Polar Plunge Chicago for Special Olympics Illinois presented by Special Children’s Charities
Registration is now open for
Polar Plunge® Chicago for Special Olympics Illinois presented by Special Children's Charities
Giving Tuesday

Get ready for

Giving Tuesday

Coming December 2

Introduction

Special Children’s Charities is Chicago’s largest funder of inclusive athletics, arts, and enrichment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Special Children’s Charities is Chicago’s largest funder of inclusive athletics, arts, and enrichment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Special Children’s Charities is Chicago’s largest funder of inclusive athletics, arts, and enrichment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Registration
Join Team Special Children's Charities at the
2026 Chicago Marathon!
Support our Programs

Support our
mision

Are you ready?

Building an

Inclusive Chicago

Since 1969

Our Mission

Special Children’s Charities expands access to inclusive opportunities that support the growth, empowerment, and well-being of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Chicago.

Our Impact at a Glance

0
Participants
Programs in
more than

200

200

Parks and Schools
Serving all
0
Chicago
neighborhoods

Opportunities We Create

Redefine possibilities by joining thousands of individuals who participate in our athletic, enrichment, and educational programs every year.

Athletics & Recreation

Building confidence, fitness and teamwork through inclusive sports.

Art & Music Therapy

Fostering creativity, expression and emotional well-being.

Life
Enrichment

Opening doors to cultural experiences, social connection and personal growth.

Signature Events

Celebrate inclusion and create impact together.
Join thousands of participants on the first Sunday in March as they take a chilly dip into Lake Michigan to support SCC!

Polar Plunge® Chicago for Special Olympics Illinois presented by Special Children's Charities

Our annual gala gathers our supporters for an evening celebrating inclusion and the impactful programs made possible by Special Children’s Charities.

Annual Evening Reception

Team Special Children's Charities has more than 300 runners committed to running 26.2 miles and raise funds to support SCC's mission.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Help us create a more inclusive Chicago

Your support drives inclusion across Chicago

Giving Tuesday is today!

Special Children’s Charities provides free, year-round programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across all 77 Chicago neighborhoods. Nearly 70% of participants live below the poverty line, so removing financial barriers is essential to ensuring access, inclusion, and joy.

Give to Special Children’s Charities this Giving Tuesday and help us meet our fundraising goal of $10,000!