Our Supporters
Together, we challenge power and power answers for the people of Illinois.
The Better Government Association is a nonprofit, independent investigative and solutions-focused news organization and public advocate. We work every day for a more transparent, equitable, and accountable government — for the benefit of all the people of Illinois.
Without journalism, there can be no accountability.
Without public accountability, action falls short.
Your partnership fuels investigations, policy reform, and community-led action — creating lasting impact across our state.
Thank you for standing with us in pursuit of a more transparent and just Illinois.
Because when power is unchecked, democracy is undone.
We are grateful to the following individuals and institutional donors whose philanthropic support of $5,000 or more powered our work in 2023.
Second Century Council: $100,000+
Alvin H. Baum Family Fund
Rita and John Canning
The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation
The Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation
Jim and Karen Frank
Joe Mansueto
Robert R. McCormick Foundation
Steve Miller
Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust and Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust
GCM Grosvenor
Heather Steans and Leo Smith
Benefactor: $50,000
Anonymous
The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies Inc
Patron: $25,000+Â
Susan Anderson and Bob Arthur
Ed Bachrach
Gary Elden and Phyllis Mandler
D. Carroll Joynes and Abby McCormick O’Neil
Liz and Eric Lefkofsky
Jim and Molly Perry
Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan
Kathleen and Jim Skinner
Ambassador: $15,000+
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Prue and Frank Beidler
Dr. Scholl Foundation
Edelman
M. Hill Hammock, Verit Advisors
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Peter and Alicia Pond
Svoboda Capital Partners, LLC
Partner: $10,000+Â
Anonymous (2)
Ariel Investments
Wade Thomson and Jenner & Block
Phil Calian
Robert W. Crawford, Jr., NEL – (Neighborhood Entrepreneurship Lab)
The Crown Family
William S. Donnell and Claudia Daly
Janet and Craig Duchossois
David Helfand
Kovler Family Foundation
Robert and Linda Levin
Mesirow
Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Alexandra C. Nichols
Northern Trust Company
Mark and Marcie Peterson
Mark Rust, Barnes & Thornburg, LLP
Sidley Austin LLP
Sirius Fund
Barbara Speer and Chris Noon
Alicia Garcia-Abner, Trinal, Inc.
The Vistria Group
Investor: $5,000 – $9,999
Anonymous
ABC 7 Chicago
Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP
Carol Lavin Bernick Family Foundation
William Blair
talian Village Restaurants – Capitanini Family
Flying Food Group
DaVita Giving Foundation
Paulette and James Dodson
Anne Dooley and Kurt Wittenberg
Eleven Eleven Foundation, Jim and Wendy Abrams
Brian and Allison Feltzin
Cindy and David Greising
Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel and John H. Krehbiel, Jr.
Robert M. and Diane vS. Levy Family Foundation
Geeta Malhotra and Zack Christensen
Medill School, Northwestern University
PNC
The Pritzker Traubert Foundation
Charles River Associates
Roger C. Marquardt & Company
Brian A. Sher
Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP
Christina Schmucker Solomon and Scott Solomon
Neele and Bonnie Stearns
Nykia Wright
