Kutu Baker, Board Chair at Girlforward | girlforward.org
Kutu Baker, Board Chair at Girlforward | girlforward.org
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 2011 by Blair Brettschneider, Girlforward states that its mission is: “GirlForward is a community of support dedicated to creating and enhancing opportunities for girls who have been displaced globally by conflict and persecution. GirlForward supports girls in grades 9-12 who are refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers through three core programs: Mentoring, Tutoring, and Safe Spaces.”
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 $643,010 in total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $641,362 in contributions overall. It also reported $596,206 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Girlforward had $757,999 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $707,337, indicating a 6.7% decline 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.
Girlforward 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.
| Term | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2024 | Ashley Lynn Marine | Executive Director |
| 2024-2024 | Asra Fatima Ali | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Deborah J Kobak | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Gabi Castillo Roediger | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Geeta Shukla | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Joanna Evans | Current Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Kate Rohald | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Kutu Baker | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Nena Milanovic | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Prathiba Pandian | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Rachel A Hermes | Vice-Chair |
| 2024-2024 | Sadaf Usmani | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Sarayu Adeni | Director |
| 2024-2024 | SEPORA MAKABEH BADOWER | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Sonia Antolec | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Val Weiss | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Wajiha Rizvi | Chair |
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