Government-backed nonprofit Haitian American Museum Of Chicago profiled

Elsie Hector Hernandez, Founder/CEO at Haitian American Museum Of Chicago | hamoc.org

By T. T. Collins

Sep 20, 2025

Haitian American Museum Of Chicago, a tax-exempt nonprofit that receives significant public funding to perform services also offered by the state, was approved to receive a $500,000 grant in FY2024 for infrastructure improvements, according to passed legislation data extracted from the Illinois General Assembly’s FY2024 budget (Public Act 102-6 0698).

This appropriation represents state-level funding authorized by lawmakers, reflecting what was approved in the budget, not necessarily disbursed. The funds cover only State of Illinois support and exclude federal, local, or other public sources.

Founded in 2012 by Elsie Hernandez, Haitian American Museum Of Chicago states that its mission is: “To promote and preserve Haitian art, culture, history, and community.”

You can learn more about the organization at its website.

In its most recent IRS Form 990 filing filing for tax year 2024, the organization reported $507,700 in total revenue. Of that, $42,083 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 8.3% of total revenue.

The nonprofit listed $489,413 in contributions overall. It also reported $332,616 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.

In terms of staffing, the organization spent $79,339 on salaries and reportable employee compensation in 2024.

Combined, these totaled $79,339 in staff-related costs, which equates to 15.6% of total reported revenue.

At the beginning of 2024, Haitian American Museum Of Chicago had $32,473 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $315,451, indicating an significant 871.4% growth in overall holdings.

However, a Chicago City Wire analysis found that IRS filings frequently contain discrepancies when compared with publicly disclosed government grant reports and budgets.

Haitian American Museum Of Chicago is one of hundreds of nonprofits across Illinois that receive substantial support from state taxpayers while also fundraising privately.

In 2025, Illinois lawmakers introduced House Bill 1266, also known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Act. The proposal would create a new oversight body within the Office of the Auditor General tasked with identifying cost-saving measures, reviewing agency performance, and advising on audit priorities. If passed, DOGE could bring additional scrutiny and performance evaluation to taxpayer-funded organizations.

According to ProPublica, Illinois has more than 78,000 active tax-exempt organizations, including nearly 60,000 classified as charitable nonprofits. In their most recent IRS filings, these groups reported a combined revenue exceeding $156 billion.

Haitian American Museum Of Chicago 990 Filing – Key Officers