Macon Reporter

Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) said Illinois “funneled” over $1 billion to politically connected non-governmental organizations (NGOs) using vague budget language, prompting a lawsuit over the state’s refusal to disclose contract details. Halbrook made the statement at a May 13 press conference on Illinois DOGE findings.

“Today we're turning our attention to a staggering amount of taxpayer money, over a billion dollars, that's being funneled into political connected non-government organizations or NGOs. A lawsuit was filed because the state refused to release a contract detailing how much public money was being sent to specific groups.  The budget language is vague and on purpose. These grants are buried under broad terms with little or no detail.”

Illinois House Republicans, led by members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus, detailed how state funds are increasingly being directed to advocacy organizations that are not subject to public accountability requirements. They called for budget transparency, independent audits, and cuts to controversial organizations receiving millions in state grants for political or identity-driven programming.

During the press conference, the lawmakers cited reporting from the Illinois DOGE series—a collaboration between Local Government Information Services (LGIS), Breakthrough Ideas, and others—which appears in LGIS-owned publications such as Chicago City Wire, Prairie State Wire, and more than 30 other state journals.

Illinois DOGE: Investigated organizations and total known Illinois grant funding uncovered

– Indo-American Center (IAC): $25+ million

Its government funding surged nearly 900% from 2012 to 2022, with over $25 million in state grants committed in just the past two years for infrastructure and housing-related projects. While operating as a nonprofit, IAC integrates political advocacy, including voter registration for immigrants regardless of status and relies heavily on taxpayer funds to deliver services that closely mirror those of public agencies.

– ONE Northside: $1.25 million

The political advocacy group focused on progressive causes received $1.25 million in state grants for 2024–25. The group, which conducts protests and activism in schools, does not provide direct services. 

– Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC): $11.4 million since 2020, $4 million for FY25

With $11.4 million in grants since 2020 and nearly $4 million this year alone, the IHCC helps undocumented business owners avoid deportation and lobbies for expanded DEI policies. Membership dues made up only $157,000 of its 2023 revenue. 

– Centro de Trabajadores Unidos (CTU): $4 million for FY25 + $3 million infrastructure

The East Side Chicago nonprofit has been awarded $4 million in 2025 grants—nearly four times its 2022 revenue. It offers legal support to undocumented immigrants, advises businesses on avoiding ICE enforcement, and received $3 million for office renovations.

– Black Researchers Collective: $700,000 annually

The group receives $700,000 annually to promote policies like slavery reparations and mass inmate release. Leaders of the Black Researchers Collectiv earn six-figure salaries.

– Chicago Therapy Collective (CTC): $1.5 million for 2024

CTC hosts LGBTQIA+ events and lobbies for transgender-inclusive hiring practices. Funding is classified under “violence prevention” and “building renovations.”

– TMH Mancave: $750,000 since 2024

Granted $750,000 through Illinois’ Build Illinois Bond Fund, despite historically reporting less than $50,000 annually. The group shares office space with founder Tytannie Harris’s private therapy practice and hosts monthly wellness meetings. 

– Local chambers of commerce and economic development non-profits: $73 million in 2025 budget

The Illinois FY 2025 Budget allocates over $73 million for local chambers of commerce and development non-profits, as outlined in SB 251 for the 103rd General Assembly. The report provides a closer look at one of the recipients, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and its funding.

– Racial, ethnic and religious NGOs: $237 million in 2025 budget

Many of these organizations receive multiple grants across different budget lines. Despite the significant taxpayer funding, there is limited transparency regarding how the money is being used.