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Passes our checks

Hands on Suburban Chicago

EIN 36-2692866 · Arlington Hts, IL

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair58 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

TO POSITIVELY IMPACT COMMUNITIES BY CONNECTING PEOPLE TO ENRICHING VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCES.

Income
$712,545
Spending
$704,898
Spent on programs
87%
Reserves
2.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 79%
Employees
12
Volunteers
500
Highest pay
$77,103, executive dir.

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

Fair: 58 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 17% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    12 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 1% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 10% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    87% 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

Strong: 100 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports 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 (3)
  1. $451,894 spent. Volunteer Engagement, Civic Impact & Community Problem-Solving:HandsOn Suburban Chicago advances civic impact by connecting over 3000 people to meaningful volunteer opportunities that address community-identified needs. Through volunteer recruitment, placement, and coordination, HOSC supports community problem-solving and strengthens nonprofit capacity across 44 suburban communities in Northern Cook and Northern DuPage Counties.
  2. $162,392 spent. School-Based Programs (Student Success & Youth Civic Engagement: HandsOn Suburban Chicago partners with schools to deliver mentoring, tutoring, and intergenerational programs that support student success, social-emotional development, and positive relationships. Programs include academic support, enrichment, peer mentoring, and Intergenerational Pen Pals, which connect students with volunteers to reduce isolation, build empathy, and strengthen community connections. Together, these programs advance long-term civic impact by engaging students and volunteers in community-based problem-solving while strengthening the capacity of school and nonprofit partners.
  3. 55 & Better (AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP) Civic Engagement & Capacity-BuildingThrough its 55 & Better program (AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP), HandsOn Suburban Chicago engages approximately 600+ adults age 55+ in civic service each year. Volunteers address community-identified needs such as food insecurity, transportation, social connection, and organizational support, strengthening nonprofit capacity, advancing community problem-solving, and promoting purposeful aging.

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

  1. 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.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.

  3. 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.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since June 1970.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. 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 November 4, 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.