How large is MCIC’s annual budget?

Over the past fifteen years, MCIC has grown from a small data collection agency producing an annual public policy and quality of life survey to a fully integrated data, information, and consulting resource that produces a variety of innovative web-based public information tools, as well as articles and reports of public interest. MCIC is a vital local information resource with an operating budget of about $2M.

Why does MCIC accept individual donations?

MCIC’s work is funded through a combination of general operating grants and program grants from philanthropic organizations and corporations; individual donations, membership fees, and interest income; and earned income from consulting and custom research projects. This basic business model has worked well for MCIC over its 15-year history.

How will my donation be used?

Your donation will be used to support MCIC's organizational infrastructure – staff training, database development, internal research and report writing, office expenses, etc. – the necessary "behind the scenes" expenses of a responsible, time-tested, capacity building organization that has helped more than one thousand not-for-profit organizations in the metropolitan Chicago region over its fifteen year history.

Is my donation to MCIC tax deductible?

Yes, to the extent that you are eligible to deduct charitable contributions. MCIC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

Does MCIC have an endowment fund?

MCIC's James E. Mann Educational Endowment provides educational opportunity for men and women committed to advancing the nonprofit sector. Its purpose is to help train new leaders who care about social policy, urban planning, and community vitality. The endowment sponsors an intern, currently pursuing a public policy or social service degree, who works closely with MCIC staff to provide critical data and information to nonprofit organizations working to improve quality of life conditions in the metropolitan Chicago region.

If you would like to make a contribution to the James E. Mann Educational Endowment, please check the appropriate box on the donation form.

Does MCIC accept non-cash donations?

MCIC gratefully accepts gifts of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and deferred giving plans. Please call MCIC at 312.580.2593 before giving your gift to discuss transfer of your non-cash donation.

What do the not-for-profit organizations you work with say about MCIC?

I really appreciate having MCIC as a provider of research services at fair prices that non-profits can afford. It allows museums to utilize research to make strategic decisions.
- The Art Institute of Chicago

We thought that MCIC did a very thorough job giving advice and helping us craft a tool that is turning out to be very useful in evaluating our services and planning for the future.
- Northbrook Public Library

I’ve always respected MCIC’s work as a consumer. Now, as a client, I value your efforts even more. MCIC staff are among the greatest professionals with whom I have had the pleasure to work.
- Chicago Jobs Council

I am pleased with the integrity that MCIC brings to each project and with the level of “listening” MCIC engages in as they work with us.
– Museums In the Park

Thanks once again for your continual support and efforts “above and beyond.” This project has resulted in system changes in all seven hospitals. Asthma patients have benefited, in large part to your efforts.
- Suburban Asthma Consortium

Because of [your] good work this whole process has gone off without a hitch - kind of like those dishwashers that are so quiet you don't even know they are on. Some days I forget that we are embroiled in the middle of a major research effort. Couldn't ask for anything more than that.
– Lawyers Trust Fund of IL

It’s difficult to figure out what’s what on the Census website. With your site, I got all the information I needed. Funders want to know specific information and we need to set ourselves apart from the pack of applicants. We ended up getting two major grants. The information from MCIC was key for us.
- Girl Scouts of Chicago

For us, this research project was a very productive, even pleasurable experience.
- First United Methodist Church - Chicago