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Tuesday, October 7, 2025

State-funded Nonprofit Spotlight: South Shore Drill Team & Performing Arts Ensemble

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South Shore Drill Team u0026 Performing Arts Ensemble, Logo | https://nfg-sofun.s3.amazonaws.com/

South Shore Drill Team u0026 Performing Arts Ensemble, Logo | https://nfg-sofun.s3.amazonaws.com/

South Shore Drill Team & Performing Arts Ensemble, a tax-exempt nonprofit that receives significant public funding to perform services also offered by the state, was approved to receive a $200,000 grant in FY2024, according to passed legislation data extracted from the Illinois General Assembly’s FY2024 budget (Public Act 102-6 0698).

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 1980 by Arthur Robertson, South Shore Drill Team & Performing Arts Ensemble states that its mission is: “The group’s mission extends far beyond entertainment, however. First and foremost, the organization is a prevention program, devoted to helping young people in some of Chicago’s most dangerous neighborhoods steer clear of gangs, drugs, and violence while developing a strong work ethic, self-confidence, and a respect for themselves and others.”

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 $1,423,970 in total revenue. Of that, $650,299 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 45.7% of total revenue.

The nonprofit listed $1,247,150 in contributions overall. It also reported $66,000 in non-cash contributions, such as donated goods or services, and $596,849 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.

At the beginning of 2024, South Shore Drill Team & Performing Arts Ensemble had $83,925 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $141,041, indicating a significant 68.1% growth 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.

South Shore Drill Team & Performing Arts Ensemble 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.

South Shore Drill Team & Performing Arts Ensemble 990 Filing – Key Officers
TermNameTitle
2024-2024Arthur RobertsonExecutive Direnctor
2024-2024Donald WilliamsFinance Committee Chairman
2024-2024Giannina G RiccardiPresident
2024-2024Gregory I MathurinDirector
2024-2024Jazmin V CheefusDirector
2024-2024Laronda O TaylorDirector
2024-2024Samantha S FieldsDirector
2024-2024Steven HunterDirector
2024-2024Tamika L PassDirector
South Shore Drill Team & Performing Arts Ensemble Employee Roster (Most Recent Year Available)
YearNameTitleCompensation
2012Shauntia L McnairMentor And Group Facilitator Intern-

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