What is the Protect IL Campaign?

The Protect IL Campaign is a national initiative led by the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) to protect and strengthen the Independent Living (IL) network, including Centers for Independent Living (CILs), Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), and the disability rights protections that support community living.

The campaign was created in response to growing threats to disability rights, federal funding instability, attacks on diversity and inclusion efforts, and policies that could weaken community-based services and supports.

Why is the Protect IL Campaign needed now?

The disability community is facing one of the most uncertain environments in years. The Independent Living network has experienced:

• Federal funding freezes and delays
• Threats to Independent Living appropriations
• Proposed restructuring within HHS and ACL
• Legal and political attacks on DEIA initiatives
• Growing pressure toward institutionalization
• Increased instability around Medicaid and HCBS
• Reduced discretionary funding for advocacy organizations

NCIL believes the movement cannot afford to wait until damage is done before responding. The campaign is about preparing, organizing, and protecting the future of Independent Living.

What does “IL” stand for?

“IL” stands for Independent Living.

Independent Living is both a philosophy and a movement led by people with disabilities that promotes:

• Self-determination
• Consumer control
• Equal opportunity
• Community integration

• Freedom from unnecessary institutionalization

What is the Independent Living network?

The Independent Living network includes:

• Centers for Independent Living (CILs)
• Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs)
• Disability advocates
• Consumers
• National, state, and local partners

CILs are community-based organizations run by and for people with disabilities and provide services such as:

• Peer support
• Advocacy
• Independent living skills training
• Transition services
• Housing assistance
• Community integration support

What is the Protect IL Fund?

The Protect IL Fund is the fundraising and action component of the campaign. The fund is designed to help NCIL and the IL network respond quickly to threats facing disability rights, community living, and the Independent Living Program.

Funds are maintained separately within NCIL’s financial system and are intended specifically for Protect IL activities.

Protect IL Activities – how will the funds be used?

Funds may be used to support:

• Legal defense activities
• Grassroots organizing
• Advocacy campaigns
• Public education
• Coalition building
• Rapid response mobilization
• Training and technical assistance
• Community engagement activities
• Strategic communications
• Accessibility and logistics support for advocates

The overall purpose is to protect the existence and long-term success of the Independent Living network.

How much of the fund goes toward legal defense?

This breakdown was recommended by the Protect IL Taskforce and approved by NCIL’s Executive Committee:

• 75% for litigation and related legal activities
• 20% for organizing and advocacy
• 5% for administrative oversight and marketing Once the fund reaches $250,000:
• 60% would support litigation
• 35% would support organizing and advocacy
• 5% would remain for administration and oversight The legal defense portion would eventually cap at $500,000.

What types of legal defense activities could the fund support?

Examples include:

• Attorney fees
• Court costs
• Discovery and trial expenses
• Mediation
• Travel related to litigation
• Legal coordination activities
• Gathering amicus briefs
• Legal consultation on federal disability policy matters

These activities would help defend the IL network if disability rights protections or funding are threatened.

What types of organizing and advocacy activities could the fund support?

Examples may include:

• Bringing advocates and consumers to Washington, DC
• Travel stipends and hotel support
• Accessible transportation
• Personal assistance services
• Media and public awareness events
• Grassroots organizing support
• Training materials
• Contracting with organizers in states
• Capacity-building activities for advocates and centers

The campaign is designed to support advocacy at the local, state, regional, and national levels.

Is this campaign only about lawsuits?

No. Legal defense is one component of the campaign, but the Protect IL Campaign is broader than litigation.

The campaign is also about:

• Preventing harmful policies before they happen
• Building grassroots power
• Educating the public
• Mobilizing the disability community
• Strengthening partnerships
• Supporting the long-term sustainability of the IL movement

Why is legal defense even necessary?

NCIL recognizes that some threats may require more than traditional advocacy. There are expressed concerns about:

• Funding being withheld from CILs and SILCs
• Rollbacks in disability protections
• Federal policy changes
• Enforcement threats tied to DEIA initiatives
• Threats to community living and civil rights protections

The campaign is designed to ensure the IL Network is prepared to respond when necessary.

Will the fund replace NCIL’s general fundraising?

No. The Protect IL Fund is intended to complement and strengthen NCIL’s overall fundraising efforts, not replace them. NCIL will continue raising funds for:

• General operations
• Youth initiatives
• Disaster relief
• Annual Conference on Independent Living
• Training and technical assistance
• Other strategic priorities

Is the campaign only funded by CILs and SILCs?

No. The strategy specifically states that CILs and SILCs are not expected to be the primary funding source.

The campaign also plans to engage:

• Foundations
• Corporate partners
• Philanthropic allies
• Disability rights supporters
• Influencers and public figures
• Individual donors

The goal is broad national support.

How can Centers, SILCs and other organizations support the campaign besides donating?

Organizations can help by:

• Promoting the campaign
• Sharing educational materials
• Participating in advocacy actions
• Encouraging grassroots engagement
• Hosting town halls or events
• Supporting mobilization efforts

• Amplifying campaign messages on social media

The campaign recognizes that support may look different for different organizations depending on their size and resources.

Can donations raised by NCIL’s existing board members count as “Give or Get”.

Yes. This is a perfect way to meet this board’s obligation required by NCIL board members.

How will donations be accepted?

The draft fundraising plan includes a dedicated Protect IL webpage. NCIL also plans to ensure fundraising tools are fully accessible.

Will there be oversight and accountability?

Yes. Specific Protect IL Policies and Procedures have been put in place that include:

• Separate accounting within NCIL’s financial system
• Board-approved fiscal policies
• Finance Committee review
• Budget oversight
• Spending approval processes
• Legal compliance review
• Ongoing evaluation of administrative costs

Funds would remain under NCIL governance and financial controls.

Is this campaign partisan?

No. The Protect IL Campaign is not about political parties. It is about protecting disability rights, community living, and the Independent Living movement.

NCIL works across political lines to protect the rights and freedoms of people with disabilities.

How does this campaign connect to community living?

At its core, the campaign is about protecting the right of people with disabilities to live in their homes and communities with dignity, choice, and support.

The Independent Living movement believes people with disabilities should not be forced into institutions because of funding cuts, inaccessible systems, or lack of services.

What is NCIL’s long-term goal?

The long-term goal is to build a stronger, more resilient Independent Living movement that is:

• Better organized
• Financially stronger
• More connected nationally
• Better prepared for crises
• Better equipped to defend disability rights
• More sustainable for future generations

The Protect IL Campaign is about more than protecting programs.

It is about protecting people, preserving community living, and ensuring that people with disabilities continue to have the freedom to live, participate, and thrive in their communities.

The Independent Living movement was built through advocacy, persistence, and collective action. The Protect IL Campaign continues that work.