Illinois State Treasurer’s Office News Releases

Treasurer Frerichs at a Rockford press conference on Charitable Trust grants

Treasurer Michael Frerichs Unveils $200,000 in Grants to 10 Small Nonprofits Throughout Illinois

Help on the Way to Chicago, Champaign, Metro East, Rockford, Kankakee, Mount Vernon, Oak Park, Lombard, Freeport Key Points: Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today unveiled nearly $200,000 in Charitable Trust grants to 10 small nonprofits that help people stay in their homes and get job training. “We are helping people who need a helping hand at a time when so many folks are struggling due to higher costs and as our federal government yanks away lifelines,” Treasurer Frerichs said…

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Treasurer Frerichs poses with the recipients of Black History Month awards for 2026

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Presents Awards to Downstate Leaders in Honor of Black History Month

Springfield Lanphier High School Girls Basketball Coach, Award-Winning Children’s Book Author from O’Fallon, President of NAACP Peoria, Carbondale Mayor, Among Those Who Are Recognized for Their Contributions SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate Black History Month and honor leaders in the African American community. The event, held at the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office in the Marine Bank Building in downtown Springfield, was an opportunity to reflect on the great achievements of Black leaders.…

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Illinois State Flag featured next to a white Spanish Colonial Revival style building

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Makes $1.5 Billion in Investment Earnings for State Portfolio During 2025

Another $882 million for cities and school districts through Illinois Funds The State Treasurer’s Office made $1.5 billion in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio during 2025, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today. Treasurer Frerichs is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer. He is responsible for investing state revenue in the state investment portfolio. “We are trying to maximize earnings for our state at a time when President Trump is illegally yanking away federal money from Illinois to…

Read MoreIllinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Makes $1.5 Billion in Investment Earnings for State Portfolio During 2025
Treasurer Frerichs poses with recipients of Black History Month Awards and with Jesse white

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Presents Awards to Chicago Leaders in Honor of Black History Month

MacArthur “Genius Grant” Recipient Tonika Lewis Johnson, Illinois Economic Development CEO Christy George, Chicago Hope Football Coach Christopher Mallette Among Those Honored CHICAGO – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate Black History Month and honor leaders in the African American community. The event, held in the Illinois Room at 555 W. Monroe St., was an opportunity to reflect on the great achievements of Black leaders. The eight Chicago-area honorees included a MacArthur “genius grant” recipient…

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Treasurer Frerichs gives giant ICash checks to about 5 people

Illinois Treasurer Frerichs Reminds People to Check for Missing Money During National Unclaimed Property Day

Visit the ICash Website Feb. 1; Find Out If Money Is Waiting for You National Unclaimed Property Day is this weekend, and Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging people to visit the ICash missing money website to see if they have money or other unclaimed property waiting for them. “This Sunday, February 1, is National Unclaimed Property Day, and I hope people will celebrate by checking our ICash website to see if they or any loved ones have missing…

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Several comic books, including Flash and Wonder Woman

Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Troy Aikman Trading Cards, 100-Ounce Silver Bar, and More Available at Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ Online Auction

Surprise Your Valentine Next Month with a One-of-a-Kind Gift from the Online Auction January 23-February 1 Hall of Famers Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Patrick Ewing, collectible basketball cards, and comics featuring Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, and Spawn are just some of the notable items available at the online ICash auction January 23-February 1. “Valentine’s Day may never be the same,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office oversees unclaimed property in Illinois. “Whether your valentine collects coins, comics,…

Read MoreMichael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Troy Aikman Trading Cards, 100-Ounce Silver Bar, and More Available at Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ Online Auction
Chicago skyline with Lake Michigan

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Chicago Children’s Museum to Host $5.29 Family Day Sunday, January 25

Families Can Decorate and Take Home Piggy Banks as Part of Bright Start 529 Promotion CHICAGO — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and the Chicago Children’s Museum (CCM) are once again partnering to host a $5.29 Family Day on Sunday, January 25. As part of the special event sponsored by Bright Start 529 College Savings, general admission to the museum will be discounted to $5.29 per person. Tickets are now available through the museum’s website and are expected to sell…

Read MoreIllinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Chicago Children’s Museum to Host $5.29 Family Day Sunday, January 25
Treasurer Frerichs speaks as others stand near him at a food pantry

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Returns $100,000 in Missing Money to Illinois Food Pantries

Bolingbrook Nonprofit That Twice Saw Thieves Steal Catalytic Converters off Donation Trucks Receives $5,500 Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs is returning $100,000 in missing money to food pantries throughout the state. Each December, Frerichs’ office focuses on returning money through the ICash program to nonprofit groups that help people in need. This year, Frerichs decided to help food pantries that saw resources stretched and demand spike when the federal government shutdown stopped food assistance to many Illinois families in November. “Food…

Read MoreState Treasurer Michael Frerichs Returns $100,000 in Missing Money to Illinois Food Pantries
Treasurer Frerichs speaking at a podium with a Bright Start backdrop and a woman and man behind him

Treasurer Frerichs Encourages the Gift of Education This Holiday Season

College Savings Phone App Offers an Easy Way to Give to a Loved One’s Bright Start 529 Account Struggling to find the right holiday gift for a child? Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has one. Invest in a young person’s future by contributing to their Bright Start 529 college savings account. “Every time you make a Bright Start contribution, that kid sees that you believe in them. That’s a powerful message to hear from a loved one – you know…

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Mickey Mouse watch and other jewelry, including a pocket watch and necklaces for auction

Need Holiday Gift Ideas? Treasurer Michael Frerichs Offers Some Options with Online ICash Auction

Bid on Mickey Mouse Watch, Gold Diamond Pendant, Pennies from Nov. 21-30 As the holiday season approaches, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging people to find unique and memorable gifts, including a vintage Mickey Mouse wristwatch and a 14-karat yellow gold pendant with a small diamond, during an online ICash auction November 21-30. “Our online auction is a wonderful opportunity to discover rare and memorable finds, either for yourself or for that special someone who will appreciate them as gifts,”…

Read MoreNeed Holiday Gift Ideas? Treasurer Michael Frerichs Offers Some Options with Online ICash Auction