Mike Edwards, Treasurer at Plant Chicago Nfp | https://www.plantchicago.org/
Mike Edwards, Treasurer at Plant Chicago Nfp | https://www.plantchicago.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 2011 by John Edel, Plant Chicago Nfp states that its mission is: “Our mission is to cultivate local circular economies.”
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 $604,307 in total revenue. Of that, $22,927 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 3.8% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $534,570 in contributions overall. It also reported $497,927 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Plant Chicago Nfp had $936,855 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $995,208, indicating a 6.2% growth in overall holdings.
According to its filing, public funding to Plant Chicago Nfp declined in the last year, falling from $65,005 in 2023 to $22,927 in 2024—a decrease of 64.7% 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.
Plant Chicago Nfp 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 | Adam Rodriguez Jr | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Brenda Espinoza | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Caroline Pawlak | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Chad Flores | Vice President |
| 2024-2024 | Daniella Ashley Mazzio | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Jonathan D Pereira | Executive Director |
| 2024-2024 | Joseph Lopez | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Katie Colleen Mee | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Kristie Ann Conklin | President |
| 2024-2024 | Michael Edwards Jr | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Myla A Skinner | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Philip M Fry | Secretary |
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