State-funded Nonprofit Spotlight: Oaklawn Farm Historic Foundation

Oaklawn Farm Historic Foundation was approved to receive a $250,000 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.

Oaklawn Farm Historic Foundation states that its mission is: “The mission of the Oaklawn Farm Historic Foundation is to preserve and protect the buildings, grounds, photos, and art that illustrate the significance of this site that is also on the National Register of Historic Places. The foundation also provides educational opportunities for the public to visit and view the historically significant grounds and structures, preserve open spaces in the village of Wayne, and enhance and preserve the rich equestrian history of the property and the surrounding area.”

However, a Chicago City Wire analysis found that IRS filings frequently contain discrepancies when compared with publicly disclosed government grant reports and budgets.

Oaklawn Farm Historic Foundation 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.