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South Central Reporter

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Inside Community Link Inc.—an Illinois DOGE Profile

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John Huelskamp, Executive Director at Community Link Inc. | commlink.org

John Huelskamp, Executive Director at Community Link Inc. | commlink.org

Community Link Inc., a tax-exempt nonprofit that receives significant public funding to perform services also offered by the state, was approved to receive a $20,000 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 1972, Community Link Inc. states that its mission is: “To provide opportunities for choice, growth, and independence for adults with developmental disabilities.”

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 $10,247,500 in total revenue. Of that, $595,166 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 5.8% of total revenue.

The nonprofit listed $934,433 in contributions overall. It also reported $142,311 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.

At the beginning of 2024, Community Link Inc. had $6,959,910 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $7,341,300, indicating a 5.5% growth in overall holdings.

According to its filing, public funding to Community Link Inc. declined in the last year, falling from $717,813 in 2023 to $595,166 in 2024—a decrease of 17.1% 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.

Community Link Inc. 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.

Community Link Inc. 990 Filing – Key Officers
TermNameTitle
2024-2024Amanda L LoepkerBoard Trustee
2024-2024Bailey M RinellaBoard Trustee
2024-2024Charles E HilmesBoard Trustee
2024-2024Jeff J NiemeyerTreasurer
2024-2024John A HuelskampExecutive Director
2024-2024Kirsten WilkersonBoard Trustee
2024-2024Paulette EvansBoard Trustee
2024-2024Ronald C FoppePresident
2024-2024Sandra PorterBoard Trustee
2024-2024Spencer Alan CampbellBoard Trustee
2024-2024Tara S HilmesVice President
2024-2024Ted MaconBoard Trustee
2024-2024Theresa MorrisonSecretary
2024-2024William BeckerBoard Trustee

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