Chicago Historical Society

Analysis

Chicago Historical Society is a registered charity in United States, based in Chicago, IL. It received its IRS tax-exemption ruling in October 1932, 94 years ago. Its declared purposes cover arts, culture and humanities, which this site groups under arts, culture, heritage and science. The IRS classifies it as a publicly supported organisation (donations from the general public) under section 501(c)(3), and contributions to it are listed as tax-deductible.

In the financial year ending June 2023, Chicago Historical Society reported income of $15.7m and spending of $17.0m, spending 108% of what it took in. Across the 5 years on record, from June 2019 to June 2023, income grew from $14.4m to $15.7m (+9.6%), an average of +2.3% a year. Over the whole period it spent 107% of the income it received.

Among 45,478 United States charities whose main cause is arts, culture, heritage and science and that reported income, Chicago Historical Society sits at the 99th percentile: it is larger than about 98% of them. Against every charity in United States with reported income it ranks in the 96th percentile, and in the 96th percentile within IL. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Colorado Ballet Company ($15.7m), Hampton Roads Educational Telecommunications Association Inc ($15.8m) and Computer History Museum ($15.7m).

On its Form 990 for the period ending June 2023, revenue came from contributions and grants 58% and program service revenue 14% of the total. Compensation of current officers, directors and key employees was $1.1m (6.5% of expenses). Other salaries and wages came to $5.1m. At year end it held assets of $126.2m against liabilities of $59.1m, net assets of $67.1m. It reported 244 employees.