Melanie G. Anewishki, Founder u0026 Executive Director at | https://featherfist.org/
Melanie G. Anewishki, Founder u0026 Executive Director at | https://featherfist.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 1984 by Melanie G. Anewishki, Featherfist states that its mission is: “To end homelessness—period.”
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 $12,755,000 in total revenue. Of that, $10,405,000 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 81.6% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $12,275,000 in contributions overall. It also reported $1,870,030 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Featherfist had $1,638,850 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $1,686,760, indicating a 2.9% growth in overall holdings.
According to its filing, public funding remained fairly steady year-over-year, changing from $9,915,910 in 2023 to $10,405,000 in 2024 (a difference of 4.9%).
However, a Chicago City Wire analysis found that IRS filings frequently contain discrepancies when compared with publicly disclosed government grant reports and budgets.
Featherfist 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 | Jerome Simmons | Chair |
| 2024-2024 | Jessica R Smith | Chair |
| 2024-2024 | Kirkland R Townsend | Chair |
| 2024-2024 | Melanie G Anewishki | Executive Director |
| 2024-2024 | Michelle E Posey | Chair |
| 2024-2024 | Richard F Goode | Member |
| 2024-2024 | Roelean Duncan | Chair |
| 2024-2024 | Teresa L T Davis | President |
| 2024-2024 | Virginia Mitchell | Secretary |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Abraham House-El | Program Manager | - |
| 2024 | Alexandra Elizabeth Fuller | Data Management | - |
| 2024 | Bolawa B Gbadebo | Clerical Case Manager | - |
| 2024 | Jameea R Boykin | Case Manager | - |
| 2024 | Joseph M Reidy | Supervisor Amo And Intake Department | - |
| 2024 | Sherry J Reichert | Accounting Manager | - |
| 2024 | Stacey Anewishki | Chief Program Officer | - |
| 2018 | Karen L Williams | Veteran Peer Specialist | - |
| 2015 | Douglas E Allen | - | |
| 2011 | Barbara J Mckissick | Housing Locator | - |
| 2011 | Raymond Moore | - | |
| 2009 | Shenika S Jackson | Case Manager Ii-Transition In Place Program | - |
| 2000 | Stephen Anthony Barbee | Casemanager And Outreach Worker | - |
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