CHARITIES

ILLINOIS SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION

ORDER SONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

GRAND LODGE OF IL/WI

Established on June 15, 1999, the corporation was wonderfully organized exclusively for the significant purposes of charitable giving and educational enhancement. The Foundation proudly offers valuable college scholarships specifically designed for the deserving high school graduates of Italian Ancestry who are ready to embark on their academic journeys. Full scholarships in the amount of $1,000.00 will be awarded to graduating high school seniors, to be disbursed upon their successful enrollment in a prestigious academic Junior College, College, or University. Over the course of an impressive 25 years, the Foundation, in partnership with the remarkable Order Sons of Italy in the vibrant states of Illinois and Wisconsin, has awarded an astounding total of 2,500 scholarships, thereby providing crucial financial assistance to countless students as they courageously strive to achieve their dreams and goals in life.

The funds for this vital scholarship program are generously derived through the treasured contributions from our community. Considering this, we are earnestly seeking your kind support through a donation in the amount of $500.00 or $1,000.00, which will significantly assist us in sustaining our annual scholarship program. A full scholarship of $1,000.00 can be established in honor of an esteemed individual, a supportive business, or even in loving memory of a departed loved one. It's worth noting that smaller contributions will be artfully combined to create a full scholarship as well!

Moreover, the Foundation stands as a passionate supporter of our national charities, including Alzheimer's Research, Cooley's Anemia, and Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism Research. The funds necessary for these significant charitable efforts are also sourced from generous contributions. Donations directed towards our national charities play a vital role in helping families receive the necessary support and financial assistance they need to tackle the everyday challenges of coping with these heartfelt illnesses. Your unwavering support for our scholarships and charitable initiatives is tremendously appreciated and will be warmly acknowledged. Thank you for considering lending your helping hand!

Please note we are a 501C (3) not-for-profit organization and your contribution is fully tax deductible

 The Cooley’s Anemia Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism stand out as the three major charities passionately supported by the Order Sons of Italy in America. The Cooley’s Anemia Foundation provides essential care and support for children and young adults who are afflicted by the genetic blood disorder known as Thalassemia. These remarkable children cannot produce sufficient hemoglobin on their own, which means they often rely on frequent blood transfusions and ongoing medical treatment to thrive. For more detailed information about the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation (CAF), you can visit their informative website at www.thalassemia.org.

The Alzheimer’s Association, on the other hand, is recognized as the largest voluntary health organization in the nation that is committed to discovering a cure for Alzheimer’s disease while also providing invaluable assistance to those affected by this mind-robbing condition. Alzheimer’s primarily impacts our beloved elderly population, robbing them of their cherished memories and capabilities. To delve deeper into the resources offered by the Alzheimer’s Association, feel free to check out www.alz.org.

Then there’s Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, a heartfelt initiative founded by former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie and his wonderful wife Laurie. They established this foundation in honor of their son, Doug Jr., who was diagnosed with autism when he was just three years old. The primary goal of this foundation is to provide families with a reliable place to turn when they find themselves in need of support and essential autism resources. Autism, which affects about 8 out of every 100 children born, has become a significant part of today’s societal landscape. If you’re curious to learn more about the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, you can visit their website at www.flutiefoundation.org.

And as if that weren’t enough to tickle your philanthropic fancy, we must also mention the Commission for Social Justice, the Garibaldi Meucci Museum, and the OSIA's History of Philanthropy, which beautifully encompasses Medical Research & Social Services, Cultural Preservation & the Arts Education, Disaster Relief, and a multitude of other special projects. Some notable initiatives include the Ellis Island Foundation, the Immigration History Research Center, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, and the National World War II Memorial, just to name a few! These projects truly showcase the wide-ranging charitable efforts of our organization, proving that the heart of Italian Americans beats strong and true!