Kelli Feigley, Founder, Managing Director u0026 CDO at Fresh Films | linkedin.com
Kelli Feigley, Founder, Managing Director u0026 CDO at Fresh Films | linkedin.com
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 2002 by Kelli Feigley, Fresh Films states that its mission is: “Fresh Films’ mission is to empower underestimated youth and young adults through transformative skills training and career development, equipping them to access college and high-wage careers within the expanding creative economy. By building a diverse, ready-to-work talent pipeline, we drive change in workplace DEIB while fostering future economic mobility and career success.”
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 $1,921,730 in total revenue. Of that, $511,093 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 26.6% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $1,888,400 in contributions overall. It also reported $1,202,500 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Fresh Films had $1,764,620 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $2,013,800, indicating a 14.1% growth in overall holdings.
According to its filing, public funding to Fresh Films surged in the last year. The group received $204,432 in government grants in 2023, compared to $511,093 in 2024—an increase of 150% 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.
Fresh Films 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 | Ashley Joy Stephens | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Catherine O'Brien Jensen | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Eric J Rowell | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Estlin Feigley | President |
| 2024-2024 | Kelli Feigley | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Kevin Waden | Chairman |
| 2024-2024 | Mark Hammergren | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Mark Fienberg | Director |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Grace Foster | Directors Assistant And Pilot Crew | - |
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