Lori Nerheim, Chair of the Board of Directors Waukegan Historical Societyat | LinkedIn
Lori Nerheim, Chair of the Board of Directors Waukegan Historical Societyat | LinkedIn
The listed appropriations included grants of $3,000,000 and $500,000 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 1968 by Group of residents, Waukegan Historical Society states that its mission is: “Collecting, preserving and making accessible to the public the rich and fascinating history of Waukegan and Lake County.”
You can learn more about the organization at its website.
However, a Chicago City Wire analysis found that IRS filings frequently contain discrepancies when compared with publicly disclosed government grant reports and budgets.
Waukegan Historical Society 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 | $3,500,000 |
| Term | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2024 | Christopher J Lanning | Vice President |
| 2024-2024 | Dane Morgan | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Diana Dretske | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Harry E Came | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Josh Bill | Immediate Past President |
| 2024-2024 | Julio Argueta | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Karen Glinert Carlson | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Lori Nerheim | President |
| 2024-2024 | Maryfran Troha | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Monica M Burmeister | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Patrick Cosgrove | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Sandra L Pokett | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Vickie L Mattson | Director |
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