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Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago Inc

EIN 36-3342451 · Chicago, IL

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago (herein after referred to as ECAC) is a not-for-profit, non-political, tax-exempt organization committed to serving the educational, cultural, psychological, and socio-economic needs of Ethiopians in Chicago land and the surrounding areas. ECAC also responds to the needs of other similarly situated groups who might seek its services. ECAC endeavors to facilitate the overall adjustment, stability, growth and development of its constituency. ECACs mission is charitable and educational.

Income
$6.2 million
Spending
$5.3 million
Spent on programs
97%
Reserves
7 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 88%
Employees
43
Volunteers
51
Highest pay
$104,506, execitive director

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: 93 out of 100. Higher than 80% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 7.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 7% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 15% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 27% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    97% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 4 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. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    11 of 11 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. $4.2 million spent. Individual Counseling and Adjustment:Resettlement, placement and adjustment services - Refugee placement, counseling, adjustment, and case management services are provided to refugees, asylees, and other immigrants to facilitate opportunities to build new lives in the United States. The program includes reception at the airport, placement in affordable housing, cultural orientation, facilitating access to essential public support and health screening, case management, referrals needed to additional services, as well as cultural adjustment, and several other activities.English as a Second Language (ESL) - Basic and vocational English language education provided to newly arrived refugees and immigrants.Citizenship and Immigration Services - ECAC helps prepare refugees and immigrants to become U.S. citizens by offering free citizenship classes, assisting in the education, and filing application forms.Developing Ethiopian Cultural Museum - ECAC aspires to develop the Ethiopian Museum in Chicago and has collected hundreds of pieces of artifacts working toward establishing a museum that will promote the cultures, traditions , and history of the diverse people of Ethiopia and contribute to the global cultural exchange, and cross-cultural understanding, and collaboration. The Museum will provide learning opportunities for both children and youth of Ethiopian heritage as well as the general public about the rich traditions, cultures, and history of Ethiopia; one the ancient civilizations of the world.
  2. $789,473 spent. The Employment Assistance Program at the Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago provides refugees and immigrants with the support they need to find employment and become self-sufficient. We assist clients in honing essential job-search skills, including resume writing, networking, and interview preparation. We offer a wide range of job training programs, including English language classes, cultural orientation, and other valuable skill-building opportunities. We provide ongoing support to clients, even after they have found a job. This can include help with adjusting to the workplace and resolving workplace conflicts.
  3. $65,144 spent. Children Youth & Mentorship Programs serve children and youth ages 6 to 13. These programs encompass a broad range of focus areas, including:Academic Support:Providing homework assistance, tutoring, and enrichment activities to reinforce learning outside of regular school hours. Mentoring:Connecting youth with positive role models who offer guidance, encouragement, and support.Positive Youth Development:Fostering social and emotional skills, character development, and resilience. Arts and Culture:Offering creative outlets such as music, dance, theater, and visual arts.Sports and Recreation:Engaging youth in physical activities, team sports, and outdoor adventures.

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 July 1985.

    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.