2026

Illinois state flag with eagle and shield

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces New Grants to Address Hunger After Federal Cuts

Applications Accepted Through July 31 Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced a new grant program to help volunteer groups battling hunger and food insecurity in the wake of federal government cuts to critical food programs. Charitable Trust Hunger Relief Grants provide up to $5,000 to volunteer-driven food pantries, soup kitchens, and similar nonprofit organizations with no full-time employees. Frerichs launched the grant program after the Trump administration cut funding for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and a program that allowed Illinois farmers to sell their fresh food to…

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Twin toddler boys riding small bikes on a sidewalk

The Days Are Long but the Years Are Short

When people ask how I am doing these days, I often respond “exhausted.” My job keeps me very busy and I enjoy it, but it’s not why I’m tired. Our twins are almost 3, and although I love them very much, I suspect they might be stealing energy from me. I don’t know how else to explain how at the end of the day, they seem to have so much, while I have so little left in the tank. They may look like a tough biker gang, but they can,…

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two men in suits standing in front of the illinois flag and united states flag

New Name, Same Mission to Help You Save

I recently spoke with an employee of the park district and mentioned how much I enjoy our neighborhood parks. She asked me which one was my favorite, and I realized I didn’t really know the official names of any of them. They all have names to honor important people, but for me, the location is more important. For my boys, each one has earned a nickname based on a special feature in or near the park. We frequently choose between “Ropes Park”, “Metra Park”, “Sand Park”, “Church Park”, and “Choo-choo…

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Illinois government offices building in Springfield Illinois

Treasurer Frerichs Wins Approval of Bill to Help Nonprofits Increase Investment Opportunities

Bipartisan support in both chambers and thoughtful input from the Governor’s Office helped make this legislation possible SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs thanked members of the General Assembly today for passing Senate Bill 2968 and expressed gratitude to Governor JB Pritzker’s office for its collaboration in advancing legislation that expands investment opportunities for non-profit organizations across Illinois. The legislation creates the Non-Profit Investment Pool, a safe and efficient investment option allowing eligible nonprofits to make the most of available funds while reducing administrative burdens. The measure is intended…

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Child holding a blue piggy bank. In the background are logos for Bright Start 529 and Bright Directions 529

In Observance of National 529 Day, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Encourages Families to Save for Higher Education Costs

Saving Even a Little Today Can Help a Child Avoid Years of Student Debt Tomorrow SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is recognizing 529 Day today, May 29, by encouraging families to save for future education through Illinois’ highly rated Bright Start 529 or Bright Directions 529 college savings plans. Frerichs also announced new enhancements to the advisor-guided Bright Directions 529 plan. “While ‘529 Day’ is tied to the calendar date of May 29, the observance highlights the importance of planning ahead and making education more affordable for Illinois…

Read MoreIn Observance of National 529 Day, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Encourages Families to Save for Higher Education Costs