Have Dreams Logo | Facebook
Have Dreams Logo | Facebook
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 1996, Have Dreams states that its mission is: “To help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) learn, function independently and socialize so that they may realize their full potential and develop into contributing members of their communities.”
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 $1,795,900 in total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $1,152,210 in contributions overall. It also reported $7,655 in non-cash contributions, such as donated goods or services, and $730,246 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Have Dreams had $3,326,730 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $3,047,940, indicating an 8.4% 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.
Have Dreams 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 | Anna E Egger | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Cathy Mccarthy | Director Of Finance |
| 2024-2024 | Christopher R Cassidy | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Dana Fenceroy | Interim Ed-Dir Of Operations |
| 2024-2024 | Janice Mcdill | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Jeff Devlin | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Kristina Johnsen | Executive Director |
| 2024-2024 | Robert Creevy | President |
| 2024-2024 | Steven Gustafson | Director |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Amanda Christine Horn Short | Workforce Program Leader | - |
| 2024 | Andrea C Johnsen | Program Director | - |
| 2024 | Bobbi Goldman | Director Of Development | - |
| 2024 | Dana L Fenceroy | Outreach Director | - |
| 2024 | David Gerard Murray | Business Associate, Marketing And Development | - |
| 2024 | Kayla Blakey | Workforce Program Leader | - |
| 2024 | Kristine L Johnsen | Executive Director At Have Dreams | - |
| 2024 | Lora Slutsky | Workforce Development Supervisor | - |
| 2024 | Matthew Lee Berenson | Student | - |
| 2024 | Megan Elizabeth Meredith | Employment Program Leader | - |
| 2024 | Megan L Fleischel | Communications Manager | - |
| 2024 | Sarah C Catalano | Support Staff | - |
| 2024 | Terri Ladonna Williams | Unemployed | - |
| 2018 | Tyler Nelson Vostry | Member, Young Professionals Board | - |
| 2017 | Erik Steven Bratley | Member Board Of Directors | - |
| 2017 | Gail Horvath | Marketing Coordinator | - |
| 2016 | Brian Christopher Maisel | Sub And Volunteer At Teen Program On Friday Afternoons | - |
| 2016 | Matthew S Diener | Technology Committee Member | - |
| 2015 | David J Rooney | Development Intern | - |
| 2015 | Kathleen Kessenich | Business Development Liaison | - |
| 2015 | Stacy R Bouse | Social Marketing Intern | - |
| 2014 | Daniella Mara Weine | Volunteer | - |
| 2014 | Stephen E Gustafson | President Board Of Directors | - |
| 2013 | Brian W Myers | Computing Instructor | - |
| 2013 | Hayden Earl Fields | Summer Intern | - |
| 2013 | Martin Murphy | Program Leader | - |
| 2013 | Rafal Zukowski | Technician Scils Volunteer | - |
| 2012 | Joseph Benjamin Wiseman | Teacher | - |
| 2012 | Riaz Gillani | Special Educator | - |
| 2011 | Julia Ruth Cohen | Volunteer And 'Buddy' | - |
| 2011 | Leah L Friedman | Intern | - |
| 2010 | Ashley Elizabeth Coppin | Volunteer | - |
| 2006 | Cecilia B Rice | Program Facilitator And Special Olympics Track And Field Coach | - |
| 2006 | Luz E Hollimon | Teacher | - |
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