Passes our checks

Chicago Tamil Sangam

EIN 36-3286687 · Vernon Hills, IL

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

What it says it does

Ethnic Culture

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 63% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

Reserves
20 of 35
Spendable reserves would cover 4.3 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20
It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15
Income exceeded spending by 5% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15
Income rose 511% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 15
98% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Fair: 54 out of 100. Higher than 22% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

Independent board
5 of 25
0 of 14 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15
Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8
Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7
Reports no 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.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15
Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)

$36,048 spent. The Chicago Tamil Sangam actively organizes events that celebrate and promote the rich arts and performances of Tamil culture. Members of the greater Chicago area are not just participants, they are integral to the success of these gatherings. Major annual events, such as Pongal Vizha and Childrens Day, draw exceptional talent and enthusiastic audiences. We invite individuals and groups to boldly showcase their skills in music, dance, language, and literature, reinforcing our vibrant community and heritage.
$252,948 spent. 5th World Thirukkural conference - The 5th International Thirukkural Conference, organized by Chicago Tamil Sangam, was held in chicago suburbs, USA from April 5-7, 2024. The scholars from various cities and countries attended and present research papers on the given topic(Thirukkural as a World Ethic) and also compared and analyzed the moral works written in other languages alongside the Thirukkural from different perspectives
$151,147 spent. TN CM Vanakkam America Event - community event to unite the diaspora and showcase our cultural values through arts and performances. The Tamil Nadu government sponsored the expenses for the event. Any leftover funds went to support the CTS cause.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

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? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
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 December 2024.
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 September 2019.
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.

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