Courage Connection Logo | courageconnection.org
Courage Connection Logo | courageconnection.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 1971 by Jacqueline Flenner, Cheryl Frank, Chris Rich and Alice Kingston, Courage Connection states that its mission is: “To ensure everyone in our community has the education, support, and resources to live in safe, healthy relationships.”
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 $2,676,120 in total revenue. Of that, $2,375,220 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 88.8% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $2,658,140 in contributions overall. It also reported $282,920 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Courage Connection had $2,285,420 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $3,104,580, indicating a significant 35.8% growth in overall holdings.
According to its filing, public funding to Courage Connection increased in the last year. The group received $1,636,680 in government grants in 2023, compared to $2,375,220 in 2024—an increase of 45.1% 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.
Courage Connection 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 | Alex Bilangino | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Amy L Fruehling | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Amy Lynn | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Beth Auterman | Vice President |
| 2024-2024 | Christine C Devocelle | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | ERIKA DANIELA VERGARA | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Jennifer Romine | President |
| 2024-2024 | Kelly Valle | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Lauren K Kampwirth | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Lisa B Cook | Executive Director |
| 2024-2024 | Lisa Harpst | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Rhonda Lash | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Richard Zieglar | Ceo |
| 2024-2024 | Sam Penland | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Todd S Anderson | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Vandana Patel | Director |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Marella Elizabeth Mcmurray | Director Of Client Services | - |
| 2019 | Isak Griffiths | Executive Director | - |
| 2019 | Yeoeun C Yoon | 711-Licensed Extern | - |
| 2018 | Emma Williams | Client Advocate | - |
| 2015 | Monet Symone Patrick | Case Manager Ii | - |
Alerts Sign-up