Steven Rakowski, Chariperson at Polish American Association | https://static.wixstatic.com/
Steven Rakowski, Chariperson at Polish American Association | https://static.wixstatic.com/
The listed appropriations included two grants of $250,000, along with three additional grants totaling $550,000, all designated for programs or services funded by the State of Illinois.
These appropriations represent state-level funding authorized by lawmakers, reflecting what was approved in the budget, not necessarily disbursed. The funds cover only State of Illinois support and exclude federal, local, or other public sources.
Founded in 1922 by Members of The Chicago Society, Polish American Association states that its mission is: “The PAA is a human services organization providing a comprehensive range of culturally sensitive services to the immigrant communities and others in need.”
You can learn more about the organization at its website.
In its most recent IRS Form 990 filing filing for tax year 2024, the organization reported $5,923,620 in total revenue. Of that, $4,724,510 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 79.8% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $4,962,020 in contributions overall. It also reported $296,603 in non-cash contributions, such as donated goods or services, and $234,252 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Polish American Association had $1,991,500 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $2,396,850, indicating a 20.4% growth in overall holdings.
According to its filing, public funding to Polish American Association increased in the last year. The group received $3,854,000 in government grants in 2023, compared to $4,724,510 in 2024—an increase of 22.6% year-over-year.
However, a Chicago City Wire analysis found that IRS filings frequently contain discrepancies when compared with publicly disclosed government grant reports and budgets.
Polish American Association is one of hundreds of nonprofits across Illinois that receive substantial support from state taxpayers while also fundraising privately.
In 2025, Illinois lawmakers introduced House Bill 1266, also known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Act. The proposal would create a new oversight body within the Office of the Auditor General tasked with identifying cost-saving measures, reviewing agency performance, and advising on audit priorities. If passed, DOGE could bring additional scrutiny and performance evaluation to taxpayer-funded organizations.
According to ProPublica, Illinois has more than 78,000 active tax-exempt organizations, including nearly 60,000 classified as charitable nonprofits. In their most recent IRS filings, these groups reported a combined revenue exceeding $156 billion.
| Fiscal Year | Total Grants/Contracts | Total Taxpayer $$ |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | $1,050,000 |
| Term | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2024 | Adam Kamieniak | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Daniel G Pikarski | Vice Chairman |
| 2024-2024 | Eva Prokop | Executive Director |
| 2024-2024 | Gregory Kojak | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Patricia Carter | Director Of Finance |
| 2024-2024 | Stanley W Jozefiak | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Steve Rakowski | Chairman |
| 2024-2024 | Thomas R Latuszek | Treasurer |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Bianka A Kaminska | Workforce Development Services Supervisor | - |
| 2024 | Ewa A Susman | Counselor | - |
| 2024 | Henryka Blusiewicz | Case Manager | - |
| 2024 | Magdalena Zakrzewska | Substance Abuse Counselor | - |
| 2024 | Magdalena Zakrzewska | Addiction Counselor And Case Manager Of Homeless Day Program | - |
| 2024 | Michal Chybowski | Lead Systems Administrator | - |
| 2024 | Thomas J Davis | Maintenance | - |
| 2020 | Onyinye Germaine Ajide | Human Resources Intern | - |
| 2016 | Caroline Helena Adamczyk | Data Analysis Intern | - |
| 2016 | J Mendez Brown | Intern | - |
| 2014 | Daniel R Jarosz | Homeless Outreach | - |
| 2014 | Gary E Kenzer | Executive Director | - |
| 2014 | Patrick T Madigan | Director Of Finance | - |
| 2013 | Barbara Agnieszka Kasza | - | |
| 2013 | Justyna Zucker | Junior Board Director - Marketing Director | - |
| 2012 | Teresa A Palac | - | |
| 2011 | Gregory W Kojak | Board Of Directors - Treasurer | - |
| 2010 | Lidia S Seeger | Housing Counselor | - |
| 2008 | Maria Jandura | - | |
| 2008 | Matthew P Mesick | Accounts Payable Manager And Assistant Bookkeeper | - |
| 2007 | Filip Lewandowski | Esl Instructor | - |
| 2007 | Jozefa Szewczyk | - | |
| 2006 | Anna M August | Cna Instructor | - |
| 2006 | Urszula Wudarczyk | Summer Camp Counselor- Assistant To The Director | - |
| 2005 | Mariola A Kasper | Social Worker | - |
| 2004 | Nicolas P Kapuza | It Intern | - |
| 2002 | Barbara Konopka | - | |
| 2000 | Angela M Forfia | Development And Public Relations Associate | - |
| 2000 | Wioletta Ardziejewski | Administrative Assistant And Case Manager And Teacher | - |
| 1997 | Anita J Groll | Addiction Counselor | - |
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