The Mckinley Foundation At The University Of Illinois

What The Mckinley Foundation At The University Of Illinois does

The McKinley Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1906 as a sibling organization to McKinley Memorial Presbyterian Church, jointly serving the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and the broader Champaign County community. The Foundation's mission centers on social justice advocacy and student leadership development, distinct from but aligned with the Church's progressive Christian worship ministry. Core programs include the McKinley Food Pantry at Garden Hills Elementary (serving 45-50 families per distribution event, utilizing Eastern Illinois Foodbank as supply source), a community social-justice grants program (12 grants of up to $1,000 annually awarded to 14+ organizations in the latest cycle), four scholarship programs for UIUC students (including the Black Lives Matter Scholarship and Ullmann/Wert Scholarships totaling $2,500-$6,000 per year), and Alternative Seasonal Breaks trip sponsorships for up to 4 students per trip.

The Foundation owns Presby Hall, a UIUC-certified student residence at 805 S 5th St., which functions as both a revenue-generating housing asset and the primary on-campus distribution channel for student ministry. Additional program lines include the McKinley Student Dinners program (60 students weekly, launched August 2022), Artists' Alley gallery at 405 E. John Street, Movies at McKinley film series, McKinley Giving Garden, and annual fundraisers including the Flamingo Flocking campaign and Social Justice Celebration. The organization maintains four physical locations across Champaign and operates under a volunteer board governance structure.

Revenue derives primarily from charitable donations to the Foundation and Church (via Tithe.ly or check, as separate legal entities), supplemented by inbound grants (e.g., Faith in Place COVID-19 Food Crisis Relief Fund, Nature's Path), merchandise sales (e.g., McKinley Pride t-shirts at $30), event ticket revenue (Social Justice Celebration at $50/$25 per ticket), and Presby Hall rental income. The Foundation distributes funds outward through its grant program and scholarships, and in-kind through direct service programs. Customer segments are geographic and persona-based: primary segments are UIUC students (social justice engagement, housing, food access) and Champaign County community members (food security, healthcare access, social services); secondary segments include LGBTQIA+ individuals and families with children/youth. There is no proprietary technology platform, no API, no mobile app, and no disclosed AI/ML capability — delivery is entirely community-led and partner-driven.

Name

The Mckinley Foundation At The University Of Illinois

Legal name

McKinley Foundation

Website

https://mckinleycu.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1906

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The McKinley Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1906 at the University of Illinois, serving UIUC students and Champaign County residents through progressive Christian community ministry, social-justice grantmaking, food security programs, scholarships, and the Presby Hall student housing residence.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Services and Campus Ministry

NAICS

Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Religious Organizations (8131), Educational Services (611)

SIC

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

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAKAB

Community Foundations

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Philanthropy, Foundations & Grantmaking

SECONDARYBPAGADAE

College Access, Scholarships & Student Success Nonprofits

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Education & Youth Development Nonprofits

SECONDARYEDALAOAB

Fundraising & Annual Giving

Education/Student Services & Campus Operations/Alumni Relations, Development & Campus Community Engagement

Keywords

• Campus ministry services
• Student housing residence
• Community food pantry
• Social justice grants
• Progressive Christian worship

Headquarters

HQ city

Champaign

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Others, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The primary revenue source is charitable donations from congregation members and community supporters. Donations are made to either the Foundation or the Church separately through Tithe.ly platform or check payments. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
2. Grants: McKinley Foundation awards community grants up to $1,000 to organizations and individuals working in social justice areas. The Foundation also receives grants from organizations like Faith in Place COVID-19 Food Crisis Relief Fund and Nature's Path.
3. Merchandise Sales: Sale of merchandise such as McKinley Pride t-shirts for $30 each.
4. Event Fundraisers: Revenue from ticket sales to events like the Social Justice Celebration & Fundraiser (general admission $50, student tickets $25). The flamingo flocking fundraiser requires minimum $25 donation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

McKinley Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the University of Illinois and Champaign County community. It owns Presby Hall, a certified student housing residence for UIUC students, and runs a community food pantry at Garden Hills Elementary School serving 45-50 families per distribution. The Foundation awards 12 community grants annually (up to $1,000 each) and 4 scholarship programs for UIUC students, while its sibling organization McKinley Memorial Presbyterian Church offers progressive Christian worship services and arts programming.

