BUILDING OUR FUTURE, FEEDING OUR COMMUNITY

For many reasons! 1) Our current six‐month lease means constant uncertainty. 2) Our lease is limited to three days per week (for deliveries, set up, distribution and take down), severely restricting how often we’re open. 3) We have insufficient indoor waiting space for clients, resulting in long lines outside in all weather. 4) Our basement location with stairs makes access extremely difficult for clients with mobility issues. 5) A lack of food storage space limits our ability to feed more people.

The Pantry board increased the budget for the project by $350,000 to a total cost of $4.05M. That includes $250,000 for solar panels to lower electricity bills over the life of the building and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. While it’s difficult to predict energy savings, we expect the panels will soon pay for themselves with utility cost savings, state and federal incentives, and solar renewable energy credits.

The budget also includes an additional $100,000 in contingency funds (bringing the fund to 25% of the construction budget). This factors in building material increases and global economic uncertainty since the original budget was drafted 18 months ago. 

As of June 1st, the Pantry’s capital campaign has reached $1.35M in pledges, just $450,000 away from our new goal of $1.8M. We are so close!

We’re glad you asked. First, for clients. As our future home’s only tenant, we can dramatically increase the number of days we’re open and better meet the needs of our community. The building design will vastly improve clients’ experience. 

Second, for stability. After many years there, our first church home sold its building and relocated. Our current church home only has space for the Pantry three days per week. The 6-month lease will be replaced with a 30-year lease that counts our contribution to construction costs as prepaid rent. 

Finally, we have a remarkable opportunity with land provided and $1.4M secured in grants – money that cannot be allocated for food. We can take the Pantry to the next level with $1.8M more. By launching this capital campaign, we’re increasing our fundraising capacity and broadening our community of supporters, which will benefit the Pantry for years to come. 

The Pantry board toured multiple properties for rent, but monthly rents were typically $6,000-$8,000 and none met our requirements. Renting an alternative site would require forfeiting the $1M+ grant from the City which can only be used at the 4111 N Pulaski site.

IPLC and the Pantry have signed a (non-binding) Letter of Intent (LOI) which spells out initial parameters of the partnership. The next step is developing a lease. The land is owned debt-free by IPLC and is tax-exempt, and the building cost will be paid by a combination of grants, donations and financing. The Pantry will distribute food and services from this location for a term of at least 30 years as the building’s sole tenant. Pantry capital invested in the building’s construction will be considered prepaid rent. The Pantry will be responsible for operating expenses including financing costs, utilities, insurance and cleaning services. IPLC will retain ownership of the lot and the building and will provide maintenance and repairs in accordance with lease terms. Lease terms will include provisions for early lease termination by either party and potential sale of the building that will recognize and refund to the Pantry any remaining invested capital. Pro bono attorneys from Katten Muchin will represent the Pantry in lease negotiations. The lease will be subject to approval by IPLC and the Pantry’s board.

Over its 42-year history, the Pantry has weathered economic downturns, a pandemic, and disruptions to government-provided food and funding. During this time, we have never closed our doors, providing food and other assistance to all who visited. This is accomplished through the efforts of many in our community who understand and share the importance of the Pantry's mission. With a full-time staff equivalency of 1.5 employees, more than 100 volunteers, generous community support, and zero debt, the pantry has demonstrated solid financial management and its ability to sustain its operations in good times and bad.

We’re fortunate to have had a strong partnership with Irving Park Lutheran Church since the late 1980s. This growing congregation has a strong financial position thanks to a generous and expanding membership, earned revenue, sizeable bequests, and good management. For all these reasons, plus the trust and relationships we’ve built over many years, we are confident IPLC will be a strong partner for decades to come. 

No. All donations go directly to the Pantry and will be used for prepaid rent, expansion, and long-term sustainability.

Gifts received in excess of the Building Our Future, Feeding Our Community campaign goal will allow us to ramp up distribution even faster, doubling and soon tripling the number of days we’re open for hungry neighbors. 

Long-term financial sustainability is a top priority for the Pantry’s board of directors. That’s why we’ve included a 90-day reserve fund, a Director of Development, and upgraded fundraising practices as core components of this campaign.

Simultaneously, we invite individuals to include the Pantry in their estate plans to help ensure the Pantry’s future. Already, several individuals and couples have made the Pantry part of their legacy; our goal is 10 more legacy participants through this campaign. Please consider joining them.

The City and State grants are designed to reimburse construction expenses rather than pay them upfront. As a result, short-term financing may be necessary as a bridge between payments to building contractors and reimbursement from the City and State. Favorable financing is available through the Illinois Facilities Fund. We anticipate that once expenses are reimbursed, the Pantry will retire any debt it has incurred.

The $1.036 million City of Chicago Community Development Grant is funded in part with proceeds from the City’s Housing and Economic Development Bond. Bonds provide a relatively safe and stable source of funding.

Yes! We hope so. Supporters of the Pantry are asked to make a personally meaningful gift to the Building Our Future, Feeding Our Community campaign over and above their ongoing, regular annual support. While we want to have strong support for this effort, we must also continue to provide for ongoing food distribution.

Yes! We are inviting pledges over a 3-year period, with payment timing of your choosing. One-time gifts or shorter pledge periods are also welcome. Note that because the State and City grants are reimbursable, your early donations will help minimize our need for bridge financing. 

Yes, but written statements of intent, while never legally binding, give us an indication of what we can expect and allow us to confidently move forward with construction plans. Please complete the Statement of Intent form indicating how you intend to respond, regardless of the amount of your response.

Yes. Gifts of property, Qualified Charitable IRA distributions, appreciated stock, mutual funds, in-kind gifts needed in property improvements, cash value from insurance policies or policy loan proceeds, Certificates of Deposit (CDs), bonds, and annuities are just some of the ways you can give. Any and all charitable gifts are tax-deductible regardless of their form. All gifts may be subject to restrictions and limitations, so it is wise to consult your financial adviser or accountant. Please contact the Pantry office for non-cash gifts. 

Gifting appreciated securities or properties before liquidation likely avoids any capital gains you may incur from the sale of that asset. Consult your financial advisor or accountant.

If you are age 70½ or older and have a traditional IRA, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your account to charity, up to $111,000 per year. Because the funds go straight to the charity, the amount is not counted as taxable income to you. This allows you to support a cause you care about, avoid income taxes, and if you are age 73 or older, have it count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). For many people over age 70½ with a traditional IRA, this is the most tax-efficient way to give. If your retirement savings are in a 401(k) or 403(b), you can roll those funds into an IRA and then use this gifting method. QCDs are easily facilitated by contacting your IRA Administrator. Consult your financial advisor or accountant.