Ashley Allen, Program Manager at Circesteem Inc | circesteem.org
Ashley Allen, Program Manager at Circesteem Inc | circesteem.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 2001 by Paul Miller, Circesteem Inc. states that its mission is: “CircEsteem’s mission is to unite youth across all backgrounds and identities by fostering self-esteem and mutual respect through the practice and performance of circus arts.”
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 $2,074,120 in total revenue. Of that, $1,362,160 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 65.7% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $1,526,640 in contributions overall. It also reported $5,138 in non-cash contributions, such as donated goods or services, and $130,703 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Circesteem Inc. had $5,442,480 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $7,987,710, indicating a significant 46.8% growth in overall holdings.
According to its filing, public funding to Circesteem Inc. surged in the last year. The group received $801,650 in government grants in 2023, compared to $1,362,160 in 2024—an increase of 69.9% 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.
Circesteem Inc. 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 | Abraham Nalin Bhutt | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Alvin J Boutte Jr | President |
| 2024-2024 | Christine Michelle Rooney | Vice President |
| 2024-2024 | Christopher Alan Gagel | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Daniel Roberts | Executive Director |
| 2024-2024 | Jack A Gomberg | Member |
| 2024-2024 | Jeffery H Park | Member |
| 2024-2024 | Judith Allen | Vice President |
| 2024-2024 | Meredith George | Member |
| 2024-2024 | Scott E Saef | Executive Commmittee Member |
| 2024-2024 | STEVEON BYNUM | Member |
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