Tammy Iskarous, Executive Director at Riverbend Family Ministries | https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/
Tammy Iskarous, Executive Director at Riverbend Family Ministries | https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/
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 2007, Riverbend Family Ministries states that its mission is: “Concentrate, collaborative, holistic efforts on children, youth, and families who’ve experienced trauma, most often due to violence, addiction, poverty, and homelessness.”
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 $707,675 in total revenue. Of that, $33,250 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 4.7% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $623,270 in contributions overall. It also reported $506,523 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Riverbend Family Ministries had $1,729,780 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $1,775,130, indicating a 2.6% growth in overall holdings.
According to its filing, public funding to Riverbend Family Ministries declined in the last year, falling from $53,822 in 2023 to $33,250 in 2024—a decrease of 38.2% 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.
Riverbend Family Ministries 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 | Amy Whitten | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Chris Brown | Vice Preside |
| 2024-2024 | Jared Scott Peno | President |
| 2024-2024 | Judy Loyd | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Kathy Clark | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Michael R Kelly | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Patti Lash | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Renee R Bassett | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Stefanie Ward | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Steven Yates | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Tammy Iskarous | Executive Director |
| 2024-2024 | Tara Lowry | Director |
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