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ANNUAL GIVING FUND | 2025
IN MOTION
The Annual Giving Fund is a critical fundraising campaign for Opportunity Knocks. This year’s campaign theme is all about being in motion. From moving the KO Farm to a new location to the wheelchairs of some beloved Warriors, things are always moving at Opportunity Knocks. Please read on and consider adding your energy to help the Warrior Mission really move!
Campaign Objectives
- Campaign Donation Total | $250,000 97%
- New Individual Donors | 50 100%
- Returning Donors | 150 100%
- Total # of Donors | 200 100%
Campaign Donation Total
Important Dates
GIVING TUESDAY
Tuesday, December 2nd
CAMPAIGN DEADLINE DATE
Tuesday, December 31st
CAMPAIGN OVERVIEW
ANNUAL GIVING FUND
The Opportunity Knocks Mission is In Motion—building on the momentum from a busy year of major accomplishments and laying the foundation for a more stable road ahead. Thanks to your support, Warriors thrived in vocational and wellness programming, we developed new space-sharing agreements and partnerships and the organization made significant investments in staffing, program accessibility & capacity.
The success of the 2025 Annual Giving Fund campaign is critical. The effort is on, running November 15 – December 31, . Our goal is to raise $250,000, supporting every level of programming and every Warrior’s pursuit.
We invite you to be part of this movement. Whether through a personal gift, participating in a matching opportunity, or helping us connect with others in your network, your engagement matters and all you can offer is welcomed and appreciated.
Increase Your Impact
Did you know that many employers match their employees’ donations? A matching contribution could double or even triple the impact of your gift. Past donations made during the year may also still be eligible. Don’t wait-use the search box NOW to see if your employer has a matching program.
Did you know that many employers match their employees’ donations? A matching contribution could double or even triple the impact of your gift.
Past donations made during the year may also still be eligible.
Don’t wait-use the search box NOW to see if your employer has a matching program.
Questions?
Contact Susan Mika, Development Director
Susan.Mika@opportunityknocksnow.org
SYSTEMS IN MOTION
ACCELERATING THE MISSION
This year’s Annual Giving Fund theme celebrates the momentum carrying Opportunity Knocks into a crucial new chapter. We are tuning our systems, upgrading our engines, and charting new routes that will drive long-term strength and stability.
Across the organization, key projects are moving from planning to acceleration: reimagining and expanding our space under a new lease at the community center; relocating and developing the Knockout Farm’s next home base; strengthening supports for Warriors and families; and investing in specialized roles that will fuel long-term growth in grants and enterprise success.
THE LEASE
As we shift to licensed provider-ship and expand program offerings, our longtime home at the River Forest Community Center must evolve. We’re negotiating a renewed lease that supports increased enrollment, enhanced safety standards, and more accessible, purpose-built program spaces. This investment will create a stronger, more functional base where Warriors can learn, work, grow, and stay in motion every day.
MOVING FAMILIES THROUGH HARDSHIP
Our service must transcend hardship. Overcoming adversity is a cornerstone of the Warrior and Warrior Family and Opportunity Knocks mission. We do not allow support-needs to prevent Warriors from enrollment. This includes staffing-needs, as well as financial hardship agreements. In 2025, we developed 10 hardship agreements and absorbed a significant amount of program fees to keep our doors open to the Warriors in these families.
ACCELERATING GROWTH ON THE FARM
With the new site secured and a very busy Year 1 buildout behind us, Year 2 at the Knockout Farm focuses on enhancing surface accessibility between garden beds, expanding grow areas, and planting perennial pollinators. Investments include a classroom pavilion, updated planting and harvest plans, and community-connected markets. These improvements strengthen vocational skill development, hands-on learning, and Warrior engagement—keeping the farm productive, accessible, and fully in motion.
