Illini 4000 is an entirely student-run 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based out of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Every summer, the organization sends a group of students on a cross-country charity bicycle ride to raise money for cancer research and patient support services, spread hope and awareness for the fight against cancer, and interview those affected, collecting these interviews -called Portraits- into the Portraits Project.
Mission Statement: “The Illini 4000 is a non-profit organization dedicated to documenting the American cancer experience, raising funds for cancer research and patient support services, as well as spreading awareness for the fight against cancer through annual cross-country bike rides.”
In its eighth year, Illini 4000's past beneficiaries include the American Cancer Society, Camp Kesem- Illinois, the Livestrong Foundation, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, among others.