Tiffini Holmes, Member at The Growing Season Inc | https://www.thegrowingseason.com/
Tiffini Holmes, Member at The Growing Season Inc | https://www.thegrowingseason.com/
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 2020 by Lori Laser, The Growing Season Inc states that its mission is: “To promote wellness by catalyzing spaces that strengthen community wellbeing and empower individuals to thrive.”
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 $1,026,790 in total revenue. Of that, $442,317 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 43.1% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $1,015,470 in contributions overall. It also reported $573,150 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, The Growing Season Inc had $2,326,930 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $3,236,380, indicating a significant 39.1% growth in overall holdings.
According to its filing, public funding to The Growing Season Inc surged in the last year. The group received $208,365 in government grants in 2023, compared to $442,317 in 2024—an increase of 112.3% 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.
The Growing Season 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.
| Term | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2024 | Berenice Sanchez | Treasury |
| 2024-2024 | John Eason | Vice President |
| 2024-2024 | Lori Laser | President |
| 2024-2024 | Ramaa Krishnan | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Tiffini Holmes | Director |
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