National Indo-American Museum
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The National Indo-American Museum builds bridges across generations and connects cultures through the diverse, colorful stories of all Indian Americans.
- Income
- $620,107
- Spending
- $176,512
- Spent on programs
- 90%
- Reserves
- 55.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 96%
- Employees
- 2
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 88% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 55.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 72% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 890% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1590% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 84 out of 100. Higher than 70% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 2511 of 11 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (1)
- $159,516 spent. Outreach Programs:------------------The Cultural Rhythms Program introduces and Indian American Identity, and classical and folk dances to underprivileged children enrolled in public schools in the greater Chicago area.NIAMs Gandhi Peace Program began in 2019 with the goal of bringing Mahatma Gandhis peace and non-violence teachings to underprivileged schools in Chicago. The curriculum caters to Grades 2-5 and has been delivered to over 800 students in several Chicago Public Schools. The curriculum encompasses Gandhis incredible story but also teaches children the practice of meditation along with an art and writing component.NIAMs longest running and most popular program, Ethnic Dialogue, engages hundreds of school and university students and adult groups each year with first voice presenters to learn more about the Indian American community and explore common ground shared by Americans of all ethnicities. Customized to fit specific requests from interested groups and tailored to meet the needs of educators from grade school through university, the program draws upon the expertise of scholars, researchers and community volunteers to capture the essence of the Indian American experience and share it with a wide ranging audience. For a deeper understanding of Indian American history and culture through interaction with those who live it every day, partner with NIAM to develop a program that best fits your needs. Ethnic Dialogue programs can be conducted in school settings, at our Museum in Lombard, or in the heart of the South Asian neighborhood in Chicago's Rogers Park.Cultural Programs:------------------Sunday Arts Series is a program designed to showcase various artists and art forms. This program links to NIAMs mission by maintaining, sustaining, and promoting the rich cultural history embedded in Indian Arts.Livewire is NIAMs open mic monthly program where everyone is welcome to share their talent. Performers include professional and amateur storytellers, singers, songwriters, actors and poets. While the spotlight is on a featured performer, anyone eager to engage with the audience or recount an anecdote is encouraged to take the stage.A Taste of India provides an insider's tour of Indian flavors and spices, accompanied by a specially prepared tasting of choice dishes and delicacies that explore the diversity of Indiias regional cuisines.Exhibitions:------------Desi Roots and Wings includes the Beyond Bollywood exhibit developed in conjunction with the Smithsonian, NIAM, The Field Museum, and Chicago Community Trust. The traveling exhibit now has a permanent home at the National Indo-American Museum.E-Merge exhibits art of Diasporic artists.Through its web-site, NIAM offers virtual galleries. These virtual galleries speak to the heart of the Indian American experience and explore its many facets through a curated selection of images and stories.NIAM Hall of Fame:------------------NIAM is the only institution of its kind in the country dedicated to preserving the history and contributions of the nearly five million Indian Americans in the United States. As part of its mission, NIAM established a Hall of Fame to honor individuals whose achievements in their chosen fields exemplify the contributions Indian Americans make to the greater American story.Storytelling:-------------NIAM gathers oral histories from Indian-Americans that allow us to reminisce about shared experiences, reconnect with our roots, and appreciate the historic journeys of our friends and neighbors.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on November 15, 2010 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on November 15, 2010.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2026.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since July 2014.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.