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Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Government-backed nonprofit North River Commission profiled

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Bianca Munguia, Program Manager at North River Commission | northrivercommission.org

Bianca Munguia, Program Manager at North River Commission | northrivercommission.org

North River Commission, a tax-exempt nonprofit that receives significant public funding to perform services also offered by the state, was approved to receive two grants totaling $750,000 in FY2024, according to passed legislation data extracted from the Illinois General Assembly’s FY2024 budget (Public Act 102-6 0698).

The listed appropriations included grants of $500,000 and $250,000 if two, each designated for programs or services funded by the State of Illinois.

These appropriations represent 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 1962 by J. William Fredrickson, North River Commission states that its mission is: “North River Commission is committed to enhancing the wellbeing of our diverse community through collaboration, engagement, and coalition building.”

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 $1,669,780 in total revenue. Of that, $732,861 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 43.9% of total revenue.

The nonprofit listed $1,644,950 in contributions overall. It also reported $844,533 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.

At the beginning of 2024, North River Commission had $1,040,820 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $1,299,040, indicating a 24.8% growth 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.

North River Commission 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.

State of Illinois Approved Grants to North River Commission
Fiscal YearTotal Grants/ContractsTotal Taxpayer $$
20242$750,000
North River Commission 990 Filing – Key Officers
TermNameTitle
2024-2024Andrew G SchwebelVp At Large
2024-2024JAMES VINCENT O'REILLYVp Environment
2024-2024Jenise Marie CelestinVp At Large
2024-2024Jenny CaleroTreasurer
2024-2024John R FriedmannVp At Large
2024-2024Julissa CruzVp At Large
2024-2024Katherine E VillaminExecutive Director
2024-2024Kris PierreHuman Resources
2024-2024Marilee Anne RutherfordPresident
2024-2024Michelle L McmartinVp Community Health Safety
2024-2024Patricia E EldridgeVp At Large
2024-2024Philip D RobargeCommunications And Organizing
2024-2024Renee LehochyVp At Large
2024-2024Richard KohngVice President
2024-2024Robert S LottVp At Large
2024-2024Ronald DuplackVp Arts & Culture
2024-2024Sarah C BettertonVp At Large
2024-2024Scott R BermanAdministration
2024-2024Shaad Z SyedVp At Large
2024-2024TIM JOHNSON SRVp At Large
2024-2024Timothy Robert LibrettiVp Education
North River Commission Employee Roster (Most Recent Year Available)
YearNameTitleCompensation
2024Brienne AhearnEducation Coodinator-
2024Carson L PooleCommunity Organizer-
2024Dalia Laura AragonEconomic Development And Housing Coordinator-
2024Emily Jane MenssenFaith Community Outreach Intern-
2024Joshua Lance Huang-
2024Thomas John ApplegateExecutive Director At North River Commission-
2019Alexa L SchutzEconomic Development Coordinator-
2018Duka S DabovicEconomic Development Coordinator-
2018Kathy B GreenIntern-
2016Shannon CampbellProgram Intern-
2015Allen G RebotInternship-
2014Casey M BaxleyEducation Coordinator-
2014Perry GunnExecutive Director-
2014Ruth L BroderGrant Researcher And Grant Writer-
2014Wendy Jo HarmstonPast Acting Executive Director; Education, Community Organizer; Past President, Board Of Directors-
2012Ellen Kaufmann WittEconomic Development Project Assistant-
2012Emily L SummersEconomic Development Intern-
2012Modzel J Greer JrHoops In The Hood Coordinator For Albany Park Summer Basketball Program-
2011Jacob Henry SternEconomic Development Intern-
2011Rehana BukhariIntern-
2008Ronald DuplackPresident-
2006Stephanie A VanrheenCommunity Organizing Intern-
2002Amy L EgeAmericorps Volunteer-
1993Joseph B Cicero-

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