Yittayih Zelalem, President at Ethiopian Community Association Of Chicago Inc | https://cuppa.uic.edu/
Yittayih Zelalem, President at Ethiopian Community Association Of Chicago Inc | https://cuppa.uic.edu/
The listed appropriations included two grants of $250,000, plus an additional grant of $82,264, all designated for programs or services funded by the State of Illinois.
These appropriations represent 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 1984 by Group of Ethiopian immigrants, Ethiopian Community Association Of Chicago Inc states that its mission is: “The mission of the Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago (ECAC) is serving the core needs of Ethiopians and other refugees and immigrants as well as promoting Ethiopia’s rich culture and values in Chicagoland and beyond.”
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 $3,656,130 in total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $201,162 in contributions overall. It also reported $72,582 in non-cash contributions, such as donated goods or services, and $201,162 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Ethiopian Community Association Of Chicago Inc had $1,617,540 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $2,200,660, indicating a significant 36% 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.
Ethiopian Community Association Of Chicago Inc 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.
| Fiscal Year | Total Grants/Contracts | Total Taxpayer $$ |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | $582,264 |
| Term | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2024 | Abegail Yimer | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Aklilu Adeye | Executive Director |
| 2024-2024 | Alem Taye | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Aye Mengistu | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Demile Teshome | Asst Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Efrem Gebremedihin | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Felasfaw Woldegabriel | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Fikirite Assefa | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Fikru Kidanie | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Melkie Admasu Tega | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Michael Tesfu Beyene | Vice President |
| 2024-2024 | Samson Bahru Abebe | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Tibebu Senbeta | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Yittayih Zelalem | President |
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