State-funded Nonprofit Spotlight: Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University, a tax-exempt nonprofit that receives significant public funding to perform services also offered by the state, was approved to receive a $1,000,000 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.

Founded in 1850 by Diverse group of 30 civic and religious leaders, Illinois Wesleyan University states that its mission is: “Illinois Wesleyan University, an independent, residential, liberal arts university founded in 1850, strives to attain the ideal of a liberal education1 while providing unique opportunities with distinctive curricula and programs. A liberal education at Illinois Wesleyan fosters creativity, critical thinking, effective communication, strength of character and a spirit of inquiry. Our curriculum deepens the specialized knowledge of a discipline with a comprehensive world view. The Illinois Wesleyan experience affords the greatest possibilities for realizing individual potential while preparing students for democratic citizenship and life in a global society. As the University pursues this ideal for all of our students, we help students to follow a wide range of career and life paths, offering diverse curricula in liberal arts, fine arts and professional programs as well as opportunities for interdisciplinary study and off-campus learning. The University through our policies, programs and practices is committed to diversity, social justice and environmental sustainability. A tightly knit, supportive university community, together with a variety of opportunities for close interaction with excellent faculty, both challenges and supports students in their personal and intellectual development.”

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 $61,897,500 in total revenue. Of that, $842,128 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 1.4% of total revenue.

The nonprofit listed $7,537,910 in contributions overall. It also reported $234,922 in non-cash contributions, such as donated goods or services, and $6,695,790 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.

At the beginning of 2024, Illinois Wesleyan University had $432,672,000 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $425,290,000, indicating a 1.7% decline in overall holdings.

According to its filing, public funding to Illinois Wesleyan University declined in the last year, falling from $1,698,320 in 2023 to $842,128 in 2024—a decrease of 50.4% 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 Wesleyan University 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.