INVESTMENT IN GROWTH
To sustain growth and support families, we’re investing in the roles and systems that fuel long-term success. A grants lead will secure multi-year funding, expand partnerships, and strengthen assistance for participants. Enterprise investments will advance sales, marketing, and production capacity, creating more paid vocational opportunities for Warriors. These improvements help Opportunity Knocks operate smarter, grow stronger, and stay in motion.
ANNUAL GIVING FUND
IN MOTIONA WARRIOR STORY
GRACE G.
SHINING BRIGHTER THAN EVER
Grace has been an incredible part of the Opportunity Knocks community, and this year her confidence has been shining brighter than ever...
She has stepped into new programs with an open heart, including joining the school visit group at Roosevelt School. Grace greets every student, teacher, and aide with genuine warmth, making each person feel seen. Her smile is one of the first things people notice, and her kindness radiates throughout the day! Grace brings joy, connection, and comfort wherever she goes, and we’re so grateful to have her as part of our Warrior family.
A WARRIOR STORY
JACK M.
LIFTING SPIRITS
Jack brings a special kind of joy to Opportunity Knocks - the kind that catches you off guard and makes the whole room laugh. Known for his perfectly timed (and often wonderfully random) movie quotes, Jack has a natural gift for lifting spirits...
Over time, he’s stepped more confidently into programs, moving from quietly coloring to actively engaging with Warriors and staff throughout the day. His talents shine in so many ways: his incredible handwriting, expressive artwork, and uncanny ability to memorize film lines. Jack’s humor, creativity, and one-of-a-kind personality make him an unforgettable part of our OK community.
A WARRIOR STORY
senai m.
OPENING UP
Senai’s journey at Opportunity Knocks has been inspiring to watch. She began as a shy, quiet presence and has grown into a confident, thoughtful leader who others naturally look up to...
Brilliant and deeply kind, Senai connects with people in such a genuine way. She eagerly steps into new experiences and uses her voice with strength and pride. Her growth is especially clear during school visits: once nervous, she now builds meaningful connections with students at Brooks and Julian. Senai’s leadership, openness, and heart brighten every space she walks into.
A WARRIOR STORY
chris f.
GROWTH IN MANY WAYS
Chris brings energy, curiosity, and a strong work ethic to every day at Opportunity Knocks. His love for the Farming Program has grown right along with his confidence - starting with just one hour and now fully embracing a three-hour day...
Chris has shown incredible independence as he learns to propagate plants, care for them in water, and take pride in the process. He’s also one of our most dependable helpers, always up and moving, leading tasks like shredding, cleaning, and keeping our space running smoothly. Chris’s growth, determination, and one-of-a-kind personality make him a standout in our community.
INTERDEPENDENCE
THE DO GOOD CREW
Do-Good Crew is an 8-week program that helps warriors explore meaningful social issues such as food insecurity, littering, or limited access to resources while work together to create solutions. Each session includes one major volunteer project, like our hat and scarf donation drive, along with several smaller opportunities...
such as stocking the Forest Park community fridge or volunteering at Feed My Starving Children, or picking up litter around the riverforest trailside. These experiences allow warriors to see how even small actions can create real change.
What truly sets this program apart is the way it builds confidence, leadership, and connection. Warriors learn that their actions matter, their kindness carries weight, and their presence strengthens our community. Volunteering gives them space to take initiative, collaborate with peers, and feel proud of the impact they make.
The program also helps shift how the broader community views people with disabilities not as bystanders, but as capable, visible, and valued contributors who make our community more inclusive.
ENGAGEMENT
ONE TO ONE
One-on-one support ensures that every warrior, regardless of need, can fully access and enjoy our programs. Some warriors benefit from dedicated assistance for safety, mobility, communication, or personal care, and a 1:1 staff member stays by their side to encourage participation, independence, and confidence...
OK staff use creative strategies and adaptive tools so each warrior can take part in activities in meaningful ways! The 1:1 model strengthens safety, inclusion, and community by ensuring every voice is heard, even when nonverbal. Above all, a 1:1 simply provides the individualized support that allows every warrior to participate and experience success.
