Support Our Work

The Center for Equity, Effectiveness and Efficiency in Local Government (C3E) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. As a 501(c)(3) organization, C3E is strictly nonpartisan. We do not support or oppose any candidate for public office or political party, nor do we intervene in any election. Our work strengthens representative democracy by helping local governments become more equitable, effective, and responsive institutions—so that public systems better reflect, serve, and earn the trust of the communities they represent.

Click on the different giving options below to learn more about how to support our work.

Donor Advised Funds

C3E is eligible to receive donations through Donor Advised Funds (DAFs). A donor advised fund (DAF) is like a charitable savings account, which gives you the ability to make philanthropic gifts over time while receiving an immediate tax benefit.

You can set up your account through your provider of choice and contribute as frequently as you choose, then recommend grants from the fund to qualified charitable organizations like C3E. We welcome DAF grants in support of our overall mission or directed toward specific programs.

Interested in using a DAF to support C3E? We can connect you with a provider. Contact us at mbandera@c3elocalgov.org to learn more.

Organizational Giving

C3E welcomes support from businesses, firms, and other organizations that partner with local governments. Whether you’re a private company, a public agency, an architecture or engineering firm, a utility provider, or a developer — if you care about strengthening local government, we’d love to work with you.

Organizations can support our mission through:

Corporate grants or one-time gifts

Annual pledges or multi-year support

Employee payroll deductions

Matching gifts programs

You may also choose to support our overall work or make a gift directed toward specific programs or projects that reflect your organization’s values.

To explore partnership opportunities, contact us at mbandera@c3elocalgov.org

Support Our Scholarship Fund

C3E is developing a scholarship fund to support participation in local government training and professional development programs — including opportunities through ILGHN, I-NAPA, the Legacy Project, IGFOA, IAMMA, and ILCMA.

Scholarship contributions help ensure that cost is never a barrier to professional growth in local government. More details on how to give to this fund will be available soon.

Interested in supporting the scholarship fund? Reach out at kfriedman@c3elocalgov.org

Event Sponsorships

C3E hosts and co-sponsors events that convene local government professionals, practitioners, and partners. Sponsorship opportunities allow your organization to demonstrate its commitment to equitable, effective, and efficient local government while gaining visibility among a targeted professional audience.

For early inquiries, contact us at kfriedman@c3elocalgov.org

Planned Giving

A planned gift to C3E is one of the most meaningful ways to invest in the future of local government. The options below allow you to make a lasting impact while potentially benefiting your own financial and estate planning. We encourage you to consult your tax advisor, financial planner, or estate planning attorney for guidance on the option that is right for you.

IRA Charitable Rollover (Qualified Charitable Distribution)

If you are age 70½ or older, you may be able to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to C3E. A QCD can count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year and is excluded from your taxable income, making it a highly tax-efficient way to give.

To make a QCD, contact your IRA administrator and request a direct transfer to C3E. Gifts must be transferred directly from your IRA to qualify.

Please consult your tax advisor for up-to-date information on QCD rules and eligibility.

Beneficiary Designations

Naming C3E as a beneficiary of one of your assets is a convenient way to support our mission — and it only takes a few minutes and a simple form from your financial institution. You can designate C3E as a full or partial beneficiary of assets such as retirement accounts (IRA, 401(k), 403(b)), life insurance policies, and bank or investment accounts. Beneficiary designations do not affect your assets during your lifetime and can typically be updated at any time.

To make a designation, contact your plan administrator or insurance provider and use the following information:

C3E Giving Information

Full legal name: Center for Equity, Effectiveness and Efficiency in Local Government

501(c)(3) Federal Tax ID (EIN): 92-2998287

Estate & Legacy Giving

A bequest — a gift made through your will or trust — ensures that your values live on in the communities you care about. Bequests, charitable remainder trusts, and other legacy gifts are welcome. Speak with your estate planning attorney to explore your options.

For questions about any planned giving option, contact us at kyangclayton@c3elocalgov.org.

Tribute and Memorial Gifts

Honor a colleague, mentor, or loved one with a gift to C3E in their name. We will acknowledge your tribute gift and notify the honoree or their family upon request.

To make a tribute or memorial gift, contact us at kyangclayton@c3elocalgov.org.