The John Deere Classic's main purpose is to raise funds for local and regional charities. In 2012, $6.79 million was donated from the tournament to more than 500 charities to help meet the needs of children, families, handicapped individuals and a variety of others. Included in the tournament's charity efforts are donations from tournament proceeds and from the Birdies for Charity program.

The John Deere Classic remains #1 per capita in charity donations on the PGA TOUR and was ranked #5 in terms of total charitable donations on the PGA TOUR in 2012.