Manny Rodriguez, Co-Founder u0026 Executive Director at Revolution Workshop | revolutionworkshop.org
Manny Rodriguez, Co-Founder u0026 Executive Director at Revolution Workshop | revolutionworkshop.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 2017 by Manny Rodriguez, Revolution Workshop states that its mission is: “To provide construction workforce development for unemployed or underemployed people in partnership with area businesses.”
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 $4,261,680 in total revenue. Of that, $1,709,740 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 40.1% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $4,008,150 in contributions overall. It also reported $2,298,400 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Revolution Workshop had $2,633,200 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $3,742,520, indicating a significant 42.1% growth in overall holdings.
According to its filing, public funding to Revolution Workshop increased in the last year. The group received $1,157,540 in government grants in 2023, compared to $1,709,740 in 2024—an increase of 47.7% 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.
Revolution Workshop 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 | Cristina Rosa | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Daniel Miller | Board Member Emeritus |
| 2024-2024 | Joseph Paul Koppers | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Luther Mason | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Manuel Rodriguez | Ex Officio Executive Director |
| 2024-2024 | Mary C Person | Board President |
| 2024-2024 | Regan Brewer Johnson | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Scott M Simpson | Vice Chair |
| 2024-2024 | Sequane Lawrence | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Shahara Byford | Secretary |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Jack Gallo Jr | Business Services Manager | - |
| 2024 | Neka N Duckett-Randolph | Community Outreach Coordinator | - |
| 2017 | Scott M Simpson | Founding Board Member | - |
Alerts Sign-up