‘Tis the Season, Give for the River
Photo credit Matt Greenburger.
This holiday season, Friends offers plenty of ways to delight the river-lover in your life with the perfect gift, while also helping make our waterways healthier and more accessible for all people, water, and wildlife.
Symbolically Adopt an Animal of the River System
Choose to symbolically adopt a catfish, osprey, or painted turtle. The Chicago and Calumet Rivers are home to an incredible diversity of species, each playing a vital role in our ecosystem and deserving of our care and protection. Every wildlife adoption includes a certificate and other fun items celebrating these remarkable native animals.
Give the Gift of Membership
A gift membership—at any level—provides essential operating support that strengthens all of Friends’ programs and initiatives throughout the year. Members enjoy great benefits such as paddling event discounts and free admission to our Bridgehouse Museum. Field trip and wildlife adoption packages also include these perks. To give a membership, simply check the “Gift Membership” box on our donation form and include the recipient’s information so our staff can send a notification.
Make a Tax-Deductible Gift to Friends with Your IRA
If you are 70½ or older, please consider making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)—a convenient, tax-free way to support Friends of the Chicago River this year or in the future. A QCD can help you meet your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) while supporting a cause you care about. You may transfer up to $108,000 per year directly from your IRA or other qualified charitable distribution programs. Also, for anyone 73 or older you can make a tax free donation to Friends as part of your Required Minimum Distribution. For questions, contact Friends’ Director of Development Annie Hanrahan at (312) 939-0490, ext. 19 or ahanrahan@chicagoriver.org
Take the Marathon Challenge with Friends
Friends is a grateful charity partner for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in 2026. Take on the challenge and inspirational joy of running through Chicago on Sunday, October 11, 2026, while fundraising to protect and restore the Chicago-Calumet River system. Apply today while spots are available and make this wonderful commitment to better yourself and our watershed.
