Deborah Kasindorf, Executive Director at Evanston History Center | evanstonhistorycenter.org
Deborah Kasindorf, Executive Director at Evanston History Center | evanstonhistorycenter.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 1898 by Frank Grover, Evanston History Center states that its mission is: “The mission of the Evanston History Center is to collect, preserve and share Evanston history to educate, inspire and enrich the people of Evanston.”
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 $466,089 in total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $202,395 in contributions overall. It also reported $202,395 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Evanston History Center had $8,133,000 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $8,053,720, indicating a 1% decline 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.
Evanston History Center 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 | A Louis Allred | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | Alana A Aldort | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | Constance Gillock | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | Cynthia Hoffman | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | Eden Juron Pearlman | Executive Director |
| 2024-2024 | Eduardo Munoz Gomez Jr | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | Elizabeth M Randgaard | Vice President |
| 2024-2024 | Elizabeth Middleton | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | Geoffrey Alan Bonn | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Jenifer Mccartney | Vice President |
| 2024-2024 | Katherine Tucker Trippi | President |
| 2024-2024 | Katherine Tucker Trippi | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | Mark Mcgarvie | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | Michael J Girard | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | Michael J Sullivan | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Morris A Fisher | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | Ross W Mathee | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | Sharon L Ephraim | President |
| 2024-2024 | Susan L Turner | Trustee |
| 2024-2024 | Tosha Wilson | Trustee |
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