Jennifer Ellis-Jackson, President at Monarch Awards Foundation | https://www.monarchawardsfoundation.org/
Jennifer Ellis-Jackson, President at Monarch Awards Foundation | https://www.monarchawardsfoundation.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 1988, Monarch Awards Foundation states that its mission is: “To empower the Chicagoland area by addressing critical issues that impact the lives of its residents.”
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 $420,699 in total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $168,613 in contributions overall. It also reported $69,143 in non-cash contributions, such as donated goods or services, and $98,180 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Monarch Awards Foundation had $289,993 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $381,524, indicating a significant 31.6% 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.
Monarch Awards 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.
| Term | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2024 | Adair A Bryan | Ivy Leaf Report |
| 2024-2024 | Andrew Lamont Neal | Member At Large |
| 2024-2024 | Baronica Y Roberson | Dev Chairman |
| 2024-2024 | Deshonda M Sisco | Corresp Sectry |
| 2024-2024 | Elizabeth Ann Chambers | Fundraising Crm |
| 2024-2024 | Iesha L Washington | Member At Large |
| 2024-2024 | Jennifer Ellis | Vice President |
| 2024-2024 | Kiecha L Joseph | Publ Relations |
| 2024-2024 | Laticia M Palm | Member At Large |
| 2024-2024 | Mia Cross | Recording Sec |
| 2024-2024 | Michele A Rhymes | Connections Crm |
| 2024-2024 | Paulette Phillips | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Rosalind Rena Agee | Technology Chm |
| 2024-2024 | Shannon Staton | President |
| 2024-2024 | Shannon B Staton | President |
| 2024-2024 | Shawnice E Hubbard | Parliment |
| 2024-2024 | Sheila Smith | Gala Chairman |
| 2024-2024 | Sydney L Adams | Xno Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Victoria Denise Lloyd | Scholarship Cha |
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