The Orange Krush Foundation, the official student group of Fighting Illini Basketball, announced the local philanthropic organizations awarded grants as part of its annual giving program. Twenty-two organizations received funds, totaling more than $20,000.

Since its inception in 1998, the Orange Krush Foundation has donated more than $2 million dollars to local charitable groups. A key mission of the Orange Krush is to not only be one of the best and strongest student sections within the NCAA but also an organization that gives back. Even during a year when fundraising could not be done traditionally through student fees, the organization found ways to raise money in new ways.

During a year when the pandemic eliminated the Orange Krush's traditional fundraising methods, the Foundation raised money through Orange Krush boxes filled with various apparel. Additionally, the proceeds from the Brad Underwood-autographed State Farm Center Fan Cutouts were donated to the community grants.

"As a team, we chose organizations that were still going above and beyond to give back to the community which you could tell from the applications that they have had to make significant changes in order to cater to the pandemic," VP of Orange Krush Katelyn Eathington said.

Organizations awarded funding: Community Service Center of Northern Champaign, Champaign Country CASA, Champaign Unit 4 Schools, Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation, Channing Murray, Community Choices, Courage Connection, Crisis Nursery, Cunningham Children's Home, Danville Chapter of National Ambucs, Developmental Services Center, ECI Youth for Christ, Girl Scouts of Central Illinois, Girls on the Run of Central Illinois, The Land Connection, Make-A-Wish Illinois, RCCSEC, The Refugee Center, Sola Gratia Farm, Wesley Food Pantry, UIUC Habitat for Humanity, WMPF.