Product overview

McKinley Foundation and McKinley Memorial Presbyterian Church operate as sibling organizations serving the University of Illinois and Champaign County community. The organization offers worship services, student housing (Presby Hall), food security programs including a food pantry and student dinners, social justice grants and scholarships, arts programming through Artists' Alley gallery and Movies at McKinley, community gardens, and annual fundraising events. The foundation focuses on social justice advocacy while the church provides progressive Christian worship and community ministry.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Presby Hall: Certified housing residence for UIUC students owned by McKinley Foundation
• McKinley Foundation Freshman Scholarship
• Ullmann Scholarship
• Wert Scholarship
• McKinley Black Lives Matter Scholarship
• McKinley Memorial Presbyterian Church

Products and services

• Worship Services Weekly Sunday worship services held in-person and virtually at McKinley Memorial Presbyterian Church, featuring progressive Christian liturgy, music, and community fellowship for congregation members and visitors.
• Presby Hall Student Housing Certified housing residence for University of Illinois students at 805 S 5th St, Champaign, owned and operated by McKinley Foundation. Provides student ministry programs, Alternative Seasonal Breaks scholarships, and student dinner programs for residents.
• McKinley Food Pantry at Garden Hills Food distribution program operating twice monthly (2nd and 4th Tuesdays) at Garden Hills Elementary School, serving food-insecure families in Champaign County with food boxes containing perishable and nonperishable items sourced through Eastern Illinois Foodbank.
• Community Social Justice Grants Annual grant program awarding up to $1,000 each to twelve organizations and individuals working in racial justice, healthcare access, education, environmental activism, food and housing insecurity, gender equality, and LGBTQ activism in Champaign County.
• College Scholarships Scholarship program for University of Illinois students including the McKinley Black Lives Matter Scholarship (three $500 scholarships), McKinley Freshman Scholarship, Ullmann Scholarship ($2,000 for Presby Hall resident), and Wert Scholarship (~$2,000 for students studying Christian ministry).
• Artists' Alley Gallery Art gallery space at McKinley Foundation's 405 E. John Street location, open 9 AM to 8 PM daily, featuring rotating exhibitions of photography, mixed media, and community artwork with artist receptions and special programming.
• Movies at McKinley Film screening and discussion program featuring documentaries and films with social justice themes, often hosted in partnership with community organizations to facilitate dialogue on social issues.
• McKinley Giving Garden Community garden project growing produce for the Garden Hills Food Pantry with volunteer work days and educational programming in partnership with Illinois Extension Office and UIUC students.
• Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser Annual fundraising campaign where plastic flamingos are delivered to supporters' lawns with Flock a Friend requiring minimum $25 donation and Host a Mini Flock requiring minimum $100 donation to benefit student ministry and social justice activities.
• Social Justice Celebration & Fundraiser Annual fundraising event celebrating local social justice organizations, featuring live music, food, and grant recipient showcases with general admission $50 and student tickets $25, where 100% of donations go back to the community through grants.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serves 60 students weekly with free meals; 200+ on invitation list
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, moderate and core.

