Chicago Zoological Society

Analysis

Chicago Zoological Society is a registered charity in United States, based in Brookfield, IL. It received its IRS tax-exemption ruling in September 1941, 85 years ago. Its declared purposes cover animal-related, which this site groups under animals. 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 March 2024, Chicago Zoological Society reported income of $94.3m and spending of $75.5m, spending 80% of its income. Across the 6 years on record, from December 2019 to March 2024, income grew from $71.0m to $94.3m (+33%), an average of +5.8% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to March 2022, when income rose by 945%. Over the whole period it spent 91% of the income it received.

Among 14,470 United States charities whose main cause is animals and that reported income, Chicago Zoological Society sits at the 100th percentile: it is one of the largest 1% in its cause. Against every charity in United States with reported income it ranks in the 99th percentile, and in the 99th percentile within IL. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Shedd Aquarium Society ($93.0m), National Wildlife Federation ($117.9m) and The Animal Medical Center ($91.9m).

On its Form 990 for the period ending March 2024, revenue came from contributions and grants 57% and program service revenue 38% of the total. Compensation of current officers, directors and key employees was $2.7m (3.6% of expenses). Other salaries and wages came to $28.0m. It paid $524k in professional fundraising fees. At year end it held assets of $265.2m against liabilities of $70.6m, net assets of $194.6m. It reported 743 employees.