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Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Inside Vermilion Heritage Foundation—an Illinois DOGE Profile

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Vermilion Heritage Foundation on Google Maps | Google maps

Vermilion Heritage Foundation on Google Maps | Google maps

Vermilion Heritage Foundation, a tax-exempt nonprofit that receives significant public funding to perform services also offered by the state, was approved to receive a $280,000 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 1884, Vermilion Heritage Foundation states that its mission is: “We believe art is vital to a good life. Our purpose is to fund and oversee the restoration, maintenance, and operations of the Historic Fischer Theatre in order for all to experience the arts in this local treasure.”

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 $691,709 in total revenue.

The nonprofit listed $305,865 in contributions overall. It also reported $305,865 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.

At the beginning of 2024, Vermilion Heritage Foundation had $4,768,540 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $4,641,800, indicating a 2.7% decline 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.

Vermilion Heritage Foundation 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.

Vermilion Heritage Foundation 990 Filing – Key Officers
TermNameTitle
2024-2024Ashton Taylor GreerPresident
2024-2024Crystal R BivansExecutive Director
2024-2024Donald E MarrowDirector
2024-2024Jason Andrew RomeExecutive Director
2024-2024Jennifer B DixsonDirector
2024-2024Kayla Leigh DillmanDirector
2024-2024Keith Robert SouzaSecretary
2024-2024Miranda Kay ShakeVice President
2024-2024Ruey Ellen SanduskyTreasurer
2024-2024Sean DeneauDirctor
2024-2024Steven W NicholsDirector

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