Helena Wright, Vice-Chairman at South Shore Chamber Community Development Corp | https://www.southshorechamberinc.org/
Helena Wright, Vice-Chairman at South Shore Chamber Community Development Corp | https://www.southshorechamberinc.org/
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 1998, South Shore Chamber Community Development Corporation states that its mission is: “The South Shore Chamber of Commerce strengthens and supports our business corridors and small businesses, by empowering our members with effective training, technical assistance and access to private sector and governmental resources.”
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 $1,911,020 in total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $1,702,190 in contributions overall. It also reported $1,701,190 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, South Shore Chamber Community Development Corporation had $354,431 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $1,692,270, indicating a significant 377.5% 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.
South Shore Chamber Community Development Corporation 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.
| Term | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2024 | Christopher Brooks | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Cory L Thames | Chairman |
| 2024-2024 | Eli H Williamson | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Gerald Williams | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Helen L Wright | Vice Chairman |
| 2024-2024 | Jerald Thurman Gary Jr | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Joyce A Gibson | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Keiana Barrett | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Linda Sanders | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Maureen M Wright | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Maureen Mckenna | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Michelle A Redd | Vice Chairman |
| 2024-2024 | Pamela R Gates | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Ronald L Milsap | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Shantel L Robinson | Board Member |
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