The Giving Cup: A Bi-State Bonus Fund Showdown

Bringing Illinois and Iowa Together for a Friendly Battle of Generosity Benefiting the Birdies for Charity Bonus Fund

The friendly rivalry between Illinois and Iowa is taking on a new meaning this year as communities on both sides of the Mississippi River come together for The Giving Cup: A Bi-State Bonus Fund Showdown, a 14-day fundraising campaign designed to inspire generosity, build momentum and strengthen the impact of the Birdies for Charity Bonus Fund.

During the two-week challenge, donors, businesses and community supporters will choose a side, Team Illinois or Team Iowa,and help their state raise the most dollars for the Bonus Fund. A daily leaderboard will track the competition, creating friendly rivalry and encouraging communities to rally together throughout the campaign.

But while Illinois and Iowa will compete for bragging rights and the opportunity to lift The Giving Cup, the purpose behind the competition is much bigger.

Every dollar raised during The Giving Cup will help grow the Birdies for Charity Bonus Fund, which provides the Bonus Match to participating nonprofit organizations through the Birdies for Charity program. By increasing the Bonus Fund, donors have the opportunity to amplify the impact of their giving and help local nonprofits strengthen the programs and services they provide throughout the region.

“The Giving Cup is about creating a little friendly competition while shining a light on something much bigger, the incredible generosity of our entire bi-state community,” said Andrew Lehman, John Deere Classic Tournament Director. “At the end of this challenge, one state may win The Giving Cup, but the real victory will belong to the hundreds of nonprofits that benefit from the Birdies for Charity program and the people they serve as a result of the deep commitment we all share for our non-profit organizations that make our communities stronger.”

The Giving Cup builds on the mission of Birdies for Charity to help participating nonprofit organizations maximize the dollars they raise. For nonprofits serving communities throughout Iowa and Illinois, an increased Bonus Match can translate into additional resources for critical programs, services and initiatives.

At the conclusion of the 14-day challenge, the state with the highest total will earn the distinction of being the inaugural Giving Cup champion and claim bragging rights.

Regardless of which team finishes on top, the campaign will have a shared winner: the local nonprofit community.

How to Participate

Community members can support Team Illinois or Team Iowa by making a contribution to the Birdies for Charity Bonus Fund during The Giving Cup campaign. Supporters are encouraged to share their participation, challenge friends and colleagues, and rally their networks to help their state climb the leaderboard.

The Giving Cup: A Bi-State Bonus Fund Showdown will take place from August 27 – September 10, 2026.

To learn more, follow the John Deere Classic on social media and visit https://givebutter.com/givingcup26 for campaign updates, leaderboard standings, and information on how to participate.

About Birdies for Charity

Birdies for Charity is the charitable program associated with the John Deere Classic, bringing together hundreds of nonprofit organizations and supporters throughout the region to raise funds for charitable causes. Through the Birdies for Charity Bonus Fund, participating nonprofits can receive an additional Bonus Match on the pledges and donations they generate, helping amplify the impact of charitable giving across the community. Since its founding in 1971, the tournament has helped raise more than $206 million for charity. www.birdiesforcharity.com