Johnny L. Banks Sr., Executive Director at A Knock At Midnight Inc | akamworks.org
Johnny L. Banks Sr., Executive Director at A Knock At Midnight Inc | akamworks.org
The listed appropriations included two grants of $500,000 and $350,000, plus an additional grant of $250,000, 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 2003 by Johnny L. Banks Sr., A Knock At Midnight states that its mission is: “AKAM’s mission is to collaborate and build linkages with public schools, churches, nonprofits and private community organizations and other business and government institutions.”
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 $3,711,550 in total revenue. Of that, $3,682,390 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 99.2% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $3,711,550 in contributions overall. It also reported $29,158 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, A Knock At Midnight had $799,906 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $680,215, indicating a 15% decline in overall holdings.
According to its filing, public funding to A Knock At Midnight increased in the last year. The group received $2,905,210 in government grants in 2023, compared to $3,682,390 in 2024—an increase of 26.8% 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.
A Knock At Midnight 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 | 3 | $1,100,000 |
| Term | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2024 | Clenton Jones | Chairmantreasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Ida Brown | Presidentdirector |
| 2024-2024 | Ida M Brown | President |
| 2024-2024 | Johnny Banks | Executive Director |
| 2024-2024 | Perry L Young | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Yolanda Michelle Miles | Board Member |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Derrick L Turnbull | Prevention Specialist | - |
| 2024 | Jennie V Mcneal | Safe Passage Consultant | - |
| 2024 | RAMANZE T ROBINSON | One Summer Chicago | - |
| 2024 | Roshi Amor Winslow | Family Advocate | - |
| 2019 | Natalie Vazquez | Spanish Instructor | - |
| 2018 | Jonathan R Pitman | Family Advocate | - |
| 2015 | Gale Binion | - | |
| 2015 | Patricia Robinson | Safe Passages | - |
| 2014 | Stanley Waldroup Sr | Case Manager | - |
| 2013 | Latonya E Darden | Coordinating Manager Of Mentoring Outreach Program | - |
| 2012 | Tanue David | Case Manager | - |
| 2011 | Jonte G Banks | Program Specialist | - |
| - | Johnny Banks Sr. | Executive Director | - |
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