Illinois DOGE Deep Dive: Arthur Lockhard Resource Institute

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By T. T. Collins

Oct 27, 2025

Arthur Lockhard Resource Institute, a tax-exempt nonprofit that receives significant public funding to perform services also offered by the state, was approved to receive two grants totaling $483,495 in FY2024, according to passed legislation data extracted from the Illinois General Assembly’s FY2024 budget (Public Act 103-0006).

The listed appropriations included grants of $250,000 and $233,495 if two, each 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 1985 by Dr. Arthur Lockhart, Arthur Lockhard Resource Institute states that its mission is: “to provide social services to low and moderate income families through youth development, energy assitance, emergency food services, housing and senior care services.”

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 $213,680 in total revenue. Of that, $100,000 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 46.8% of total revenue.

The nonprofit listed $213,680 in contributions overall. It also reported $15,321 in non-cash contributions, such as donated goods or services, and $113,680 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.

At the beginning of 2024, Arthur Lockhard Resource Institute had $33,000 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $20,800, indicating a significant 37% decline in overall holdings.

According to its filing, public funding to Arthur Lockhard Resource Institute declined in the last year, falling from $205,040 in 2023 to $100,000 in 2024—a decrease of 51.2% 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.

Arthur Lockhard Resource Institute 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.

State of Illinois Approved Grants to Arthur Lockhard Resource Institute