Become a Friend of the Press

Do you believe books have the power to change the world? We do. For the past century, the University of Illinois Press has established itself as a leading publisher in U.S. history and culture. And now, by becoming a Friend of the Press, you can help ensure our work continues into another century.

Why should I support University of Illinois Press?

In our books and journals, we strive to be a force for positive social change, by guiding the scholarly conversation and amplifying its reach to a broader audience.

Many of our pioneering series emphasize neglected voices, such as in African American history, women’s history, U.S. music, sports history, working-class history, and immigration history.

A perfect recent example is Illegal: Reflections of an Undocumented Immigrant, the memoir of an anonymous Chicago resident and a story of the triumph of education over adversity. The book has received high-profile media coverage, has been adopted by several college read programs, and will soon be offered by UI Press in a Spanish translation.

By contributing to UI Press, you help us provide a platform for exceptional, reliable scholarship that continues to shape the urgent conversations of our time.

What will my donations be used for?

Your donations will keep important books and journals affordable and accessible as possible for their intended audiences—scholars, students, libraries, and the public.

As a non-profit publisher, UI Press receives modest support from the university but is 85% self-supported. Many of our books and journals require a large investment on the part of scholars and publishers, while others have a smaller, regional audience and would not be published through traditional means.

Your support will help us lower the price of important books to make them more accessible, as well as fund other efforts like paid internship opportunities for young professionals to get marketable experience in the publishing industry.

What benefits will I receive?

Become a Friend of the Press today and receive these benefits:

Friend: $25–99 annually

  • 30% discount on UIP books
  • E-newsletters with updates from the Press
  • Link to seasonal catalogs

Sponsor: $100–249 annually

  • All of the above benefits, plus invites to special Press events

Leader: $250+ annually

  • All of the above benefits, and a 40% discount on UIP books

In celebration of our centennial year, those who join between now and December 31, 2018, will be designated a Founding Friend. All members also have the option to be listed on our Friends of the Press webpage.

Join us!


About Heather Gernenz

University of Illinois Press Publicity Manager