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C E F S Economic Opportunity Corp

EIN 37-6053117 · Effingham, IL

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair54 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITIES THROUGH EDUCATION AND SUPPORT TO ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN STABILITY.

Income
$23.1 million
Spending
$22.7 million
Spent on programs
95%
Reserves
0.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 93%
Employees
335
Volunteers
2,200
Highest pay
$95,665, chief executive officer

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

Fair: 54 out of 100. Higher than 34% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    10 of 20

    It owes 33% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 1% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    95% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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 35% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    21 of 21 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 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 (8)
  1. $6.0 million spent. LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP):LIHEAP IS DESIGNED TO HELP ELIGIBLE LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS PAY FOR UTILITY SERVICES. LIHEAP PROVIDES A ONE-TIME BENEFIT TO INCOME-ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS TO HELP REDUCE ENERGY COSTS. RECONNECTION ASSISTANCE IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR QUALIFYING HOUSEHOLDS THAT HAVE BEEN DISCONNECTED OR ARE AT RISK OF DISCONNECTION. IN ADDITION, THE PROGRAM OFFERS EMERGENCY FURNACE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT FOR INCOME-ELIGIBLE HOMEOWNERS WITH INOPERABLE FURNACES.ELIGIBLE AMEREN CUSTOMERS MAY CHOOSE BETWEEN THE TRADITIONAL LIHEAP PROGRAM BENEFIT AND PARTICIPATION IN THE PERCENTAGE OF INCOME PAYMENT PLAN (PIPP). PIPP HELPS LOW- AND FIXED-INCOME CUSTOMERS MANAGE HOME ENERGY COSTS THROUGH FIXED MONTHLY PAYMENTS, ARREARAGE REDUCTION CREDITS, CLIENT EDUCATION, AND ENERGY CONSERVATION. PIPP CAN HELP PREVENT THE CYCLE OF DISCONNECTION AND RECONNECTION, LEADING TO IMPROVED HEALTH AND SAFETY FOR PARTICIPANTS. AMEREN CUSTOMERS WITH INCOMES BETWEEN 200% AND 300% OF THE POVERTY LEVEL, OR 80% OF THEIR COUNTY'S AREA MEDIAN INCOME (AMI), MAY QUALIFY FOR WARM NEIGHBORS/COOL FRIENDS, A MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM FUNDED BY AMEREN'S ENERGY ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION. ENERGY SAVINGS EDUCATION IS PROVIDED THROUGH AMEREN AND AGENCY-SPONSORED EVENTS, WHICH OFFER PARTICIPANTS ENERGY CONSERVATION INFORMATION AND KITS.LIHEAP FUNDING IS PROVIDED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AND THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (DCEO), OFFICE OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE (OCA), DISTRIBUTES THE FUNDS. PIPP IS FUNDED WITH STATE UTILITY ASSISTANCE FUNDS DISTRIBUTED BY DCEO.
  2. $5.1 million spent. HEAD START 0-5 PROGRAM:HEAD START IS A FEDERALLY FUNDED PROGRAM ESTABLISHED IN 1965. THE CEFS HEAD START 0-5 PROGRAM OFFERS CENTER-BASED SERVICES, INCLUDING HALF-DAY AND FULL-DAY SESSIONS FOR PRESCHOOL CHILDREN, AS WELL AS HOME-BASED SERVICES FOR PREGNANT WOMEN, INFANTS, AND TODDLERS IN ITS SEVEN-COUNTY SERVICE AREA. ELIGIBILITY IS PRIMARILY INCOME-BASED, ALTHOUGH FACTORS SUCH AS DISABILITIES AND FAMILY NEEDS ARE ALSO CONSIDERED. FAMILIES MUST EARN AT OR BELOW 100% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL, THOUGH SOME MAY QUALIFY THROUGH CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY, INCLUDING SNAP, TANF, SSI, OR HOMELESSNESS. UP TO 10% OF THE PROGRAM'S ENROLLMENT MAY INCLUDE HIGHER-INCOME FAMILIES OR FAMILIES EXPERIENCING EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, AND AT LEAST 10% MUST BE CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES.THE HEAD START 0-5 PROGRAM PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENINGS, PARENT INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES, AND FAMILY SOCIALIZATIONS. IT PROMOTES SCHOOL READINESS BY ENHANCING CHILDREN'S SOCIAL AND COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH EDUCATIONAL, HEALTH, NUTRITIONAL, SOCIAL, AND OTHER SERVICES. THE PROGRAM'S RESOURCES ARE DESIGNED TO FOSTER STABLE FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS, ENHANCE CHILDREN'S WELL-BEING, AND SUPPORT COGNITIVE SKILL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH INDIVIDUALIZED CARE AND GUIDANCE FOR EVERY CHILD.FUNDING FOR THE CEFS HEAD START 0-5 PROGRAM COMES FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, OFFICE OF HEAD START. ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR PARTICIPANT MEALS IS PROVIDED BY THE CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM, ADMINISTERED BY THE ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND FUNDED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.PRE-K FOR ALL:PRESCHOOL FOR ALL IS A STATE-FUNDED, AT-RISK EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES AT LEAST 12.5 HOURS PER WEEK OF HIGH-QUALITY PRESCHOOL. THE PROGRAM INCLUDES COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING, BACHELOR'S-LEVEL EARLY CHILDHOOD LICENSED TEACHERS, AND A STANDARDS-ALIGNED, RESEARCH-BASED CURRICULUM DESIGNED TO GIVE CHILDREN A FOUNDATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS FOR SUCCESS THROUGHOUT THEIR SCHOOL EXPERIENCE. PRESCHOOL FOR ALL PROMOTES CHILDREN'S EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING WHILE PROVIDING SUPPORT TO FAMILIES. ELIGIBILITY IS DETERMINED THROUGH A SCREENING PROCESS PRIMARILY BASED ON AT-RISK FACTORS OR FAMILY INCOME BELOW FOUR TIMES THE FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES. UP TO 20% OF THE PROGRAM'S ENROLLMENT MAY INCLUDE HIGHER-INCOME FAMILIES OR CHILDREN NOT IDENTIFIED AS AT RISK.FUNDING FOR THE PRESCHOOL FOR ALL PROGRAM COMES FROM THE ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION'S EARLY CHILDHOOD BLOCK GRANT.
  3. $2.7 million spent. RURAL TRANSPORTATION:CEFS CENTRAL ILLINOIS PUBLIC TRANSIT AND EFFINGHAM COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ARE FEDERALLY AND STATE-FUNDED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS OPERATING IN CLAY, CHRISTIAN, EFFINGHAM, FAYETTE, SHELBY, MOULTRIE, AND MONTGOMERY COUNTIES. THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROVIDES OPERATING ASSISTANCE FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN NON-URBANIZED AREAS. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT COMES FROM FARES, SERVICE CONTRACTS, TITLE IIIB FUNDING THROUGH AREA AGENCIES ON AGING (AGELINC AND MIDLAND AAA), THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, AND MUNICIPAL DONATIONS. SHELBY COUNTY, WITH CEFS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY CORPORATION AS THE ADMINISTRATOR AND SERVICE PROVIDER, OPERATES CENTRAL ILLINOIS PUBLIC TRANSIT IN CLAY, CHRISTIAN, FAYETTE, MONTGOMERY, MOULTRIE, AND SHELBY COUNTIES. EFFINGHAM COUNTY, WITH CEFS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY CORPORATION AS THE ADMINISTRATOR AND SERVICE PROVIDER, OPERATES EFFINGHAM COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN EFFINGHAM COUNTY. RIDERSHIP IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, WITH NO QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS TO USE THE SERVICE. THE PROGRAM OPERATES ON A DEMAND-RESPONSE BASIS. MONTHLY PASSES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT DISCOUNTED RATES. THE REDUCED FARE PROGRAM ALLOWS ADULTS AGE 60 AND OLDER TO RIDE ON A SUGGESTED DONATION BASIS, PROVIDES MONTHLY PASSES AT AN ADDITIONAL REDUCED RATE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES, AND ALLOWS VETERANS IN EFFINGHAM COUNTY TO RECEIVE IN-COUNTY TRANSPORTATION. PAYMENT IS ALSO ACCEPTED THROUGH MEDICAID, MTM (MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT), AND MODIVCARE FOR NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION NEEDS.
