JOHN DEERE CLASSIC GENERATES RECORD $20.1 MILLION FOR 492 CHARITIES

Birdies for Charity Delivers Historic $1.56 Million Bonus Fund Distribution as Tournament Surpasses $226 Million in Lifetime Giving

The John Deere Classic announced today that it generated a historic $20.1 million for 492 local and regional charities in 2026, reinforcing its position as one of the most impactful charitable initiatives associated with the PGA TOUR. Most of those funds were raised through the tournament’s hallmark Birdies for Charity program, which delivered a record $1.56 million Bonus Fund distribution, providing participating nonprofits with an additional 8.85% match on the dollars they raised.

The funds will support a wide range of charitable organizations working to address critical community needs, including education, health care, food security, youth development, arts and culture, environmental stewardship, and services for vulnerable populations throughout the region.

“This milestone reflects the unwavering support of our community and the incredible work being done by nonprofits every day,” said Micaela Booth, Director of Birdies for Charity. “When donors give through Birdies for Charity, they’re investing in stronger communities and helping hundreds of organizations expand their impact. We’re proud to serve as a catalyst for that generosity.”

A key driver of this year’s success was the Birdies for Charity Bonus Fund, which provided participating nonprofits with additional unrestricted funding on top of the dollars they raised through the program. The distribution gives organizations added flexibility to address emerging needs, strengthen operations, and invest in future growth.

“The Bonus Fund is what truly sets Birdies for Charity apart,” Booth continued. “For many organizations, these are the dollars that create opportunity. Because the funding is unrestricted, nonprofits can use it where it will make the greatest difference, whether that’s responding to unexpected challenges, investing in new initiatives, or building capacity for the future.

Established through a grant from John Deere and strengthened through local donors and partners, the Bonus Fund provides a bonus match on every dollar raised through Birdies for Charity, helping donations go even further. John Deere also underwrites the program’s administrative costs, ensuring participating charities receive 100% of every donor-designated contribution without fees.

“Year after year, our community demonstrates an inspiring dedication to local nonprofits,” said Andrew Lehman, Tournament Director. “John Deere’s support is the foundation that makes Birdies for Charity possible and allows us to maximize the impact of every dollar raised. When you combine that commitment with the generosity of donors, sponsors, volunteers, and nonprofit partners throughout the region, the result is transformational resources for hundreds of organizations. This achievement belongs to our entire region. “

The John Deere Classic has now generated more than $226 million for charity since its founding in 1971. Remarkably, 99% of that total has been generated since John Deere became title sponsor in 1998, reflecting the enduring partnership between the tournament, John Deere, and a community committed to making a difference.

The tournament continues to lead the PGA TOUR in per capita charitable giving, with this year’s total representing $53.65 for each of the Quad Cities’ 375,000 residents. It is a distinction the John Deere Classic has proudly maintained for more than a decade, underscoring the region’s extraordinary culture of philanthropy.

In addition to its fundraising success, the tournament’s Birdies for Charity contest—which invites fans to guess the number of birdies made during the event—produced three finalists who correctly guessed 2,041 birdies. One lucky winner will receive a two-year lease on a vehicle courtesy of Smart Lexus of Quad Cities, the contest’s Grand Prize Sponsor. Smart Lexus of Quad Cities also serves as the tournament’s Official Transportation Sponsor, providing courtesy cars for players and evacuation vehicles on course.

The John Deere Classic, including Birdies for Charity, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered at 15623 Coaltown Road, East Moline, Illinois.