Resources

ILLINOIS RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION

History
In 1985, after identifying a large number of former educators who were experiencing financial difficulties because of low pensions and rising inflation, the IRTA established the Illinois Retired Teachers Association Foundation, Inc. The initial purpose of the Foundation was to build an endowment to provide assistance to retired educators.

Since that time, the Foundation has assisted retired educators with living expenses, provided scholarships to aspiring teachers, worked to protect the rights of the elderly, and provided grants to educators.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The Foundation provides financial assistance to retired educators who are living in times of acute financial stress. If you or anyone you know is having difficulties meeting financial obligations, please submit a financial assistance form to IRTAF, 828 S. Second St., 4th Floor, Springfield, IL 62704, for consideration. You can download the financial assistance form by
clicking here.

SCHOLARSHIPS

2023 IRTA Area Foundation Scholarship

The IRTA Foundation awards six $2,000 scholarships to incoming juniors or seniors in college that are pursuing a degree in education. Thanks to a very generous private donation from one of our members, Areas 4 and 6 each award a second scholarship of $3,000. The eight winners were chosen through competition with other applicants from their own area of the state.

In December, information regarding the IRTA Foundation Scholarships is sent to all the Major State Universities in Illinois, all Community Colleges in Illinois as well as all IRTA Unit Presidents and Unit Foundation Chairs.

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION GRANTS FOR TEACHERS

​The IRTA Foundation continues to work toward the future by offering $36,500 in grant money to educators.

How the Program Works

Being an educator, do you often think of this phrase - Extra Funds Needed - when it comes to planning special projects for your students? Due to recent state budget cuts, you may be finding that additional revenue sources are no longer available for such unique activities.

The Illinois Retired Teachers Association (IRTA) Foundation is making $36,500 in grant money available statewide in Illinois. This special grant will provide additional funds to public school educators (Pre-K through 12) so that their students will have the means to participate in special projects.

How Can You Participate?

Please download, complete, and submit the application online by clicking here. All proposals must be submitted by June 1, 2023. A special committee will select the recipients of the grant money over the summer. Grant awards will be presented in the fall.

* Chicago Public School employees are not eligible for this grant program.

LEGISLATIVE OFFICIALS

CONTACTS FOR GOVERNMENTAL OFFICIALS

The following emails are provided for those who are interested in contacting governmental offices within Washington D.C. and the State of Illinois.

FEDERAL OFFICES

PRESIDENT : http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

UNITED STATES SENATE : http://www.senate.gov

UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVES : http://www.house.gov

STATE OF ILLINOIS OFFICES

GOVERNOR : http://www.2.illinois.gov

GENERAL ASSEMBLY : http://www.ilga.gov

For contact information visit www.irtaonline.org

Teachers Retirement System Information

For current information about the Teacher Retirement System, click on TRS Website