Illinois DOGE Deep Dive: Illinois Assistive Technology Program

Illinois Assistive Technology Program, a tax-exempt nonprofit that receives significant public funding to perform services also offered by the state, was approved to receive a $1,010,520 grant in FY2024, according to passed legislation data extracted from the Illinois General Assembly’s FY2024 budget (Public Act 103-0006).

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 1989 by Carl Suter, Illinois Assistive Technology Program states that its mission is: “Our mission is to provide Illinoisans of all ages with disabilities and health conditions greater access to assistive technology devices and services so that they may enhance their independence and participation in all aspects of life.”

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 $11,724,500 in total revenue, including $11,296,100 in contributions—entirely from government grants across federal, state, or local sources—making up 96.3% of its revenue.

At the beginning of 2024, Illinois Assistive Technology Program had $10,127,400 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $24,721,500, indicating a significant 144.1% growth in overall holdings.

According to its filing, public funding to Illinois Assistive Technology Program surged in the last year. The group received $6,414,820 in government grants in 2023, compared to $11,296,100 in 2024—an increase of 76.1% 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.

Illinois Assistive Technology Program 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.