Thea Flaum, President at The Ruth Page Foundation | https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/
Thea Flaum, President at The Ruth Page Foundation | https://cdn.prod.website-files.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 1971 by Ruth Page and Larry Long, The Ruth Page Foundation states that its mission is: “To be a platform for developing great artists and connecting them with audiences and community. With a primary focus on dance as a critical art form, its programming ensures that children and dance artists have a place to train, work and perform at the highest level of excellence.”
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 $1,519,080 in total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $249,491 in contributions overall. It also reported $149,086 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, The Ruth Page Foundation had $13,823,900 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $13,522,200, indicating a 2.2% decline 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.
The Ruth Page 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 | DANA MICHELLE CONLEY | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Dori B Rothschild | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Gloria L Materre | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Janice Corley Blaney | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Kristin R Beal | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Lynn Ferszt Kravis | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Salme H Steinberg | Vice President |
| 2024-2024 | Sara S Schumann | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Silvia Silva | Former Executive Direc |
| 2024-2024 | Thea K Flaum | Chair & President |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Stephanie Martinez | - |
Alerts Sign-up