Dion Dawson, Chief Dreamer u0026 CEO at Dion'S Chicago Dream-Mlk Honoree Grant | dionschicagodream.com
Dion Dawson, Chief Dreamer u0026 CEO at Dion'S Chicago Dream-Mlk Honoree Grant | dionschicagodream.com
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 2019 by Dion Dawson, Dion'S Chicago Dream-Mlk Honoree Grant states that its mission is: “Dion’s Chicago Dream is to improve health outcomes & center health equity through its industry-leading approach to addressing food security at the intersection of last-mile delivery and logistics.”
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 $3,636,520 in total revenue. Of that, $60,000 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 1.6% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $3,391,600 in contributions overall. It also reported $33,080 in non-cash contributions, such as donated goods or services, and $3,331,600 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Dion'S Chicago Dream-Mlk Honoree Grant had $400,605 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $995,246, indicating a significant 148.4% growth in overall holdings.
According to its filing, public funding to Dion'S Chicago Dream-Mlk Honoree Grant increased in the last year. The group received $50,000 in government grants in 2023, compared to $60,000 in 2024—an increase of 20% 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.
Dion'S Chicago Dream-Mlk Honoree Grant 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 | Bernina Cusack | Vice Preside |
| 2024-2024 | Constance Strickland | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Crystal G Dawson | President |
| 2024-2024 | Dion Trevor Dawson | Founder & Ce |
| 2024-2024 | Douglas M Weiss | Director |
| 2024-2024 | NATALIA MORENO | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Robert Jones Jr | Cfo |
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