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Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Government-backed nonprofit Barat Education Foundation profiled

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Barat Education Foundation logo | Facebook

Barat Education Foundation logo | Facebook

Barat Education Foundation, a tax-exempt nonprofit that receives significant public funding to perform services also offered by the state, was approved to receive a $29,324 grant in FY2024, according to passed legislation data extracted from the Illinois General Assembly’s FY2024 budget (Public Act 102-6 0698).

This appropriation represents 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 2000, Barat Education Foundation states that its mission is: “Building tomorrow’s leaders, developing good citizens, providing opportunities via scholarships and grants, and building partnerships that expand our programs and service to a wider community.”

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 $194,260 in total revenue.

The nonprofit listed $39,057 in contributions overall. It also reported $39,057 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.

At the beginning of 2024, Barat Education Foundation had $333,919 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $390,471, indicating a 16.9% growth in overall holdings.

However, a Chicago City Wire analysis found that IRS filings frequently contain discrepancies when compared with publicly disclosed government grant reports and budgets.

Barat Education Foundation 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.

Barat Education Foundation 990 Filing – Key Officers
TermNameTitle
2024-2024Janet M BurdulisProgram Adm
2024-2024Kathleen P GillespieVice Chair
2024-2024Maureen E RyanBoard Member
2024-2024Michael DimengoTreasurer
2024-2024Sheila A SmithChairman
2024-2024Susie Y EvansSecretary
Barat Education Foundation Employee Roster (Most Recent Year Available)
YearNameTitleCompensation
2024Danielle Michelle ScharfAssistant Director-
2024Nancy MagillProgram Director - Our Americna Voice-
2014Christopher JamesConsultant-
2013Janet M BurdulisProgram Assistant-
2013Linda J MetrickIndependent Consultant - Contracts Management-
2012Justine BraskichIndependent Educational Consultant-
2007Maureen RyanExecutive Director-
2003Michael Gerard DimengoExecutive Director-

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