The Illinois District knows that singing barbershop harmony isn’t just fun, it can literally transform lives. Singing in a quartet or chorus — and making lifelong friends along the way — is a truly transformative experience. Blending your voice with others breaks down all sorts of barriers such as economic, racial, cultural and gender. In barbershop harmony, we are all one in song, and one in spirit.

To make transforming lives through song a top priority, the district formed a non-profit organization charged with focusing on just that. IDEA stands for Illinois District Endowment Assurance fund. It was established in 1991 as a means to generate additional funds for various programs that encourage singing. IDEA has been helping fund Youth in Harmony festivals and programs, Harmony College Midwest, chapter Ready-Set-Sing programs, chapter-sponsored quartet contests, and district and youth quartets competing at the Barbershop Harmony Society’s international conventions.

IDEA encourages charitable giving to the fund that invests in mutual funds which, in turn, generate capital gains, dividends and interest. The “donate online” and “donate by check” links below are an easy and convenient way to give. You can make a one-time donation, a monthly donation, or an annual contribution. Every donation helps. The Application for Funding link is for applying for funds from IDEA.

The IDEA board is made up of former district presidents and includes an investment advisor. The board trustees manage the fund and approve disbursements from the fund. Please contact a trustee with any questions.