How It Works

Each calendar year, ITE hosts 8-10 fundraising events for Democratic candidates and organizations, either in person or virtually. Members pledge $3,000 per year in support of candidates of their choice; first-time members commit to $1,500 per year and second-year members $2,000. (Once your annual commitment is met, fundraising events cost $500 each.) ITE members choose which candidates and organizations they prefer to support.

All fundraising donations are made directly to candidates and organizations through online payments or checks. No money flows through ITE, except annual dues of $150.

Annual Membership Dues: $150

Annual dues support ITE's operations, event hosting, and member communications. (Dues are not tax deductible, as ITE is a 501(c)(4) social welfare nonprofit corporation.)

Exclusive Access to Democratic Leaders

• 8-10 annual fundraising events with federal and statewide candidates in tough races
• Small group meetings with elected officials
• Electing Women Alliance monthly calls with US senators and governors

Strategic Political Investment

• Research-backed candidate recommendations by our Investment Strategy Committee
• High-impact races where your donations make the biggest difference
• Federal candidates (U.S. Senate and U.S. House races)
• Statewide candidates (Governors, Supreme Court justices, state Attorneys General)
• Grassroots organizations supporting Democratic candidates and voter engagment in battleground states
• New media supporting Democratic candidates and voter engagement

Flexible Participation

• Choose your candidates: Invest in candidates and organizations that align with your priorities
• Year-round giving: Meet your commitment throughout the calendar year
• Reduced event fees: Once you meet your annual commitment, attend events for $500 each

Community & Leadership

• Committee participation opportunities: Investment Strategy, Events, Communications, Civic Action, Membership, Operations
• Monthly Off the Record calls with fellow ITE members to discuss current events
• Guest privileges: Invite friends to events for $250 per person; young people under age 35 may attend for $100 per person
• Networking with 150+ politically engaged Chicago women

How We Keep Members Informed:

• Biweekly newsletter with political updates, candidate spotlights, and event announcements
• Event invitations sent via email for both paid Fundraising Events and free Educational and Social Events.
• Bluesky social media for broader political news and advocacy. Visit us: @investtoelect.bsky.social
• Informal calls and texts about upcoming events
• Please note: We do not share members’ contact information

Annual Commitment:

• Donate minimum $3,000 per calendar year ($1,500 for first-year members; $2,000 for second-year members) to ITE-hosted candidates and organizations
• Use invitation event links or check-writing instructions for direct donations to campaigns
• Support ITE operations through $150 annual membership dues

Event Participation:

• RSVP to each ITE event invitation (including regrets)
• Meet minimum investment for attended events (typically $1,000 for candidates, $500 for organizations)

Community Engagement:

• Consider joining an ITE committee to help guide our strategy, events, communications and operations
• Interact with ITE's social media posts