Midwest Veterans Closet Logo | Facebook
Midwest Veterans Closet Logo | Facebook
The listed appropriations included grants of $500,000 and $250,000 if two, each designated for programs or services funded by the State of Illinois.
These appropriations represent 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 2014, Impacting Veterans Lives Inc Dba Midwest Veterans Closet states that its mission is: “Rapid response charity for active and retired military and their families. Drop in center with free clothing, training, food and household items. Everything is free.”
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 $2,994,980 in total revenue. Of that, $97,684 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 3.3% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $2,949,070 in contributions overall. It also reported $2,274,770 in non-cash contributions, such as donated goods or services, and $2,851,380 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Impacting Veterans Lives Inc Dba Midwest Veterans Closet had $1,101,900 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $1,734,460, indicating a significant 57.4% growth in overall holdings.
According to its filing, public funding to Impacting Veterans Lives Inc Dba Midwest Veterans Closet surged in the last year. The group received $20,250 in government grants in 2023, compared to $97,684 in 2024—an increase of 382.4% 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.
Impacting Veterans Lives Inc Dba Midwest Veterans Closet 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.
| Fiscal Year | Total Grants/Contracts | Total Taxpayer $$ |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | $750,000 |
| Term | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2024 | Andrae Orlando Sutherland | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Carrie Price | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Daniel M Weitzman | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Jonathan Kellogg | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Larry Bridges | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Leon Rockingham Jr | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Louise E Nowakowski | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Mary Carmody | President |
| 2024-2024 | Raymond Rose | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Robin Korom | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Terrence E Devanie | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Terry Link | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Tom Crichton | Board Member |
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