Mario F. García, Executive Director at Onward Neighborhood House | ttps://i0.wp.com
Mario F. García, Executive Director at Onward Neighborhood House | ttps://i0.wp.com
The listed appropriations included grants of $500,000 and $250,000 if two, each designated for programs or services funded by the State of Illinois.
These appropriations represent 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 1943, Onward Neighborhood House states that its mission is: “Our mission at Onward House is to open doors to improve lives and uplift communities through educational, economic and support services.”
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 $5,672,820 in total revenue. Of that, $4,578,820 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 80.7% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $5,608,600 in contributions overall. It also reported $286,038 in non-cash contributions, such as donated goods or services, and $994,449 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Onward Neighborhood House had $5,885,730 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $6,567,440, indicating an 11.6% growth in overall holdings.
According to its filing, public funding to Onward Neighborhood House increased in the last year. The group received $3,734,150 in government grants in 2023, compared to $4,578,820 in 2024—an increase of 22.6% 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.
Onward Neighborhood House 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.
| Fiscal Year | Total Grants/Contracts | Total Taxpayer $$ |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | $750,000 |
| Term | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2024 | Andrea Van Gelder | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | Brianna L West | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | Carolyn Baker Connolly | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Carrie L Distler | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | Dan Greiwe | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | Derrick O Cabrera | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | Emily Ann Taylor | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | John Harrington | President |
| 2024-2024 | Jon Clopton | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | Jonathan Mercado | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Judy Schiffman | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | Mario Garcia | Executive Director |
| 2024-2024 | Mark Stenftenagel | Vice President |
| 2024-2024 | Penny Wallingford | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | Phillip Ruben Nava | Trustee |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Darica L Charles | Site Manager | - |
| 2024 | Denise Garcia | Family Support Worker | - |
| 2024 | Jenny P Seacat | Head Start Chief Operating Officerrdinator | - |
| 2024 | Sophia Cabido | Business Incubator Specialist | - |
| 2024 | Stephanie M Velez | Outreach Associate | - |
| 2024 | Tashi L Mcintee | Teacher | - |
| 2019 | Sara Alicia Arriaga | Summer Intern | - |
| 2018 | Randy Alexander Mallinger | Auxiliary Board Member | - |
| 2016 | Rachel Marie Ruttle | Freelance Event Photographer | - |
| 2015 | Blanca E Sepulveda | Head Start Lead Teacher | - |
| 2015 | Lydia Rae Raabe | Development Coordinator, Communications And Individual Giving | - |
| 2014 | Chelsea L Jakubowski | Teacher | - |
| 2014 | Nicole Lopez | Development Assistant | - |
| 2013 | Roberto Mancilla Jr | Family Support Worker | - |
| 2012 | Glenna V Jakush | Type 04 Lead Teacher | - |
| 2011 | Joy A Trostle | Preschool Teacher | - |
| 2010 | Emily Catherine Henselin | Afterschool Teacher | - |
| 2010 | Emily C Chase-Ziolek | Afterschool Teacher | - |
| 2010 | Gemma Petrie | Development Coordinator | - |
| 2010 | Jennifer Hernandez | Teacher | - |
| 2009 | Barbra J Raufmann | Lead Teacher | - |
| 2007 | Gary J Koenig | Director Of Development | - |
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