Karl Kopp, CEO of Lifelong Access | lifelongaccess.org
Karl Kopp, CEO of Lifelong Access | lifelongaccess.org
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 1955, Marcfirst states that its mission is: “Fight to break down barriers for each other and those who cannot fight for themselves.”
In its most recent IRS Form 990 filing filing for tax year 2024, the organization reported $12,244,600 in total revenue. Of that, $921,251 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 7.5% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $1,248,060 in contributions overall. It also reported $100,712 in non-cash contributions, such as donated goods or services, and $326,804 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Marcfirst had $9,608,070 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $11,102,200, indicating a 15.6% 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.
Marcfirst 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.
| Term | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2024 | Andy Copenhaver | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Benn Jeffereys | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Brian Phil | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Brian Wipperman | Executive Director |
| 2024-2024 | Brian Wipperman | Ceo |
| 2024-2024 | Cathy Wentworth | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Charlie Farner | Vice President |
| 2024-2024 | Christopher Brent Carmouche | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Connie Mandula | President |
| 2024-2024 | Courtney N Thomas | Vice President |
| 2024-2024 | Craig D Queen | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Dennis Wentworth | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Don Underwood | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Jeannine Tomlinson | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Jeff Aaberg | President |
| 2024-2024 | Joan Capodice | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Katie Ann Myers | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Kurt Rudsinski | Contract Cfo |
| 2024-2024 | Marlene Dietz | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Nick Lurkins | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Ramsin Benyamin | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Ryan Fleming | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Todd Nelson | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Wendell Perry Haywood | Director |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Linda R Powe | - | |
| 2015 | Jennifer J Hooker | - | |
| 2011 | Marcie Ann Taylor | - | |
| 2011 | Marcie Taylor | - | |
| 2010 | Christina M Cunningham | - | |
| 2010 | Pamela Ann Saunders | - | |
| 2010 | Shawrell Colone | - | |
| 2008 | Christina L Miller | - | |
| 2008 | Stephanie Norine Lulay | Foundation Intern | - |
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