  4. $2.6 million spent. WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT PROGRAM:THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA) PROGRAM PROVIDES SERVICES DESIGNED TO ENHANCE EMPLOYMENT, RETENTION, EARNINGS, AND SKILL LEVELS WITHIN THE AMERICAN WORKFORCE. THE CEFS WIOA PROGRAM SERVES 13 COUNTIES IN ILLINOIS WORKFORCE AREA #23. THE PROGRAM INCLUDES YOUTH, ADULT, DISLOCATED WORKER, AND TRADE ADJUSTMENT ACT INITIATIVES.PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS CAN ACCESS A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF THEIR SKILL LEVELS, APTITUDES, ABILITIES, AND SUPPORT SERVICE NEEDS. THEY CAN ALSO OBTAIN COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ON A WIDE RANGE OF EMPLOYMENT-RELATED SERVICES. WORKFORCE CENTERS PROVIDE JOB SEARCH AND PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE, CAREER COUNSELING, AND UP-TO-DATE LABOR MARKET INFORMATION, INCLUDING JOB VACANCIES, SKILLS REQUIRED FOR IN-DEMAND JOBS, AND LOCAL, REGIONAL, AND NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT TRENDS.INDIVIDUALS WHO NEED MORE INTENSIVE SUPPORT MAY RECEIVE COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENTS, EMPLOYMENT PLAN DEVELOPMENT, GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING, CASE MANAGEMENT, AND SHORT-TERM PRE-VOCATIONAL SERVICES. IN SOME CASES, ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS MAY RECEIVE TRAINING SERVICES, INCLUDING ON-THE-JOB TRAINING, TUITION ASSISTANCE, WORK EXPERIENCE, AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES LINKED DIRECTLY TO LOCAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES.WIOA YOUTH SERVICES ASSIST OUT-OF-SCHOOL AND IN-SCHOOL YOUTH WHO FACE ONE OR MORE BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT, HELPING THEM PREPARE FOR EMPLOYMENT AND POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES. SERVICES SUPPORT YOUTH IN ATTAINING EDUCATIONAL AND SKILLS TRAINING CREDENTIALS AND SECURING EMPLOYMENT WITH CAREER PROSPECTS. THE YOUTH PROGRAM OFFERS TRAINING, PAID WORK EXPERIENCE, ON-THE-JOB TRAINING, JOB READINESS TRAINING, SUPPORTIVE SERVICES, LEADERSHIP SKILL DEVELOPMENT, RESUME WRITING, JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE, CLASSROOM TRAINING, AND FOLLOW-UP SERVICES.FUNDING FOR THESE PROGRAMS IS PROVIDED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR THROUGH A BLOCK GRANT ADMINISTERED BY THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, OFFICE OF EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING, AND ILLINOIS LOCAL WORKFORCE AREA 23.
  5. $2.2 million spent. SENIOR PROGRAMS:MEALS ON WHEELSTHE CEFS MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM PROVIDES NUTRITIONALLY BALANCED MEALS ON A DONATION BASIS TO INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE 60 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER, AS WELL AS TO THEIR SPOUSES. THERE ARE NO INCOME GUIDELINES OR RESTRICTIONS OTHER THAN THE AGE REQUIREMENT. IN ADDITION TO NUTRITION SERVICES, THE PROGRAM OFFERS EDUCATIONAL, INFORMATIONAL, AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES. MEALS ARE SERVED BY RESERVATION AT 17 SITES WITHIN CLAY, EFFINGHAM, FAYETTE, CHRISTIAN, AND MONTGOMERY COUNTIES. THE PROGRAM RECEIVES FUNDING FROM THE ADMINISTRATION ON AGING, INCLUDING TITLE IIIC FUNDING THROUGH THE AREA AGENCIES ON AGING (AGELINC AND MIDLAND AAA), LOCAL UNITED WAY AGENCIES, AND PARTICIPANT CONTRIBUTIONS.THERE ARE TWO COMPONENTS TO OUR MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM: -CONGREGATE MEALS: SENIORS SHARE A NUTRITIOUS MEAL AND ENJOY ACTIVITIES AND FELLOWSHIP AT A NUTRITION SITE. -HOME-DELIVERED MEALS: NUTRITIOUS MEALS ARE DELIVERED TO HOMEBOUND SENIORS ALONG WITH A DAILY CHECK-IN.SENIOR INSURANCE COUNSELINGTHE SENIOR HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (SHIP) IS A HEALTH INSURANCE COUNSELING SERVICE SPONSORED BY CEFS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY