Once all the mail was finally opened after the New Year weekend, I’m delighted to report some wonderful news: we met our end-of-year matching challenge! The full $150,000 match has now been secured and will be invested directly into our work to educate, encourage, and equip church leaders, parents, and grandparents to courageously step out of government schools and into biblical discipleship.

Hundreds of faithful supporters stepped forward—many in the final days of the campaign—to make this possible. Because of unusually slow mail delivery, some gifts arrived this week, which is why this update took a bit longer than expected. But every one of you made a difference, and we are deeply grateful.

Thank you for standing with Illinois Family Institute and for believing in our pro-family, pro-life mission. As we now turn our eyes toward the 2026 Illinois General Assembly session and the March 17th primary election, let us renew our shared commitment to labor together for an Illinois where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and the sanctity of human life is cherished.

That vision will not be realized overnight. The seductive lies, worldly enticements, and cultural decay we face today were decades in the making—but a better tomorrow is forged through faithful investment in our families and churches. It begins with us, and with the discipleship of our children and grandchildren. And with God going before us, we can—and will—make a lasting difference.

As Scripture reminds us:

“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them,
for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
~1 John 4:4~

Thank you for your generous support, your prayers, your encouragement, and the trust you place in our work.

To God be the glory,

David E. Smith
Executive Director
Illinois Family Institute
P.O. Box 876
Tinley Park, IL 60477