Cyt Chicago Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Raising each dollar of donations cost 110 cents.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
CYT is dedicated to developing character in children and adults through training in the arts and by producing whole family entertainment, all of which reflect Judeo-Christian values.
- Income
- $1.7 million
- Spending
- $1.8 million
- Spent on programs
- 76%
- Reserves
- 1.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 92%
- Employees
- 145
- Volunteers
- 1,194
- Highest pay
- $88,196, executive artistic director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 45 out of 100. Higher than 15% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 1.8 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 27% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 7% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 15% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1576% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 110 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 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 (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 255 of 6 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 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)
- $745,286 spent. The organization gives public musical theater performances propagating Judeo-Christian values and providing for wholesome, family entertainment for the community. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2025 the organization produced 15 different shows and 36,906 tickets were sold for the shows.
- $358,841 spent. The organization provides instruction in the theater arts to children ages 5-18 while promoting the Judeo-Christian values of commitment, discipline, integrity and self esteem. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2025, the organization offered 190 classes in 8 different areas in the Chicago metropolitan and southeastern Wisconsin area. The total enrollment in these classes was 1,933 students.
- $276,032 spent. The organization participates in community events and outreaches to promote Judeo-Christian values through showcases that are presented after practicing them during one-week summer camp workshops. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2025, the organization offered 18 different week-long summer day and overnight camps for children aged 5 through 18. The attendance at these camps was 702 students.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 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 August 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 July 1999.
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.
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.