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Passes our checks

Comfort Station NFP

EIN 81-3138918 · Chicago, IL

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak49 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Comfort Station is a nonprofit arts organization based in Chicagos Logan Square neighborhood that supports emerging and experimental artists through free public programming The organization operates as a community-centered cultural space presenting exhibitions performances screenings and artist-led events that provide opportunities for artists to develop and share new work Comfort Station prioritizes accessibility offering programs at no cost and creating an inclusive platform for diverse voices Through its artist-run and community-driven model the organization fosters creative experimentation cultural exchange and public engagement with the arts

Income
$149,679
Spending
$153,707
Reserves
2.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 79%
Highest pay
$30,000, executive director

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

Weak: 49 out of 100. Higher than 18% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 23% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 3% of income.

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)
  1. $9,701 spent. Exhibitions- We stage monthly solo and group exhibitions by Chicago-based emerging and mid-career artists who apply via a free open call Programmers support and curate this program through professional development opportunities
  2. $13,730 spent. Music- We stage free weekly performances by experimental and independent musicians mostly based in Chicago Programmers support and curate this program through professional development opportunities
  3. $4,948 spent. Film- We screen free weekly indpendent films and provide curatorial opportunities for international film festivals and Chicago-based film programmers

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

  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 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 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 August 2016.

    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.