Illinois DOGE Profile: Music Theatre Works Inc

Music Theatre Works Inc, a tax-exempt nonprofit that receives significant public funding to perform services also offered by the state, was approved to receive a $100,000 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 Philip Kraus, Bridget McDonough and Ellen Dubinsky, Music Theatre Works Inc states that its mission is: “To present works for the musical stage, creating a bridge for all audiences from classic works to the present day; to develop the next generation of theater professionals and patrons; and to engage the community in music, theater, and the 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 $1,916,070 in total revenue, including $201,400 in contributions—entirely from government grants across federal, state, or local sources—making up 10.5% of its revenue.

At the beginning of 2024, Music Theatre Works Inc had $1,023,790 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $764,760, indicating a significant 25.3% decline in overall holdings.

According to its filing, public funding to Music Theatre Works Inc surged in the last year. The group received $13,800 in government grants in 2023, compared to $201,400 in 2024—an increase of 1359.4% 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.

Music Theatre Works 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.