GAINING TRACTION, MAKING MOTION
DONATION DOLLARS AT WORK
We understand that this mission is powered by the funds that support it. We appreciate your support. We appreciate the trust and responsibility that come with your support. The value of your donation is tremendous. Here’s a quick glimpse into the impact your dollars create in the mission.
$10,000
THE MOMENTUM MAKER DONOR
NEED 3
Propel our biggest 2025 initiatives—from lease-driven space improvements to the next phase of Farm development and new capacity in grants and enterprise. A $10K investment powers core infrastructure and future-focused growth, ensuring Warriors have the environment and support they need to stay in motion.
Total to Raise: $30,000
$5,000
POWER TRAIN PARTNER
NEED 13
The Fitness Center needs attention! $5K provides new treadmills, a recumbent bike and a rower! OR… The FC will also cost us a new total in our new lease agreement. In order to keep it, we must raise $12,500 each year to pay the rent. Help us keep wellness in motion at OK!
Total to Raise: $62,500
$2,500
THE IGNITION TURNER PARTNER
NEED 10
We like to get out and get our crew moving in the community. Support at this level and feel good about covering all the costs of a full-group, full-day outing.
Total to Raise: $25,000
$1,000
THE ACCELERATOR DONOR
NEED 25
Provides lift-assist and transfer equipment to support staff as they assist Warriors with varying mobility abilities to move through their day-to-day activities and hygiene.
Total to Raise: $25,000
$500
TURBO BOOST DONOR
NEED 25
Many Warriors need 1:1 support from staff. A donation of $500 provides 1 Warrior with 1:1 support for a full session of programming.
Total to Raise: $12,500
$250
FULL THROTTLE DONOR
NEED 20
Our vehicles move our program. This donation fills a tank full of gas for both of our minivans, which serve to shuttle groups from the center to the community.
Total to Raise: $5,000
$100
SPARK PLUG SUPPORTER
NEED 50
A new set of dumbbells in the OK Fitness Center or a new adaptive culinary tool to help Warriors cut cucumbers into spears.
Total to Raise: $5,000
WHY YOUR DONATION MATTERS
Fueling the mission
We understand that this mission is powered by the funds that support it. We appreciate your support. We appreciate the trust and responsibility that come with your support. The value of your donation is tremendous. Here are some important details to express the importance of our work and your support.
01. FINANCIAL HARDSHIP
We have committed ourselves to the endeavor of overcoming any barrier that keeps Warriors from coming to our program. As an organization, we work together with families to create agreements that overcome financial constraints in order to get Warriors to programs.
%
of families with a child having I/DD scale back work hours & lose earnings on avg of $18K/yr
02. PROGRAM ENGAGEMENT
Our approach to programming centers on engagement. Every participant is supported and engaged. This approach requires us to invest in planning and personnel. On average, we have 20 Warriors in a program block. Of those 20, at least 4 require a 1:1 staffing designation to reach the level of engagement we aim to deliver.
%
of our budget is dedicated to direct support staff
03. SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT
Our approach to vocational initiatives centers on engagement. Every Warrior at Work is supported and engaged in a productive, growth-oriented workplace. That support varies based on the preparation, but always requires significant staffing investments to maximize the mission.
%
Individuals w/ I/DD in supported employment successfully advance into competitive employment opps
04. FOOD IS UP!
A typical day in OK Programs includes a communal meal. Warriors will plan, prepare, serve and eat together. The meal is infused with wellness and social growth opps. Nutrition and social connections are absolute essentials in OK Programming
Warriors Cook & Eat in Programs Each Day
05. WARRIOR WELLNESS
We keep it moving. Programs are embedded with wellness activities in the community and hosted at home in the fitness room at the River Forest Community Center. This year’s facility improvement plan includes upgrades to equipment. New rowers, treadmills, weights, flooring.
