Northern Illinois Council of Governments
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
Northern Illinois Council of Governments (NorthCOG) is an organization comprised of elected and appointed leadership from regional municipalities, counties, school, park, and water districts. Local governmental bodies can coordinate their efforts, effectively solving regional problems that impact its members and those they represent. Through its widespread reach, NorthCOG continues to drive policy advocacy, regional economic development, and engagement policymakers.
- Income
- $110,647
- Spending
- $110,647
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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 June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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)
- $17,943 spent. North COG Annual events: Engaging State lawmakers in a paneled discussion about regional policy. Over 200 elected and appointed local leaders from Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and DeKalb counties attended and all of their constituents benefited. Time prepping for the luncheon and coordinating with the lawmakers is included in expenses.
- $28,307 spent. Lobbying for state legislation that funds land banks and future housing development. As stated in the Policy Platform agreed upon unanimously as a priority for NorthCOG board members.
- $25,759 spent. Other administrative, operational, and Informational activities to bring awareness of the COG and what it's goals are and how we plan to accomplish them. Regional and congressional constituents included in the prior service
- $38,638 spent. Community engagement events Involving federal and state lawmakers to drive advocacy for the region. Various congressional districts constituents attended and were able to ask questions of their policy advocates in settings they would not normally be able to.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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)(6) business league.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(6) business league as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since July 2022.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.