Mic Altena, Executive Director and Community Leader at L'Arche Chicago | https://larchechicago.org/
Mic Altena, Executive Director and Community Leader at L'Arche Chicago | https://larchechicago.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 2000 by Maria Zeimen, L'Arche Chicago states that its mission is: “Our mission is to celebrate the unique value of each person and to create lifelong places of belonging through small, residential homes.”
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 $2,940,620 in total revenue. Of that, $1,440,340 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 49% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $2,716,360 in contributions overall. It also reported $51,146 in non-cash contributions, such as donated goods or services, and $1,276,020 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, L'Arche Chicago had $4,724,730 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $5,724,410, indicating a 21.2% growth in overall holdings.
According to its filing, public funding to L'Arche Chicago increased in the last year. The group received $1,149,510 in government grants in 2023, compared to $1,440,340 in 2024—an increase of 25.3% 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.
L'Arche Chicago 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 | Caitlin Powers | Vice Preside |
| 2024-2024 | Darius Bikulcius | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Heather Armstrong Rabchuk | Director |
| 2024-2024 | John Biggs | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Kimberly Bryze | President |
| 2024-2024 | Mic Altena | Executive Director |
| 2024-2024 | Monika I Robinson | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Sarah Pelrine | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Spencer E Harpe | Secretary |
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