Obesity rate for adults with disabilities (compared to 30% for those w/o)
06. WARRIORS AT WORK
Pickling, Catering and farming are in full swing! We aim to employ and support Warriors at Work in all areas of the business with a growth-oriented approach focused on abilities, building skills and growing the business together. We added 12 Warriors to the Knockout work team last year!
%
People with I/DD who are employed (compared to 62% for those w/o)
Data Sources
Relias, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Center for Disease Control and Prevention & National Institute of Health, Disability Scoop
GET INVOLVED
Many Ways to Support
To make a financial contribution by mail, send your check made out to Opportunity Knocks, 8020 Madison St., River Forest, Il 60305. If you would like to set up an ACH transfer, please email our Administrative Coordinator at marylio@opportunityknocksnow.org
To make an online financial contribution please see find our 3 primary online payment platforms below:
RECURRING DONATIONS
Recurring gifts let you spread your giving throughout the year, easily budget for charitable contributions and make an ongoing commitment to OK. To set up a recurring donation, click on the link below. Then follow the Recurring Donation prompts to set up your donation frequency (weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc).
Memorial Gifts
Honor or remember a loved one with a gift to Opportunity Knocks—supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in your community through meaningful tribute donations.
Host a Fundraiser or Celebration
Hosting a celebration or memorial is a great way to bring together family and friends or honor a loved one, and can also be an opportunity to increase awareness and support. If you are interested in designating OK as an “In lieu of gifts” or “in lieu of flowers” beneficiary, please email Kelsey Hayes – Kelsey.Hayes@opportunityknocksnow.org
IRA Contributions
If you’re 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free donation directly from your IRA. Even more, if you are eligible, you can donate some or all of the amount of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from an IRA directly to a charity, tax-free, using the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).
Donate through Donor-Advised Fund
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a centralized charitable account. It allows charitably-inclined individuals, families and businesses to make tax-deductible charitable donations of cash, publicly-traded stock and in some case, certain illiquid assets, to a public charity that sponsors a DAF program.
DONATE STOCK, BONDS, MUTUAL FUNDS
When the markets are up, a great way to support for many can be donation of appreciated shares of marketable securities like stocks, bonds and mutual funds. This is another attractive, tax-wise alternative to a cash contribution.
DONATE GENTLY USED SPORTING GOODS
Did you know that you can support OK by donating your gently used sports or fitness equipment to Play It Again Sports in Forest Park? Whether gently used, too small, or just no longer needed, bring it in to Play it Again Sports! Anything they can re-sell, they will purchase and give you the option of donating your proceeds to OK.
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!
You can support our effort by spreading the word to your network. Click the button below to take a look at our Sun-Raiser Outreach Toolkit. This toolkit features instructions for social media fundraisers, a customizable email/letter template, and downloadable campaign photos to enhance those posts and emails.
Corporate Match
Corporate matching gifts are a type of philanthropy in which companies financially match donations that their employees make to nonprofit organizations.
When an employee makes a donation, they’ll request the matching gift from their employer, who then makes their own donation. Companies usually match donations at a 1:1 ratio, but some will match at a 2:1, 3:1, or even a 4:1 ratio. Check if your employer matches below!
OUR COMMUNITY
A Collective Effort
As a grassroots organization, thriving in spite of an underfunded system of support from the State of Illinois, we have built OK on a foundation of community support. We rely heavily on a vast network of donors, volunteers, and partners to help support, sustain and grow our mission. We are blessed with a great network, but it is paramount that the network continues to grow. Come get involved.
DONATE
We are 96% privately funded. Without your support, we would not exist. Please consider supporting the Warriors today.
Volunteer
From program support members to event staff volunteers, corporate groups and internships, opportunities to connect abound.
Partner
Corporate sponsorships, program partnerships and all sorts of ways in between to connect your group with our group in mission.