CORPORATION IN CLAY, EFFINGHAM, FAYETTE, CHRISTIAN, AND MONTGOMERY COUNTIES. FUNDED BY THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT ON AGING (IDOA), THIS PROGRAM SERVES MEDICARE-ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES AND THEIR CAREGIVERS. SHIP COUNSELORS ARE TRAINED TO EDUCATE CONSUMERS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICARE, MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLANS, LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE, MEDICARE HMOS, PPOS, PRIVATE FEE-FOR-SERVICE PLANS, AND OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS.SHIP COUNSELORS ASSIST CONSUMERS WITH ANALYZING MEDICARE PART D PLANS, MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLANS, AND LONG-TERM CARE POLICIES. THEY ALSO HELP FILE MEDICARE AND MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT CLAIMS. WITH GUIDANCE FROM SHIP COUNSELORS, MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES AND THEIR CAREGIVERS GAIN THE INFORMATION THEY NEED TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE.SHIP OFFICES ALSO HELP WITH APPLICATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS: -BENEFITS ACCESS (BA) (STATE LICENSE PLATE DISCOUNT) -MEDICARE PART D, EXTRA HELP/LOW INCOME SUBSIDY (LIS) (ASSISTANCE IN PAYING FOR MEDICARE PART D COSTS) -MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAMS (MSP) (ASSISTANCE PAYING FOR PART A & B PREMIUMS, DEDUCTIBLES, AND CO-PAYS) -MEDICARE PART B PREVENTION AND WELLNESS BENEFITS -MEDICAID (ASSISTANCE FOR THE AGED (65 OR OLDER), BLIND, OR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (AABD)) -SUPPLEMENTAL SOCIAL SECURITY (SSI) (FOR THE AABD)SHIP ALSO PROVIDES INFORMATION ON PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT HELP SENIOR CITIZENS REMAIN INDEPENDENT IN THEIR OWN HOMES, AS WELL AS OTHER PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE AGED, BLIND, OR DISABLED.RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (RSVP):THE RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM PROVIDES MEANINGFUL OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS AGE 55 AND OLDER TO CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR COMMUNITIES THROUGH VOLUNTEER SERVICE. VOLUNTEERS CAN SERVE WITH NON-PROFIT AGENCIES, SCHOOLS, DAY CARE CENTERS, NURSING HOMES, LIBRARIES, AND OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS. REGARDLESS OF EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, INCOME, SKILLS, OR PROFESSION, VOLUNTEERS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN STRENGTHENING THEIR COMMUNITIES.RSVP MEMBERS SERVE IN CLAY, EFFINGHAM, FAYETTE, SHELBY, MOULTRIE, CHRISTIAN, AND MONTGOMERY COUNTIES. THE PROGRAM IS FUNDED BY AMERICORPS, THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT ON AGING, AND LOCAL DONATIONS.
  6. $1.8 million spent. OUTREACH PROGRAMS:COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT:CEFS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY CORPORATION PROVIDES OUTREACH AND REFERRAL SERVICES THROUGH FIELD OFFICES ACROSS ITS SEVEN-COUNTY SERVICE AREA. STAFF MEMBERS AT THESE LOCAL OFFICES ARE TRAINED IN BASIC INFORMATION AND REFERRALS TO ASSIST WITH SOCIAL SERVICE NEEDS. THEY OFFER INTENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES AND OFTEN SERVE AS THE FIRST POINT OF CONTACT FOR ASSISTANCE. MAJOR PROGRAMS OFFERED DIRECTLY THROUGH THE OFFICES INCLUDE LIHEAP, WEATHERIZATION, TAX ASSISTANCE, EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER, BUDGETING, LITERACY, SENIOR SERVICES, AND HOUSING COUNSELING. IF OUTREACH STAFF CANNOT PROVIDE DIRECT ASSISTANCE, REFERRALS ARE MADE TO OTHER PROGRAMS AND PROVIDERS. THE COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM IS FUNDED BY THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY.ADULT VOLUNTEER LITERACY:MANY ADULTS IN ILLINOIS HAVE LIMITED INCOMES DUE TO LIMITED SKILLS IN READING, WRITING, MATH, OR ENGLISH PROFICIENCY. THE CEFS LEARNING