The Illinois Humane Society was formed in 1869 to protect animals, later shifting its mission to serving disadvantaged children. 

It is in the process of rebuilding its organization from the ground up in order to increase the impact its resources and energies have within the community, increase the resources it brings to bear on behalf of Illinois' disadvantaged children, and improve its ability to stay ahead of trends and meet the real needs of the children it serves at a personal level.

In 2007, it approved a new business model that calls for researching the needs of disadvantaged children in Illinois every four years and choosing a specific focus on which to concentrate its resources.

In spring 2008, it approved the focus of "improving the nutritional choices made by children 8-12 years old." Its research indicates that this, together with a comprehensive exercise program, provide children with the best opportunity to enjoy improved lifelong health.

In summer 2008, it approved a grants program that revolves around soliciting proposals from a pre-selected set of agencies that work with children that directly address the IHS focus. The evaluation criteria include but are not limited to cohesiveness of the program, likelihood of success, likelihood that changes will be lasting and measurable success goals that can be monitored.

In fall 2008, it is crafting a comprehensive fundraising, marketing and communications strategy designed to attract more donations and increase its endowment in order to make more resources available to children.

We welcome skilled volunteers willing to donate their time and effort to helping us achieve these goals.

Historical Note: The Illinois Humane Society served both children and animals until 50 years ago, when a new proliferation of well-run organizations supporting animals shifted the organization's focus toward concentrating its efforts on Illinois' disadvantaged children.