Nicolette Lahman, Executive Director at South West Special Recreation Association | swsra.org
Nicolette Lahman, Executive Director at South West Special Recreation Association | swsra.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 1981, South West Special Recreation Association states that its mission is: “To serve individuals with disabilities in their need for recreation so that all persons in our member communities may experience and enjoy positive leisure opportunities.”
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 $702,606 in total revenue. Of that, $488,397 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 69.5% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $519,023 in contributions overall. It also reported $30,626 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, South West Special Recreation Association had $827,269 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $780,182, indicating a 5.7% decline in overall holdings.
According to its filing, public funding remained fairly steady year-over-year, changing from $490,469 in 2023 to $488,397 in 2024 (a difference of 0.4%).
However, a Chicago City Wire analysis found that IRS filings frequently contain discrepancies when compared with publicly disclosed government grant reports and budgets.
South West Special Recreation Association 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 | Bob O'Shaughnessy | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Ed Jung | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Jeannette M Huber | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Jennifer Fullerton | President |
| 2024-2024 | Matt Fairbanks | Vice President |
| 2024-2024 | Michelle Higgins | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Nicolette D Lahman | Executive Dir. |
| 2024-2024 | Theodore V Ruthenberg | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Tj Whitcomb | Director |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Erin K Lynch | Superintendent | - |
| 2013 | Veronica C Everett | Program Leader | - |
| 2012 | Emma Taylor Hayes | Program Supervisor, Site Director | - |
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