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Equity and Transformation

EIN 83-4701430 · Berwyn, IL

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood83 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Equity and Transformation EAT is a non-profit community-led organization founded by and for post-incarcerated people. Continuously system-impacted individuals face significant barriers in their everyday lives; they are shut out of the workforce forced into informality and criminalized for surviving. These systemic inequalities often lead to extreme poverty and additional periods of incarceration. EAT is committed to building social and economic equity for informal workers.

Income
$2.3 million
Spending
$1.8 million
Spent on programs
62%
Reserves
38.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
11
Volunteers
500
Highest pay
$120,000, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 83 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 38.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 20% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 22% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    62% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 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 (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • 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

    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 July 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. $171,005 spent. EAT recognizes the need to collect accurate information to create community-centered change. Our Research Department strives to use original evidence to identify barriers to economic and social mobility amplify the voices of informal workers and build innovative solutions that address the discrimination and disinvestment that have harmed underserved communities. Research plays an essential role in supporting policy development advocacy and organizing campaigns that advance the fight for equity. ln 2024 EATs research Department launched unemployment focus groups and continued our guaranteed income work through the Chicago Future Fund.
  2. $778,117 spent. The Organizing Department of EAT is deeply rooted in the communities we serve operating on the belief that fostering relationships and nurturing leaders is integral to our mission. We actively engage in dialogues seeking to shed light on pertinent issues affecting our community while developing programs that are not just created for them but by them. Our approach to recruitment and retention within EAT is purposeful providing resources and knowledge to empower and enlighten our community members. We are committed to creating an environment where informal workers can envision new possibilities where individuals are equipped with the necessary skills to achieve their aspirations and where sustainable alternatives to detrimental state interventions are forged. In 2024 the Organizing Department further solidified EATs connections with community members through extensive outreach initiatives including weekly canvassing phone banking community gatherings unity dialogues and activating 5,000 men.
  3. $190,372 spent. General Programming EAT works within the informal economy to develop community led policies that transform public perception decriminalize participation remove barriers to employment and build equity.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending July 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since February 2020.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 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.