Geneva Chamber creates foundation to manage local festivals

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce established a new nonprofit entity to manage community festivals and tourism events.

The 75-year-old chamber filed the Geneva Chamber Foundation NFP with the Illinois Secretary of State on July 16. The new organization is a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible charity, distinct from the chamber's existing 501(c)(6) membership status. Under the previous structure, donations to the chamber were not tax-deductible. Chamber President Paula Schmidt confirmed the two groups will operate as separate legal entities. Schmidt set an initial fundraising target of $50,000 to $100,000.

The chamber approached the city for $150,000 in funding last spring. That request was designated for tourism advertising and promotions rather than general operating expenses. The city subsequently reduced its financial support. Schmidt clarified that the new foundation was not created to replace that city funding. She stated that the foundation's purpose is to support charitable initiatives that benefit Geneva, not to forward money to the chamber for operations.

The foundation will begin taking over responsibility for specific community events. These include Swedish Days, the Festival of the Vine, and the Christmas Walk. The chamber will continue to provide staff time, services, and resources to support these events. The foundation will reimburse the chamber for those costs through a billing arrangement. This separation allows the chamber to focus its remaining resources on serving members and supporting the local business community.

Initial priorities for the foundation include tourism promotion, destination marketing, and programs that facilitate festivals. Schmidt said the foundation will seek support from local and corporate foundations, private charitable donations, and other philanthropic sources. She noted that many chambers of commerce across the country have established similar foundations. The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce both maintain nonprofit foundations that support education, workforce development, and disaster recovery efforts, respectively.

Chamber officials are currently working through operational and financial details. Schmidt is currently listed as the registered agent for the nonprofit. She is set to retire next month or in January, at which point the registered agent will change. The chamber is also working with a consultant to assist the foundation. Schmidt stated that the organization is developing fundraising relationships and opportunities. She added that the foundation respects the privacy of prospective donors and will not share their identities or contact information without permission.