CENTER PROVIDES ADULT LITERACY SERVICES THAT HELP PARTICIPANTS MORE FULLY ENGAGE IN THEIR FAMILY, WORK, AND COMMUNITY ROLES. THE CENTER ADMINISTERS ADULT LITERACY, GED PREPARATION, AND ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAMS, OFFERING BASIC ADULT LITERACY INSTRUCTION TO IMPROVE READING, WRITING, MATH, AND ENGLISH PROFICIENCY FOR QUALIFYING PARTICIPANTS. CERTIFIED VOLUNTEERS CONDUCT ONE-ON-ONE TUTORING SESSIONS TAILORED TO EACH LEARNER'S NEEDS. VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE 15 HOURS OF TRAINING THROUGH THE CEFS LITERACY COORDINATOR AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE. THESE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE AND ARE FUNDED THROUGH THE COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE/ILLINOIS STATE LIBRARY LITERACY OFFICE.HOUSING COUNSELING:THE CEFS HOUSING COUNSELING PROGRAM ASSISTS RESIDENTS IN MEETING THEIR HOUSING NEEDS AND ADDRESSING HOUSING ISSUES WITH PRIORITY GIVEN TO LOW- AND MODERATE-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS. CEFS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY CORPORATION IS A CERTIFIED HOUSING COUNSELING AGENCY THROUGH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD). OUTREACH OFFICES EMPLOY PROFESSIONAL STAFF WHO ARE HUD-CERTIFIED COUNSELORS AND HAVE RECEIVED CERTIFICATIONS THROUGH NEIGHBORWORKS AMERICA. COUNSELORS PROVIDE IN-DEPTH HOUSING COUNSELING IN AREAS SUCH AS PRE-PURCHASE, PRE-RENTAL, MORTGAGE DEFAULT, RENTAL DELINQUENCY, POST-OCCUPANCY, ENERGY CONSERVATION, HOUSING CONSUMER EDUCATION, DISPLACEMENT, RELOCATION, AND REFERRALS. FUNDING IS PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT THROUGH HOUSING ACTION ILLINOIS.HUD RAPID RE-HOUSING PROGRAM:THE RAPID RE-HOUSING PROGRAM HELPS INDIVIDUALS LIVING ON THE STREET, IN PLACES NOT MEANT FOR HUMAN HABITATION, OR IN EMERGENCY SHELTERS TRANSITION INTO PERMANENT HOUSING. SUPPORTIVE SERVICES, INCLUDING BUDGETING, BENEFIT ENROLLMENT, REFERRALS, AND CASE MANAGEMENT, ARE PROVIDED. PARTICIPANTS MUST MEET WITH CASE MANAGERS TO CONTINUE RECEIVING RENTAL ASSISTANCE, BUT NO OTHER RESTRICTIONS APPLY. THE PROGRAM'S GOAL IS TO REDUCE THE TIME SPENT IN HOMELESS, ASSIST PARTICIPANTS IN DEVELOPING THE SKILLS NEEDED TO REMAIN HOUSED, AND REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF RETURNING TO HOMELESSNESS. SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT CEFS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY CORPORATION'S SERVICE AREA AND ARE FUNDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT. THE RAPID RE-HOUSING PROGRAM IS A COMPETITIVE GRANT THROUGH THE SOUTH-CENTRAL ILLINOIS CONTINUUM OF CARE.RENTAL HOUSING SUPPORT PROGRAM:THE RENTAL HOUSING SUPPORT PROGRAM (RHSP) PROMOTES PERMANENT HOUSING BY FUNDING RENT SUBSIDIES FOR EXTREMELY AND SEVERELY LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS. THE PROGRAM PROVIDES RENTAL ASSISTANCE BUT DOES NOT COVER COSTS SUCH AS SECURITY DEPOSITS OR EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE. THE ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY CONTRACTS WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCIES, INCLUDING CEFS, TO MANAGE AND OPERATE THE PROGRAM WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA. CEFS COLLABORATES WITH LOCAL LANDLORDS TO PROVIDE UNITS AND ACCEPTS APPLICATIONS FROM ELIGIBLE LOW-INCOME TENANTS WHO ARE NOT RECEIVING ASSISTANCE FROM ANOTHER SOURCE. THE PROGRAM IS FUNDED BY THE ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.HUD PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROGRAM:FUNDED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD), THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES FUNDING FOR FIVE RENTAL UNITS IN THE SEVEN-COUNTY SERVICE AREA FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. PRIORITY IS GIVEN TO INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE CHRONICALLY HOMELESS, BUT UNITS MAY ALSO BE ALLOCATED