Michelle Ebner, Cfo Thru July 2023 at Keshet | Linkedin
Michelle Ebner, Cfo Thru July 2023 at Keshet | Linkedin
The listed appropriations included grants of $1,000,000 and $900,000, along with two additional grants totaling $50,360, all 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 1982 by Group of parents, Keshet states that its mission is: “Creating a community of belonging where people with disabilities learn, play, work, live, and grow together with people of all abilities.”
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 $11,311,700 in total revenue. Of that, $33,616 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 0.3% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $4,121,990 in contributions overall. It also reported $1,859 in non-cash contributions, such as donated goods or services, and $2,853,630 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Keshet had $16,526,400 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $17,994,500, indicating an 8.9% growth in overall holdings.
According to its filing, public funding to Keshet declined in the last year, falling from $1,247,430 in 2023 to $33,616 in 2024—a decrease of 97.3% 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.
Keshet 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 | 4 | $1,950,360 |
| Term | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2024 | Andrew Silver | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Anna Browar | Board Member Through 12/31/22 |
| 2024-2024 | Asher Bronfeld | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Audra Kaplan | Chief Program Officer |
| 2024-2024 | Barbara Kent | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Chaya T Hartman | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Doug Weiner | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Douglas Aaron Winkelstein | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Elliot R Pessis | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Gail Metrick | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Gilbert G Bathgate | Vice President |
| 2024-2024 | Jamie E Lake | Chief Communications Officer |
| 2024-2024 | Jennifer Phillips | Ceo/President |
| 2024-2024 | Jeremy Amster | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Laurence Feldman | Director Of Residential Services |
| 2024-2024 | Michael Friedman | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Michelle J Friedman | Chairman |
| 2024-2024 | Michelle Zats Ebner | Cfo Thru July 2023 |
| 2024-2024 | Mitchell Roth | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Steven Insoft | Board Member |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Arnold R Novak | - | |
| 2012 | Monica Yvonne Clark | - | |
| 2010 | Abigail L Kiem | - | |
| 1999 | Adina L Aberman | - |
Alerts Sign-up