After carding another record-breaking year in 2024, the John Deere Classic Birdies for Charity program launched its 32nd season today. The organization’s goal is once again to raise millions of dollars for some 500 local and regional charities.
The 54th edition of the Quad Cities’ PGA Tour event will be played July 2-6 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis with Davis Thompson as defending champion.
“Birdies for Charity transforms the John Deere Classic into a philanthropic force within our community,” JDC Tournament Director Andrew Lehman said in a Monday, April 7, news release.
“We believe that by investing in our participating charitable organizations, we can help foster a vibrant and thriving community,” he added. “The 480 local charities that benefit from this program span a wide range of causes, from education and health care to environmental conservation and youth development. This holistic approach ensures that every facet of our community is enriched.”
The charity is a routine record-setter. It was created by and for the Quad Cities annual event is driven by Quad Citians’ donations and enhanced by Deere & Co.’s bonus contributions.
JDC Birdies 2024 totals were particularly eye-popping. In all, donors generated a record $15.97 million for 476 participating local and regional charities, surpassing 2023’s record by more than $1.8 million and resulting in an 8% bonus being added on to all the individual charities’ total.
As in the past, this year participating charities will not incur any administrative fees for the program. That ensures that 100% of all donations they receive directly support them. Charities also are promised a minimum bonus of 5%, and potentially up to 10% of the money they raise.
“John Deere’s unwavering support is fundamental to the success of Birdies for Charity,” Mr. Lehman said in the release.
Keys to Birdie’s success
“By covering the program’s administrative costs, they ensure that charities receive 100% of the donations. Additionally, John Deere’s generous matching grant of $325,000 to the Bonus Fund amplifies the impact of every contribution,” he added. “This level of commitment has been essential in helping us achieve the remarkable success we see today.”
To support that promise, the JDC continues to fundraise for the Bonus Fund year-round. “By eliminating administrative fees and providing additional bonus money, the initiative not only inspires generosity but also strengthens the sustainability and success of charitable organizations,” Birdies for Charity Director Micaela Booth added in the release.
She also announced that Birdies for Charity will accept new charities into the 2025 program until May 30. Eligible charities must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located within 125 miles of Silvis, Illinois, the home of the John Deere Classic.
The Bonus Fund is crucial to the program’s appeal and effectiveness, as it serves as the funding source that provides that bonus match each year. Both donors and charities can be confident that their gifts will be amplified through Birdies for Charity.
“The Platinum Tee Club presents an excellent opportunity for those wishing to support the Bonus Fund,” Ms. Booth said. “Donations for the Platinum Tee Club start at $750, with higher levels over $1,500 granting exclusive tournament experiences. In addition to the Platinum Tee Club, contributions of any size to the Bonus Fund are instrumental in achieving our goals. Every extra dollar is essential for supporting local nonprofits.”
Smart Lexus is back
Also in 2025, Grand Prize sponsor Smart Lexus of Quad Cities once again provides a two-year lease on a Lexus to one lucky winner who correctly guesses the exact number of birdies recorded at the 2025 tournament from Wednesday’s Pro-Am through Sunday’s final round.
“We are thrilled to have Smart Lexus of Quad Cities back as Official Transportation Sponsor,” Mr. Lehman said. “Their generous offer of a two-year lease on a Lexus for one lucky donor adds an exciting incentive for charity donors. Additionally, Smart Lexus provides courtesy cars to John Deere Classic contestants thereby enhancing their experience and elevating the tournament’s prestige. This partnership is a win-win for everyone involved.”
Contest entries are due by June 27. Official rules and contest details can be found at birdiesforcharity.com/about/contest.
For more information, or to donate to JDC Birdies for Charity 2025, visit the official Birdies for Charity website at BirdiesforCharity.com.
The John Deere Classic, which includes Birdies for Charity, is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization located in the John Deere Classic tournament offices at 15623 Coaltown Road, East Moline. Since its founding in 1971, the tournament has helped raise more than $174 million for charity.