TO HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS WITH AT LEAST ONE FAMILY MEMBER WHO HAS A DOCUMENTED DISABILITY. EXTENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT IS PROVIDED TO HELP HOUSEHOLDS SECURE THE RESOURCES NEEDED TO MAINTAIN HOUSING STABILITY.DHS HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS:THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES PROVIDES FUNDING FOR SIX GRANTS: HOMELESS PREVENTION, SUPPORTIVE HOUSING SERVICES, EMERGENCY AND TRANSITIONAL HOUSING, SHELTER DIVERSION, SCATTERED SITE PERMANENT HOUSING, AND EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS.HOMELESS PREVENTION GRANTS PROVIDE RENTAL ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS FACING EVICTION, HELPING THEM MAINTAIN THEIR CURRENT HOUSING OR OBTAIN NEW HOUSING. TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE, INDIVIDUALS MUST DEMONSTRATE FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AFTER ONE-TIME GRANT SUPPORT. EMERGENCY AND TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROVIDES HOTEL AND FOOD ASSISTANCE TO HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES UNTIL PERMANENT HOUSING IS SECURED.SUPPORTIVE HOUSING GRANTS SUPPORT WORK WITH INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS TO STABILIZE THEIR CURRENT SITUATION, PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN LONG-TERM STABLE HOUSING, AND ACHIEVE SELF-SUFFICIENCY. SUPPORTIVE SERVICES MAY INCLUDE SHELTER, FOOD, CLOTHING, LITERACY TRAINING, VOCATIONAL TRAINING, EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE, TRANSPORTATION, MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING, PHYSICAL HEALTH SERVICES, FAMILY COUNSELING, AND DRUG AND ALCOHOL REHABILITATION. PARTICIPANT NEEDS ARE ASSESSED TO DETERMINE THE INTERVENTIONS NEEDED TO GAIN STABILITY.THE EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT (ESG) PROGRAM IDENTIFIES INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELES
  7. $1.1 million spent. HOME WEATHERIZATION PROGRAMS:ILLINOIS HOME WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCETHE ILLINOIS HOME WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PROVIDES FREE ENERGY-SAVING MEASURES FOR QUALIFYING APPLICANTS IN CHRISTIAN, CLAY, EFFINGHAM, FAYETTE, MONTGOMERY, MOULTRIE, AND SHELBY COUNTIES. SERVICES INCLUDE INSULATION, AIR SEALING, CAULKING, WEATHERSTRIPPING, GLASS REPLACEMENT, AND WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT.THE PROGRAM ALSO OFFERS RETROFITS, REPAIRS, OR REPLACEMENT OF HEATING UNITS. A QUALIFIED ASSESSOR CHECKS THE UNIT'S SAFETY AND, IF IT IS HAZARDOUS AND CANNOT BE REPAIRED, A HIGHER-EFFICIENCY FURNACE OR HEATER MAY BE INSTALLED. STUDIES SHOW THESE MEASURES CAN REDUCE ENERGY COSTS BY 25% TO 30%, ALLOWING RECIPIENTS TO USE MORE OF THEIR INCOME FOR OTHER ESSENTIAL NEEDS.ELIGIBILITY IS BASED ON 12-MONTH INCOME VERIFICATION, HOMEOWNERSHIP DOCUMENTATION FOR THE HOMEOWNER OR LANDLORD, AND A COPY OF THE FUEL BILL. FUNDING COMES FROM THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND AMEREN ILLINOIS.AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMTHROUGH THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM (AHP) GENERAL FUND, CEFS REHABILITATES AFFORDABLE, OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING FOR LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS. THE AHP SUBSIDY IS PROVIDED AS A FORGIVABLE GRANT FROM THE FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF CHICAGO THROUGH MIDLAND STATES BANK, AS A MEMBER, TO CEFS AS THE PROJECT SPONSOR.
  8. $132,781 spent. OTHER PROGRAMS

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

  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 October 13, 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 August 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 June 1973.

    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 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.