Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago

What Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago does

The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago (EFGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1946, headquartered at 17 N. State St., Suite 650 in Chicago, and operating as a local affiliate of the Epilepsy Foundation of America. It serves approximately 140,000 people living with epilepsy, along with their families and caregivers, across a 44-county region of Illinois. EFGC delivers a portfolio of free services organized around six core areas: case management (assessments, goal-setting, resource referrals, public benefits navigation), mental health counseling (1:1 and group clinical services), social and recreational programs (Kids & Teens Club, adult outings, Camp Blackhawk, Camp Phoenix, Family Camp), higher-education scholarships (up to $5,000 per award), support groups spanning eight demographic and language segments, and education (Seizure Recognition & First Aid Training compliant with the Illinois Seizure Smart School Act, plus English and Spanish Consumer Conferences). A Medical Advisory Council drawn from Northwestern, Lurie Children's, UChicago, Rush, Loyola, Endeavor Health, and Jesse Brown VA anchors clinical credibility.

EFGC has no technology product surface; its "platform" is its community, clinical staff, and event infrastructure. The organization employs 20+ staff spanning clinical, programs, development, communications, health equity, and operations functions, with an all-volunteer Board of Directors and an Associate Board of young professionals. EFGC generates revenue through diversified donation streams: individual giving, corporate sponsorships tied to events, workplace giving programs with employer matching, a Savers thrift-store partnership, a vehicle donation program, and Facebook fundraisers. Pricing is non-applicable — all services are free to clients. Strategic posture has shifted in 2025 with a new President & CEO (Alison Ruble, from the USO), a new VP of Finance/Operations/People (Lance Drake), a new Board Chair (Eric Weber), and the formalization of a Health Equity, Education & Advocacy function, signaling capacity reinvestment heading into the 80th anniversary year.

Name

Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago

Legal name

Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago

Website

https://epilepsychicago.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1946 that provides free case management, mental health services, support groups, camps, scholarships, and seizure first aid training to approximately 140,000 people living with epilepsy across 44 Illinois counties. It operates as a local affiliate of the Epilepsy Foundation of America and is funded primarily through donations, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Community Health Services

NAICS

Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders (HLAKAIAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Special Education, Disability Support & Inclusive Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAH), Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK)

Keywords

• Epilepsy support services
• Case management programs
• Mental health counseling
• Seizure first aid training
• Community health advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individuals supporting programs and services for people with epilepsy in the Chicagoland area.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Sponsorship of events provides marketing opportunities for companies while supporting foundation programs. Events include Epilepsy Fall Fest 5K, Tee Off for Camp Phoenix Golf Outing, Casino Night, Consumer Conference, and Spanish Consumer Conference.
3. Workplace Giving: Payroll deduction programs through employers with matching gift programs available.
4. Clothing & Household Goods Donations: Partnership with Savers Thrift stores to collect used items; proceeds donated to the foundation.
5. Vehicle Donation Program: Accepts vehicle donations to support programs and services.
6. Facebook Fundraising: Individual supporters can set up Facebook fundraisers with 100% of donations going directly to EFGC.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago provides free case management, mental health counseling, support groups, social and recreational programs (including summer camps), higher-education scholarships, and Seizure Recognition & First Aid Training to people living with epilepsy and their families across 44 counties in Illinois. It is funded primarily through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, workplace giving, and in-kind donation programs.

Product overview

The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago offers a comprehensive suite of services organized around six core areas: (1) Case Management providing professional assistance with epilepsy-related issues and resource referrals; (2) Mental Health Services including 1:1 and group counseling; (3) Programs encompassing social activities for Kids & Teens, Adults, and Families including Camp Blackhawk, Camp Phoenix, and Family Camp; (4) Scholarships including the James Davies, Sara Elizabeth Stubblefield Memorial, and Creative Impact Award scholarships; (5) Support Groups serving various demographics; and (6) Education including Seizure Recognition & First Aid Training, Consumer Conferences, and Spanish-language programming. All services are provided free of charge to individuals and families affected by epilepsy across 44 counties in Illinois.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Case Management Professional case management providing members with free assistance to manage epilepsy-related issues and improve quality of life through assessments, goal-setting, ongoing check-ins, and resource referrals including public benefits, healthcare access, legal referrals, and employment assistance. Targeted at individuals living with epilepsy and their families across 44 Illinois counties.
• Mental Health Services Clinical mental health support including 1:1 counseling, group counseling, and resource referrals focused on addressing depression, anxiety, and the unique mental health challenges faced by people with epilepsy. Delivered by Licensed Clinical Social Workers and clinical staff. Targeted at people living with epilepsy.
• Social and Recreational Programs Social and recreational programs including Kids & Teens Club, Adult Member Outings, Young Adult Member Outings, Monthly Family Activities, Mindfulness Minutes, and 'Train Your Brain' Games Group, providing community and connection for individuals and families affected by epilepsy.
• Camp Blackhawk A week-long residential retreat for kids and teens living with epilepsy, providing a safe, supportive environment where participants connect with peers who understand their experiences.
• Camp Phoenix A free week-long retreat for kids and teens with epilepsy supported by the Tee Off for EFGC Golf Outing fundraising event.
• Family Camp Family retreat weekends designed for kids and teens (5-17 years old) living with epilepsy and their families, providing inclusive recreational experiences at Timber Pointe Outdoor Center.
• Scholarship Program Annual scholarships awarded to individuals with epilepsy attending academic institutions of higher learning, including the James Davies Scholarship ($5,000), Sara Elizabeth Stubblefield Scholarship ($3,000 renewable up to 4 years), and EFGC Creative Impact Award ($5,000).
• Support Groups Safe spaces where those living with epilepsy can share comfort, encouragement, and guidance through groups including Loop Group, Wellness for Women/Gender Expansive Support Group, Spanish Loop Group, Virtual Teen Support Group, Young Adults Support Group, Spanish Caregiver Support Group, Caregiver Education Support Group, and The Golden Age Support Group.
• Seizure Recognition & First Aid Training Free training programs teaching groups, schools, and communities about epilepsy and seizure response, offered in-person or virtually, consistent with CDC best practice guidelines and the Illinois Seizure Smart School Act (2020). Targeted at schools, companies, and community organizations.
• Consumer Conference A free educational event covering the most current medical information for people impacted by epilepsy, with top specialists giving presentations to more than 200 participants annually.
• Spanish Consumer Conference (Empoderando a Nuestras Familias) A free educational event held in Spanish covering current medical information for people impacted by epilepsy, catered to the Latino community with top specialist presentations for more than 100 participants.
• Corporate Partner Program Corporate partnership opportunities enabling companies to sponsor EFGC events and reach individuals impacted by epilepsy in the greater Chicago area.
• Epilepsy Fall Fest 5K Annual 5K event with nearly 2,000 walkers participating at two locations (Cantigny Park in Wheaton and Montrose Harbor in Chicago), featuring sponsor tents on-site.
• Casino Night Annual fundraising event featuring friendly casino gaming, dancing, and food/drinks, catered towards young professionals with more than 250 attendees each year.

