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Chicago Lights

EIN 36-3786331 · 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

CHICAGO LIGHTS BUILDS BRIGHTER FUTURES FOR CHICAGO'S YOUTH AND ADULTS THROUGH SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIPS AND LIFE-CHANGING PROGRAMS.

Income
$2.6 million
Spending
$2.3 million
Spent on programs
80%
Reserves
7.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
0
Volunteers
855
Highest pay
$170,296, executive director

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

Financial health

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 68% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 7.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 6% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 13% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 6% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    80% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 9 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 (philanthropy, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    14 of 15 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 December 31, 2024, 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 (4)
  1. $629,561 spent. CHICAGO LIGHTS TUTORING SUPPORTS THE ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL GROWTH OF 300 STUDENTS EACH YEAR AND MATCHES THEM ONE-TO-ONE WITH CARING VOLUNTEER MENTORS. THESE RELATIONSHIPS, COMBINED WITH INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL AND ENRICHMENT RESOURCES, MINDFULNESS PRACTICES, AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT, HELP PREPARE STUDENTS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION AND FUTURE JOBS.
  2. $667,296 spent. THE CHICAGO LIGHTS SOCIAL SERVICE CENTER HELPS ADULTS PURSUE AND REACH THEIR GOALS TOWARD GREATER STABILITY. OUR FOOD, CLOTHING, HOUSING, AND OTHER RESOURCES LIKE CASE MANAGEMENT AND ENRICHMENT GROUPS HELP BUILD HEALTHY AND FULFILLING LIVES.
  3. $336,889 spent. THE CHICAGO LIGHTS URBAN FARM IS DEDICATED TO CULTIVATING A THOUGHTFUL AND ENGAGED COMMUNITY OF YOUTH AND ADULTS THROUGH EDUCATIONAL AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES, HANDS-ON LEARNING EXPERIENCES, AND ACCESS TO FRESH, LOCAL, AFFORDABLE, AND SUSTAINABLY GROWN PRODUCE. IT ALSO PROVIDES A SAFE SANCTUARY AND PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS TO LEARN ABOUT URBAN AGRICULTURE.
  4. $210,937 spent. CHICAGO LIGHTS SUMMER DAY BRIDGES THE SUMMER LEARNING AND SAFETY GAP FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 1-6 BY ENGAGING THEM IN A SIX-WEEK, FULLDAY PROGRAM THAT INCLUDES ACADEMIC AND ARTS CLASSES, OUTDOOR RECREATION, FIELD TRIPS, AND A DYNAMIC FINAL PERFORMANCE WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY THE STUDENTS.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.

  4. 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 September 7, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since November 1991.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 October 7, 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.