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Passes our checks

Paso- West Suburban Action Project

EIN 46-2330521 · Melrose Park, IL

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong90 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

PASO IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE STRUGGLE FOR IMMIGRANT RIGHTS AND JUSTICE. PASO DEVELOPS PLATFORMS FOR CHANGE FOR COMMUNITIES DIRECTLY IMPACTED THROUGH ORGANIZING AND EMPOWERMENT.

Income
$836,200
Spending
$680,913
Spent on programs
80%
Reserves
6.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 99%
Employees
10
Volunteers
20
Highest pay
$75,166, 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 79% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 3% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 19% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 26% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    80% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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: 90 out of 100. Higher than 76% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    5 of 5 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

    0 of 10

    Did not give 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. $66,829 spent. New Americans Initiative (NAI) - The purpose of this initiative is to support Legal Permanent Residents in their journey toward U.S. citizenship. Through the program, PASO conducted extensive outreach to more than 800 community members, providing information about eligibility, the application process, and interview preparation. We offered civics and English preparation classes to 139 individuals, helping them strengthen their confidence and readiness for the naturalization interview. PASO also hosted four "Know Your Rights" sessions and partnered with other ICIRR organizations to coordinate two legal service events, where over 60 applicants received direct assistance from accredited representatives and attorneys. The NAI program continues to be a cornerstone of our work, ensuring that immigrant families have the knowledge, support, and resources to fully participate in civic life and exercise their rights.
  2. $127,135 spent. Immigrant Welcoming Centers (IWC) - The Immigrant Welcoming Centers program aims to ensure equitable access to state and community resources for immigrants and refugees living in suburban Cook County. Through this program, PASO provided case management, benefits navigation, and crisis intervention services to hundreds of families, helping them meet essential needs such as housing, healthcare, food access, and legal support. Our staff offered individualized support and warm referrals to connect families with trusted local partners and state services. Additionally, the IWC program strengthened community engagement and leadership, empowering families to advocate for themselves and their neighbors while promoting a more inclusive and connected West Suburban region.
  3. $130,000 spent. Health for All Campaign - Organizing Funds. The purpose of the Health for All Campaign is to educate and mobilize communities around equitable access to healthcare for all, regardless of immigration status or income. Through this campaign, PASO engaged residents in community conversations, educational workshops, and outreach activities focused on increasing awareness of the importance of healthcare access as a fundamental human right. The campaign empowered community members to share their stories, identify barriers to care, and advocate for inclusive health policies at the local and state level. By combining education with grassroots organizing, PASO continues to build a stronger movement for universal, accessible, and dignified healthcare for every family in our community.
  4. $220,767 spent. VARIOUS GRANTS AND DONATIONS

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 October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Worth knowing.

    Status was revoked on May 15, 2023 for not filing returns for three years. The IRS now lists it as tax-exempt again.

    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 December 2024.

    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 January 2024.

    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.