Advance Illinois Nfp

Chicago, IL · Founded 2008

Independent advocacy organization advancing equity and college readiness in Illinois public education

Primary audience
Students and Educators
Work area
Policy and Advocacy
Topic
Public Education
Contact
Robin Steans
Website Contact

About Organization

Advance Illinois is a policy and advocacy organization working to improve public education across Illinois. Based in Chicago, IL, the organization employs 21 staff members and reported $2.9 million in revenue for 2024. Founded in 2008, the organization focuses on equity, college and career readiness, and supporting students from early childhood through adulthood.

What They Focus On

Education Equity

Promote equitable access and outcomes for all Illinois students regardless of background or zip code

College Career Readiness

Advance policies ensuring students graduate prepared for postsecondary success and workforce participation

Whole Child Development

Support aligned education system addressing student needs from early childhood through adulthood

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2024)

$2.9M

+2.6% vs 2023

Expenses (2024)

$3.1M

+5.7% vs 2023

Assets (2024)

$6.8M

-5% vs 2023

Employees (2024)

21

+0% vs 2023

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2024 $2,877,124 $3,094,288 $6,834,245 21
2023 $2,804,921 $2,927,175 $7,195,858 21
2022 $3,999,538 $2,671,612 $5,871,438 21
2021 $3,046,236 $2,757,936 $4,175,192 19
2020 $3,609,841 $2,483,054 $3,941,311 16
2019 $2,649,195 $2,506,607 $2,862,412 16
2018 $3,259,906 $2,437,041 $2,759,965 16

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Research and Analysis

    Conduct independent research on Illinois education system policies and student achievement data

  • 02

    Policy Development

    Develop evidence-based policy recommendations focused on equity and college career readiness

  • 03

    Advocacy and Outreach

    Engage legislators, educators, and communities to advance education reforms and legislation

  • 04

    Monitor and Improve

    Track implementation of education policies and advocate for continuous system improvements

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Advance Illinois Nfp

Policy Development

Research and develop education policies that promote equity and prepare students for college and careers

Legislative Advocacy

Advocate for education reforms at state and local levels to improve student outcomes

Public Engagement

Build public awareness and support for education system improvements through communications and outreach

Early Childhood Support

Advance policies supporting whole child development from earliest years through school completion

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Advance Illinois Nfp.

Robin Steans

Robin Steans

President
Full-time
Compensation: $206,674
Bravetta Hassell

Bravetta Hassell

Director of Communications
Full-time
Compensation: $127,522
Jelani Saadiq

Jelani Saadiq

Director of Government Relations
Full-time
Compensation: $127,201
Nicole Bela

Nicole Bela

Director of Development
Full-time
Compensation: $125,070
Kelsey Bakken

Kelsey Bakken

Director of Policy
Cheryl Flores

Cheryl Flores

Director of Community Engagement
Kate Buchanan

Kate Buchanan

Senior Policy Advisor, Early Childhood
Isabel Enad

Isabel Enad

Senior Community Engagement Associate
Jeffery Jen

Jeffery Jen

Senior Policy Associate
Eucarol Juarez

Eucarol Juarez

Senior Communications Associate
Maty Ortega Cruz

Maty Ortega Cruz

Senior Community Engagement Associate
Perla Santoyo

Perla Santoyo

Senior Government Relations Associate
Maureen Stabile

Maureen Stabile

Senior Development and Grants Associate
Kathryn Strimbu

Kathryn Strimbu

Senior Policy Associate
Eyob Villa-Moges

Eyob Villa-Moges

Senior Policy Associate
Kathleen Kimmey

Kathleen Kimmey

Early Childhood Policy Associate
Leticia Mercado

Leticia Mercado

Policy Associate
Fiona Fleming

Fiona Fleming

Executive Assistant & Office Manager
JO

James O'Connor

Project Director
Full-time
Compensation: $147,639
JK

Jennifer Kirmes

Director Of Policy
Full-time
Compensation: $133,036
BP

Bill Polasky

Director
BB

Becky Betts

Director
CM

Clare Munana

Director
EA

Ellen Alberding

Director
GF

Gary Fencik

Director
HB

Harry Berman

Director
JF

James Franczek

Director
JJ

Janice Jackson

Director
JB

Jason Barickman

Director
JC

John Cullerton

Director
JS

Juan Salgado

Director
JE

Judy Erwin

Director
KW

Kristy Waterman

Director
LC

Lew Collens

Chair, Executive Committee
LP

Lynda Parker

Director
RK

Rev K Edward Copeland

Director
SR

Sara Ray Stoelinga

Director
SE

Shayne Evans

Director
SS

Sonia Soltero

Director

Milestones

2008

Organization Founded

2008

Advance Illinois established as independent education policy and advocacy organization

2008

Tax-Exempt Status

2008

Received IRS tax-exempt ruling to support public education advocacy work

2022

Peak Revenue Growth

2022

Reached highest annual revenue of four million dollars supporting expanded advocacy

2024

Sustained Operations

2024

Maintained team of twenty-one staff with 2.9 million in annual support

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

BP
Bill Polasky Director 1.00 hrs/week · $2,300
BB
Becky Betts Director 1.00 hrs/week
CM
Clare Munana Director 1.00 hrs/week
EA
Ellen Alberding Director 1.00 hrs/week
GF
Gary Fencik Director 1.00 hrs/week
HB
Harry Berman Director 1.00 hrs/week
JF
James Franczek Director 1.00 hrs/week
JJ
Janice Jackson Director 1.00 hrs/week
JB
Jason Barickman Director 1.00 hrs/week
JT
Jason Tyler Secretary 1.00 hrs/week
JC
John Cullerton Director 1.00 hrs/week
JE
John Edwardson Co-Chair 1.00 hrs/week
JS
Juan Salgado Director 1.00 hrs/week
JE
Judy Erwin Director 1.00 hrs/week
KW
Kristy Waterman Director 1.00 hrs/week
LC
Lew Collens Chair, Executive Committee 1.00 hrs/week
LP
Lynda Parker Director 1.00 hrs/week
MG
Marin Gjaja Co-Chair 1.00 hrs/week
RK
Rev K Edward Copeland Director 1.00 hrs/week
SR
Sara Ray Stoelinga Director 1.00 hrs/week
SE
Shayne Evans Director 1.00 hrs/week
SS
Sonia Soltero Director 1.00 hrs/week
SP
Sylvia Puente Treasurer 1.00 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2024)

$990K

Highest Paid

$245K

Robin Steans

Compensated Officers

7

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Robin Steans President $206,674 $38,425 $245,099 40
James O'Connor Project Director $147,639 $40,084 $187,723 40
Jennifer Kirmes Director Of Policy $133,036 $10,782 $143,818 40
Bravetta Hassell Director Of Communications $127,522 $15,193 $142,715 40
Jelani Saadiq Director Of Government Relations $127,201 $11,367 $138,568 40
Nicole Bela Director Of Development $125,070 $4,396 $129,466 40
Bill Polasky Director $2,300 — $2,300 1

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$186K Grants Received
3 Organizations

Top Funders

3 total
TC
The Chicago Community Trust
$107K
AO
American Online Giving Foundation Inc.
$70K
RR
Robert R Mccormick Foundation
$9K
The Chicago Community Trust American Online Giving Foundation Inc. Robert R Mccormick Foundation
The Chicago Community Trust American Online Giving Foundation Inc. Robert R Mccormick Foundation

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Contact

Get in touch with Advance Illinois Nfp

Phone

(312) 235-4531

Social

Visit Website
303 E Wacker Drive 1925 Chicago, IL 60601