Phalanx Family Services, Logo | https://pbs.twimg.com/
Phalanx Family Services, Logo | https://pbs.twimg.com/
The listed appropriations included two grants of $1,000,000, along with three additional grants totaling $847,751, 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 2001 by Tina & Gladstone Sanders, Phalanx Family Services states that its mission is: “Our mission is to help underprivileged children and families achieve their full potential.”
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 $15,832,900 in total revenue. Of that, $13,010,000 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 82.2% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $15,769,000 in contributions overall. It also reported $2,759,000 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Phalanx Family Services had $5,157,590 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $6,544,330, indicating a significant 26.9% growth in overall holdings.
According to its filing, public funding to Phalanx Family Services surged in the last year. The group received $7,201,420 in government grants in 2023, compared to $13,010,000 in 2024—an increase of 80.7% 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.
Phalanx Family Services 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 | 5 | $2,847,751 |
| Term | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2024 | Barbara B Spears | Director |
| 2024-2024 | BOBBY SANDERS | Ceo |
| 2024-2024 | Deasetta Pickenpack | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Lessie M Hewlett | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Mariam W Tillman | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Patrick Andrew Eddings | President |
| 2024-2024 | Robbie Sanders | Executive Dir. |
| 2024-2024 | Timothy Veasy | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Vearl Hill | Vice President |
| 2024-2024 | Willie Hill Jr | Director |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Theresa Freeman | - | |
| - | Tina Sanders | Ceo | - |
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