Campaign Goal
To Join the Founding Class
Campaign Period
Build a Legacy. Create a Civic Treasure.
Every individual, family, business, and organization that gives $500 or more will be permanently recognized on the Founders Wall — part of The Team That Built the Museum.
ORIGINS
More Than a Campaign
The Founders Campaign is more than a fundraising campaign. It is an opportunity to help create a lasting civic treasure for the State of Illinois.
The Basketball Museum of Illinois provides a permanent home for our state’s heroes and legends from high school, college, and the pros. Located in Bedford Park’s Wintrust Sports Complex, the Basketball Museum will preserve our state’s rich basketball history, inspire future generations, and serve as a place where players, coaches, families, fans, and communities come together to celebrate and experience the game we love.
As a Founder, you become part of “The Team That Built the Museum.”
ORIGINS
Permanent Recognition on the Founders Wall
Every individual, family, business, or organization that contributes a cumulative gift of $500 or more to the Museum before May 15, 2027 will be permanently recognized on the Founders Wall.
At $500, you become a member of the Founding Class. Each additional tier beyond $500 comes with additional titles and incentives.
The Founders Campaign seeks to raise $2.5 million to operationalize and sustain the Museum, ensuring it remains an enduring civic treasure for generations to come.
Name Recognition on Founders Wall + Founders Benefits
Give $2,500Prefer a different amount? Choose your own gift · Cumulative gifts of $500 or more before May 15, 2027 qualify for the Founders Wall.
Giving $10,000 or More?
Leadership gifts are arranged personally so we can tailor recognition, naming, and legacy benefits to you, your family, or your organization.
Please contact Dr. Jason Ronai at jason.ronai@basketballmuseumofillinois.com
Giving Levels
Every Founder is permanently recognized on the Founders Wall. Each level carries its own access tier and form of recognition — from name recognition at the Founding Class level to a retired jersey on the Founders Wall and Theater Rafters.
G.O.A.T Founder
Retired Jersey on Founders Wall and Theater Rafters + GOAT Legacy Benefits
To discuss this level, contact Dr. Jason Ronai
Founders Legacy Team
Retired Jersey on Founders Wall and Theater Rafters + Legacy Benefits
Contact Dr. Jason Ronai
Founders March Madness
Retired Jersey on Founders Wall and Theater Rafters + Legacy Benefits
Contact Dr. Jason Ronai
Founders League Champion
Retired Jersey on Founders Wall + Legacy Benefits
Contact Dr. Jason Ronai
Founding League MVP
Plaque Recognition on Founders Wall + Exclusive Benefits
Contact Dr. Jason Ronai
Founding All-Star
Plaque Recognition on Founders Wall + Exclusive Benefits
Contact Dr. Jason Ronai
Founding Captain
Plaque Recognition on Founders Wall + Exclusive Benefits
Contact Dr. Jason Ronai
Founding Power Forward
Name Recognition on Founders Wall + Founders Benefits
Give $2,500Founding Point Guard
Name Recognition on Founders Wall + Founders Benefits
Give $1,000Founding Class
Name Recognition on Founders Wall + Founding Class Benefits
Give $500The Founders Wall
Every Founder is recognized here, permanently. Leadership gifts are honored with retired jerseys; the Founding Class is recognized on interactive digital displays.
This Is More Than a Donation.
It Is a Permanent Legacy.
When future generations visit the Basketball Museum of Illinois, they will see the names of the people who believed first and helped make this vision a reality.