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Epilepsy Foundation of AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEFGC operates as a local affiliate of the Epilepsy Foundation of America, part of a nationwide network dedicated to epilepsy awareness, education, research, and support.
• Savers Thrift StoresminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership to collect used clothing and household items through GreenDrop. Proceeds from sold items are donated to EFGC.
• Instituto del Progreso LatinominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for the annual Spanish Consumer Conference (Empoderando a Nuestras Familias) serving the Hispanic community.
• Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedical Advisory Council member institution. Dr. John Millichap serves as Chair of the Medical Advisory Council.
• Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of ChicagocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedical Advisory Council member institution with multiple specialists advising on education, services, research, and advocacy.
• Midwestern Career CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner offering END (Electroneurodiagnostic) Technology Program. Brendan Wolfe is a graduate and current student clinical rotation at Northwestern Hospital.
• Rush University Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedical Advisory Council member institution.
• University of Chicago MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedical Advisory Council member institution with Dr. Naoum Issa and Dr. Peter C. Warnke serving on the council.
• Loyola MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedical Advisory Council member institution with Dr. Antonio H. Iglesias serving on the council.
• Jesse Brown VA Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedical Advisory Council member institution with Dr. Aditi Narechania serving on the council.
• Endeavor HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedical Advisory Council member institution with Dr. Takijah Heard serving on the council.
• NorthShore University HealthSystemcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Takijah Heard serves as Division Head of Child Neurology and Director of Pediatric Neurophysiology.
• 33 RealtyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEric Weber, EFGC board member and founder/principal, hired Jessica (a client) as an Office Assistant, providing employment assistance to a foundation client.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Epilepsy Foundation of America: The national parent organization of EFGC and the umbrella brand for all local affiliates. Operates a broader portfolio of research, advocacy, and national programs, while EFGC delivers the regional direct-service layer.
• CURE Epilepsy: National nonprofit focused on funding epilepsy research and patient outcomes; competes with EFGC for donor dollars within the same disease category but emphasizes research funding rather than direct services.
• American Cancer Society (Illinois Region): Large national health nonprofit with regional Illinois operations providing patient navigation (case management-like), support programs, and advocacy, competing for similar donor dollars and event participation.

Emerging players

• Danny Did Foundation: Chicago-based epilepsy-focused nonprofit working on seizure detection devices and SUDEP awareness; overlaps with EFGC's mission and donor pool but specializes in device advocacy rather than direct service delivery.

Direct peers

• Epilepsy Foundation Texas: Another regional Epilepsy Foundation affiliate with a comparable direct-service model (case management, support groups, camps, and education) serving a multi-county region, making it the closest structural peer to EFGC.
• Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota: Regional Epilepsy Foundation affiliate delivering case management, mental health support, seizure first aid training, and community programs across a multi-county area, structurally parallel to EFGC.
• Epilepsy Foundation New England: A multi-state Epilepsy Foundation affiliate providing free case management, support groups, and education in the New England region, operating a service portfolio that mirrors EFGC's offerings.
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society (Greater Illinois): Regional chronic-disease nonprofit offering case management, mental health support, support groups, scholarships, and advocacy for a defined population, employing a service mix highly comparable to EFGC.
• Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter: Regional health-affiliate nonprofit providing free case management, support groups, education, and 24/7 helpline services in Illinois using a comparable chapter-based delivery model.

Regional players

• Mental Health America (Illinois affiliate): Mental health advocacy and support nonprofit with regional affiliates offering counseling, support groups, and education, overlapping with EFGC's mental health and education service lines.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/EFGreaterChicago
• Facebookfacebook.com/EpilepsyChicago
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/epilepsy-foundation-of-greater-chicago
• Instagraminstagram.com/epilepsychicago
• Xx.com/EpilepsyChicago

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago