Chicago Ornithological Society
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The organization's primary exempt purpose is to promote the appreciation, study, and conservation of birds and their habitats throughout the Chicago region by providing educational programs, organizing bird-watching field trips, supporting habitat restoration and conservation initiatives, and engaging in outreach and advocacy efforts that encourage the protection of bird species and the natural environments on which they depend.
- Income
- $35,792
- Spending
- $23,156
- Reserves
- Over 10 years of spending
- Largest source of income
- other income, 54%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 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)
- $5,845 spent. Study and research: In 2025, the organization ran a Monitoring Avian Productivity & Survivorship bird banding station on Chicago's southeast side and awarded grants to support banding skills development of 3 volunteers. The organization also awarded a grant to fund research using Motus tracking.
- $1,274 spent. Educational programming: In 2025, the organization organized free in-person and virtual educational programs which drew over 700 participants. The organization awarded grant to a local educator working with local young people that further bird conservation, education, and advocacy.
- $1,078 spent. Conservation and habitat restoration: In 2025, the organization supported multiple conservation and habitat restoration efforts at local parks and forest preserves, including year-round harbitat restoration workdays and seasonal monitoring of endangered species.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 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? 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 2025.
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 November 2004.
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.
Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.
A much larger organization has a similar name: Chicago Zoological Society (Brookfield, IL), EIN 36-2167016. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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.