In 1985, after identifying a large number of former educators who were experiencing financial difficulties because of low pensions and rising inflation, the IRTA established the Illinois Retired Teachers Association Foundation, Inc. The initial purpose of the Foundation was to build an endowment to provide assistance to retired educators.
Since that time, the Foundation has assisted retired educators with living expenses, provided scholarships to aspiring teachers, worked to protect the rights of the elderly, and provided grants to educators.
