Lake Cook Chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society

Dedicated to the enjoyment and preservation of wildlife and to the achievement of an ecologically sound environment
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Photo: Birders advertise their hobby with their license plates
Ways You Can Support Lake Cook Audubon

If there is anything more painful than giving money, it is asking for it.  So we're going to try to be a little more creative and provide you some value in return for money. Please consider some of these strategies to help support the activities of the Lake Cook Chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society. These include

  • iGive  - Read detail below
  • Bird Seed Sale - held annually in October and November
  • Charitable Giving - Donations are always welcome by contacting the Chapter President or through Paypal at this link
Help raise money for Lake Cook Audubon through iGive.comiGive  - Shopping Online Gives Support

Every time you shop at any of 700+ familiar online stores in the iGive network, a portion of the money you spend benefits Lake/Cook Audubon Society. It's a free service, and you'll never pay more when you reach a store through iGive. There are no gimmicks or catches.To get started, just create your free iGive account.

To participate in iGive now simply click this link and follow the simple registration instructions. Note: Clicking this link, joining and making a purchase within 45 days will generate a bonus $5 into Lake Cook Audubon's account.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I make a purchase?
Once you are registered, you simply go to iGive.com and sign in. Then shop the store(s) from which you want to purchase. This system works for online sales ONLY. A code will "travel" with you as you navigate and your purchase will be credited to Lake Cook Audubon. Your purchase history is anonymous. Lake Cook Audubon sees total amount raised for our cause and the number of participants.

Who is iGive?

iGive is an Evanston, Illinois based company founded by Rob Grosshandler in 1997. It has helped organizations raise over $4,000,000. Over 48,000 charities are listed with iGive.

What does this cost?
There is no cost to consumers or to Lake Cook Audubon. All fees and discounts are paid by the participating merchants.

Are these first tier merchants or just the desperate ones?
There are over 700 merchants participating in iGive's program. They include the brands you know and already purchase from such as Macy's, REI, FTD.com (flowers), ABT electronics, Sears, Best Buy, JC Penney. You get the idea.

Will I get spam email and all kinds of junk solicitations?

No. You will get a periodic email from iGive reminding you of your membership and pushing store specials or special store donation rates. But your information will NEVER be provided to a merchant (unless you provide it) nor will it be provided to any other person or company. Period.

What if there is a problem with my purchase or I want to return something?
The merchants online selling policies apply to you exactly the same regardless of your iGive affiliation.

Is there any downside to participating?
In 2009, with just 6 people participating in the first 1/2 of the year, we've raised $20 representing about $600 in purchases. It was a good test, but now we want to get serious about this. Please consider using iGive for your next online purchase.

Want more information?


Where Does the Money Go?

Lake Cook Audubon is a chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society (IAS). IAS is an independent 501 (c) 3 not for profit organization and NOT related to the National Audubon Society. The Lake Cook Chapter is a 100% volunteer organization and operates on an annual budget of about $1,800 raised through annual membership dues and various fund raisers. Money that is raised in excess of our operating expenses is saved in our general fund or distributed to various local and Illinois environmental, conservation and bird-related organizations. You are welcome to receive a complete set of financial information upon request.


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