Fellows Breakfast). The Honorary Champion Award is presented to attorneys of singular distinction whose professional and public careers set an example to which others aspire. The Distinguished Service to Law & Society Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the legal community, including support the work of the Illinois Bar Foundation.

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Champion Reception Honorees

The Illinois Bar Foundation is proud to host periodic Champion Receptions (formerly known as the Fellows Receptions), honoring attorneys around the state who embody the mission of the Illinois Bar Foundation through their leadership and dedication to the legal community.

Interested in nominating an attorney to be honored at a Champion Reception? Email IBFinfo@illinoisbarfoundation.org.

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