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Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Government-backed nonprofit Joseph Academy Inc profiled

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Joseph Academy Inc, Logo | https://cmsv2-assets.apptegy.net/

Joseph Academy Inc, Logo | https://cmsv2-assets.apptegy.net/

Joseph Academy Inc, a tax-exempt nonprofit that receives significant public funding to perform services also offered by the state, was approved to receive a $2 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 1983 by Michael Schack, Joseph Academy Inc states that its mission is: “To serve children and adolescents with behavioral, emotional, and/or learning disorders (eligibility for ED, LD or OHI), to help them develop the social skills they'll need to succeed in 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 $1,902,340 in total revenue.

The nonprofit listed $500 in contributions overall. It also reported $500 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.

At the beginning of 2024, Joseph Academy Inc had $410,257 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $661,744, indicating a significant 61.3% 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.

Joseph Academy Inc 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.

Joseph Academy Inc 990 Filing – Key Officers
TermNameTitle
2024-2024Benjamin K SaydahTreasurer
2024-2024Fr Maina WaithakaDirector
2024-2024Jonathan M EllwangerDirector
2024-2024Mark FisherMember
2024-2024Maureen EspinozaSecretary
2024-2024Robert MalekPrincipal
2024-2024Thomas C RatchfordPresident
2024-2024Thomas RatchfordPresident
Joseph Academy Inc Employee Roster (Most Recent Year Available)
YearNameTitleCompensation
2024Gloria J SmithExecutive Director-
2013Megan Ann TraficanoAssistant Principal-

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