its blog, updated weekly. The Federation blog has researched topics such as Cook County township government, privatization and tax increment financing or TIF. Federation blog posts accompany its publications and help provide additional commentary and context on those topics as well as provide reactions to current events. Institute for Illinois' Fiscal Sustainability In 2008 the Federation established the Institute for Illinois' Fiscal Sustainability (IIFS), which examines fiscal issues relating to the state of Illinois. Its mission is to "improve the state's decision making process by providing timely fiscal policy analysis and recommendations to state officials, the media, and the public through education and digital outreach." Major funding for IIFS is provided by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The Institute has published numerous studies of Illinois' finances, including: Analyses of the enacted State of Illinois FY2011 and FY2010 budgets; The Cost of the Crisis, an issue brief that estimated how much extra Illinois would spend in borrowing costs due to its deteriorating bond rating; A "Fiscal Rehabilitation" plan that described the basis of Illinois' fiscal crisis and presented the Federation's plan for restoring fiscal solvency to the state's finances; Analyses of the Illinois Governor's proposed FY2011, FY2010 and FY2009 operating and capital budgets; An issue brief on the Illinois Medicaid system. IIFS also publishes a blog that provides additional information and commentary on state finance issues. History The Civic Federation was founded in 1893 as a reform organization by several of Chicago's most prominent citizens, including Jane Addams, Bertha Honore Palmer and Lyman J. Gage. The group united around the need to address concerns about Chicago's economic, political and moral climate at the end of the 19th century. The group's formation was catalyzed by a book by a visiting journalist, William T. Stead, who appealed to the Social Gospel sensibilities of Protestant activists. Gage, president of the First National Bank, and the prominent socialite Bertha Honore Palmer were elected President and First Vice President .The Director of Hull House, Jane Addams, served as a trustee. Chicago-area merchants, educators, bankers, ministers and labor officials joined them as charter members. In its early years, the Civic Federation advocated for social and political reform. It led efforts to improve sanitation and education, as well as improve Chicago-area government efficiency. Steel magnate Clayton Mark, who built Marktown, the planned worker community in Northwest Indiana, served several terms as President of the Civic