MOLINE, Ill. — This year’s John Deere Classic raised nearly $17 million for local nonprofits. 

Through the Birdies for Charity program, the 2025 tournament raised a record-breaking $16,944,896. 

Since Birdies for Charity started in 1971, it has raised over $200 million. That money goes directly to 460 local nonprofits participating in the program. The 2025 JDC pushed Birdies for Charity’s all-time giving amount to $206,597,020. 

“This record year is a testament to the unwavering generosity of our entire region—John Deere, our corporate partners and the thousands of community members who give year after year,” Tournament Director Andrew Lehman said. “John Deere’s deep-rooted commitment to corporate citizenship continues to be the driving force behind the tournament’s success and the life-changing impact we’re able to make together.”

Through Birdies for Charity’s Bonus Fund, an additional 9% bonus match will be added to the grand total, furthering the program’s reach. Organizers said the bonus fund was made possible by a grant from John Deere and other donors. Lastly, John Deere covers administrative costs for the program, so those don’t fall on the nonprofits receiving funding. 

“The Bonus Fund is what truly sets Birdies for Charity apart,” Birdies for Charity Director Micaela Booth said. “These unrestricted dollars are game changers for our participating nonprofits. They allow organizations to respond to urgent needs, invest in long-term growth, and expand their reach in ways that restricted funding often doesn’t allow. It’s one of the most meaningful parts of what we’re able to offer through this program.”

The giving didn’t stop there. Five finalists correctly guessed that the tournament would have 2,102 birdies. Randomly selected, one of those finalists received a two-year lease on a car from Smart Lexus of the Quad Cities. 

WQAD News 8 is proud to be the official station of the John Deere Classic.