• Amnesty InternationalminorOthersHuman rights organization listed as a community partner. McKinley collaborates on social justice initiatives and advocacy work.
• C-U at HomeminorOthersCommunity organization serving those in need in Champaign-Urbana area; partner in McKinley's community outreach efforts.
• Champaign County Health Care ConsumersminorOthersHealthcare advocacy organization partnered with McKinley for community health initiatives.
• Church World Serve (CROP Hunger Walks)minorOthersInternational Christian organization organizing CROP Hunger Walks to fight hunger; McKinley participates in annual walks.
• Community Blood Services of IllinoisminorOthersBlood donation services organization; McKinley organizes blood drives as part of community service.
• Daily Bread Soup KitchenminorOthersLocal soup kitchen serving meals to community members in need; McKinley collaborates on food security efforts.
• Developmental Services CenterminorOthersOrganization supporting individuals with developmental disabilities; partnered with McKinley for community inclusion initiatives.
• DREAAM HousemoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit empowering young men and boys of color; partnered with McKinley on nutrition and lifestyle education program, with grant funding from McKinley.
• Eastern Illinois FoodbankcoreOthersPrimary food supply source for McKinley's food pantry at Garden Hills Elementary. McKinley purchases food at cost and receives donations through this partnership.
• Faith in PlacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIllinois-based organization supporting faith communities in environmental stewardship. McKinley Green Team works closely with Faith in Place; received COVID-19 Food Crisis Relief Fund grant and Green Team of the Year award. Hosted joint Green Team Summit.
• Garden Hills Elementary SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocation of McKinley's food pantry and Giving Garden. McKinley operates community food distribution and garden programs on school property.
• Illinois Extension OfficeminorOthersUniversity of Illinois extension service; McKinley partners on community education and nutrition programs.
• Interfaith AllianceminorOthersInterfaith coalition in Champaign-Urbana; McKinley participates in interfaith dialogue and collaboration.
• Jubilee CaféminorOthersCommunity meal program through Community United Church of Christ; McKinley collaborates on feeding programs.
• Krannert Art MuseumminorOthersUIUC art museum; McKinley's Artists' Alley exhibitions sometimes relate to museum programs; sponsored artist talk with museum curator Mary Statzer.
• More Light PresbyteriansminorOthersLGBTQ-affirming Presbyterian organization; McKinley is an inclusive church affiliated with progressive Presbyterian movements.
• Presby HallcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCertified UIUC student housing residence owned by McKinley Foundation. Primary channel for student ministry, ASB scholarships, and student dinner programs. Separate leasing contact at [email protected].
• Presbyterian Church (USA)moderateOthersNational Presbyterian denomination affiliation. McKinley participates in special offerings including One Great Hour of Sharing, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and Presbyterian Hunger Program.
• Presbytery of Southeastern IllinoisminorOthersRegional Presbyterian governing body; McKinley is part of this presbytery's regional church network.
• Uniting Pride (UP) Center of Champaign CountymoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerLGBTQ+ community center in Champaign County; McKinley collaborates on Pride events and LGBTQ advocacy.
• Avicenna Women's Health ClinicminorOthersInterfaith, student-run safety-net clinic; McKinley 2025-2026 grant recipient providing women's health services.
• Bubble Baby FoundationminorOthersFood allergy support organization; McKinley 2025-2026 grant recipient addressing food insecurity for those with dietary restrictions.
• Campaña de SaludminorOthersMedical student organization at Carle Illinois College of Medicine; McKinley 2025-2026 grant recipient serving Latino community health needs.
• College of ACES Everybody Eats ProgramminorOthersUIUC food insecurity program at Bevier Café; McKinley 2025-2026 grant recipient subsidizing meal tokens for students.
• Family Advocacy in Champaign CountyminorOthersChild welfare support organization; McKinley 2025-2026 grant recipient providing stipends for social work interns.
• GCAP Nutrition ProgramminorOthersHIV/AIDS support organization; McKinley 2025-2026 grant recipient enhancing nutritional support services.
• Illini HillelminorOthersJewish student organization at UIUC; McKinley 2025-2026 grant recipient for Pride Shabbat and BGaygel Brunch programs.
• The Land ConnectionminorOthersCommunity food system organization; McKinley 2025-2026 grant recipient for food transport and distribution programs.
• The Wayne Strong FoundationminorOthersYouth mentorship organization; McKinley 2025-2026 grant recipient for school supplies and mentorship programs.
• UHS Habitat for Humanity ClubminorOthersStudent service organization; McKinley 2025-2026 grant recipient for Mississippi Delta service trip travel expenses.
• USD #116 Tiger AcademyminorOthersAlternative education program in Urbana School District; McKinley 2025-2026 grant recipient for service learning projects.
• Zeta Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi AlphaminorOthersBlack Greek-letter fraternity alumni chapter; McKinley 2025-2026 grant recipient for scholarship and care package programs.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Faith in Place: Illinois-wide progressive interfaith organization supporting faith communities in environmental stewardship and social justice. McKinley is an active partner and 2021 Green Team of the Year recipient; comparable in faith-based progressive advocacy and Illinois footprint.
• DREAAM House: Champaign-based nonprofit empowering young men and boys of color, partnered with McKinley on nutrition/lifestyle education with grant funding. Comparable in social justice mission, geographic focus, and McKinley funding relationship.
• United Way of Champaign County: Champaign County community impact organization funding local nonprofits across health, education, and financial stability. Comparable in mission (community grantmaking, social services) and geography, competing for the same donor pool.
• Common Ground Food Coop: Champaign-area food cooperative operating Round Up For Good program that has funded McKinley's pantry. Comparable in food security mission and direct partnership with McKinley's food distribution programs.
• More Light Presbyterians: National LGBTQ-affirming Presbyterian network of which McKinley is a member congregation. Direct peer in progressive Presbyterian identity and LGBTQ-inclusive faith community positioning.
• Eastern Illinois Foodbank: Primary food supply partner for McKinley's Garden Hills pantry. Operates the food distribution infrastructure that McKinley's pantry depends on; comparable mission (food insecurity) and overlapping beneficiary base in East Central Illinois.
• Community Foundation of East Central Illinois: Regional community foundation serving the same Champaign County geography with grantmaking, scholarships, and donor-advised funds. Direct peer in community philanthropy, overlapping with McKinley's grant program and target donor base.
• YWCA of Champaign County: Local YWCA providing social services, advocacy, and community programs for women and families in Champaign County. Comparable mission (social justice, community services) and overlapping geographic footprint and donor pool.
• Champaign County Habitat for Humanity: Local Habitat affiliate serving Champaign County, with UHS student chapter funded by McKinley grants. Comparable in mission (community development, social services) and local partnership network.

Broad incumbents

• Salvation Army of Champaign: Established national social services organization with local Champaign presence providing food, shelter, and emergency assistance. Larger, broader-scope incumbent operating in the same community services space as McKinley's food pantry.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/mckinleycu
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@mckinleycu
• Facebookfacebook.com/MckleyFound
• Instagraminstagram.com/mckinley_foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The Mckinley Foundation At The University Of Illinois