John Deere Classic Birdies for Charity program launches 32nd season
The John Deere Classic has officially kicked off its 32nd Birdies for Charity campaign, inviting nonprofits to join a regional fundraising initiative.
The 32nd season of the Birdies for Charity program officially launched today, marking the start of a multi-month philanthropic effort tied to the annual professional golf tournament held at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. This initiative serves as a core component of the John Deere Classic, which is scheduled for the week of July 2-6 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis.
The program facilitates a fundraising model where individual and corporate contributions are funneled to hundreds of local and regional nonprofit organizations. According to Birdies for Charity Director Micaela Booth, the organization is currently accepting applications from new charities until May 30. To be eligible for participation, nonprofits must hold 501(c)(3) status and maintain operations within a 125-mile radius of the host site in Silvis.
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A central feature of the campaign is the "Bonus Fund," a pool of capital designed to match a portion of the funds raised by participating charities. Tournament officials have confirmed that every organization involved receives a minimum bonus of 5% on top of their collected pledges, with the potential for that figure to reach 10%. John Deere supports this structure by covering the program’s administrative expenses, which allows 100% of individual donations to reach the intended charity. Additionally, the corporation contributes a $325,000 matching grant to the Bonus Fund.
The program relies on a wide network of community support, including the "Platinum Tee Club." This tier of giving invites donors to contribute at least $750 to the Bonus Fund, with higher-tier donations exceeding $1,500 granting access to exclusive tournament experiences. John Deere Classic Tournament Director Andrew Lehman described the initiative as a "philanthropic force" intended to enrich the community across sectors including health care, education, and youth development.
Incentivizing Participation
To drive engagement, organizers utilize a guessing contest where participants predict the exact number of birdies recorded during the professional tournament—spanning from the Wednesday Pro-Am through the final round on Sunday. The grand prize for the contest, provided by the official transportation sponsor, Smart Lexus of Quad Cities, is a two-year vehicle lease.
The partnership extends beyond the contest. Smart Lexus also provides a fleet of vehicles to transport tournament contestants, an arrangement that, according to Lehman, enhances the overall prestige of the event.
Historical Impact and Operational Details
The tournament, which has operated since 1971, has generated more than $174 million for charitable causes over its lifespan. The 2026 season aims to build on these figures, supporting approximately 480 local charities. The upcoming tournament will see Davis Thompson return to compete as the defending champion. For those interested in the logistical or charitable aspects of the tournament, the following summary outlines the key upcoming milestones:
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Charity Enrollment Deadline | May 30 |
| Birdie Guess Contest Entry | June 27 |
| Tournament Week | July 2-6 |
As the community prepares for the event, organizers continue to fundraise for the Bonus Fund on a year-round basis. The combination of administrative fee waivers and corporate matching grants remains the primary vehicle for sustaining the program's long-term financial health, ensuring that the tournament remains a fixture of regional charitable efforts within the Quad Cities area.
