Illinois Department of Revenue

03/04/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/05/2026 12:12

Tax Season Provides Opportunity to Support Public Health Through Voluntary Contribution Program

Checkoff program allows contributions for Alzheimer's and diabetes research, assistance for homeless persons, and more

SPRINGFIELD - As millions of Illinoisans prepare their 2025 state tax returns, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding them of the state's voluntary contribution program to support one or more health-related programs.

Schedule G of the 2025 Illinois tax form allows Illinois taxpayers to designate a portion of their state tax refund to support one of six charitable funds. Several of the options support programs that benefit public health initiatives.

"For as little as one dollar, Illinois taxpayers can make a voluntary contribution that can make a big difference for people dealing with Alzheimer's disease or diabetes, for the unhoused and hungry, or for the families of sick children," said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "I hope those who are able to do so will consider taking this opportunity to utilize the convenient voluntary contribution program to support programs that improve public health and the quality of life for many in our state."

"The voluntary contribution program is a simple and secure way for taxpayers to direct a portion of their refunds to important programs that benefit individuals and families throughout our state. When filing returns, taxpayers can use Schedule G to easily designate a contribution to one or more charitable funds," explained Illinois Department of Revenue Director David Harris. "We are proud to partner with IDPH to make taxpayers aware of this opportunity to support critical human services and health programs across our state."

The health-related funds that are eligible for the voluntary contribution program on 2025 Illinois tax returns are:
  • Alzheimer's Disease Research, Care, and Support Fund. Money donated to this program will support research into this progressive and fatal brain disorder, as well as programs to assist patients and their families and caregivers.
  • Assistance to the Homeless Fund. Homelessness is a serious public health issue in Illinois, and persons who are unhoused are much more likely to face hospitalization or premature death than the public as a whole. Your contribution to this fund supports local agencies that provide shelter, meals, and services needed by homeless families and individuals.
  • Diabetes Research Fund. Diabetes affects an estimated 1.3 million Illinoisans (more than ten percent of the state's population), but hundreds of thousands of people may not even know they have it. It can lead to an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, dental disease, and lower extremity amputations (not related to injuries). Diabetes and its complications occur among all age, racial, and ethnic groups. Money donated to this fund will be used to support research on the detection, prevention, screening, management, and treatment of diabetes. One-half the funds will be dedicated to juvenile diabetes research efforts.
  • Hunger Relief Fund. Food insecurity affects one in eight Illinoisans, and children are particularly vulnerable, with as many as one in six experiencing hunger. Donations support grants to food banks and hunger relief programs for the purpose of purchasing food and related supplies.
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities Fund. Donations support Ronald McDonald House Charities, which offers programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families by helping all children have access to medical care and providing support and active involvement for their families.
For more information on the voluntary contribution program and other tax-related questions, visit tax.illinois.gov or call the Illinois Department of Revenue at 1-800-732-8866.

Illinois Department of Revenue published this content on March 04, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 05, 2026 at 18:12 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]