Maria Velazquez, Executive Director at Telpochcalli Community Education Project | tcepchicago.org
Maria Velazquez, Executive Director at Telpochcalli Community Education Project | tcepchicago.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, Telpochcalli Community Education Project states that its mission is: “Telpochcalli Community Education Project mobilizes youth and adults for social justice work by building individual capacity, collective power, and mutual responsibility through culturally relevant and community-directed education, leadership development, and organizing.”
In its most recent IRS Form 990 filing filing for tax year 2024, the organization reported $238,062 in total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $199,403 in contributions overall. It also reported $199,403 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Telpochcalli Community Education Project had $709,275 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $930,046, indicating a significant 31.1% 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.
Telpochcalli Community Education Project 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 | Cheryl Flores | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Esther A Trujillo | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Irma Ruiz | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Jose Velazquez Sr | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Julian Lazalde | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Lizbeth Sanchez | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Maria D Velazquez | Executive Director |
| 2024-2024 | Nacho Gonzalez | Vice-Chair |
| 2024-2024 | Susan Mullen | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Yesenia Lopez | Board Chair |
| - | Maria Miranda |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Mayra Diaz | Social Work Intern | - |
| 2017 | Karlos Lugo | Program Supervisor | - |
| 2015 | Connor Lyn Kreger | Development Specialist | - |
| 2013 | Yesenia Lopez | Vice Chair And Board Member | - |
| 2012 | Maria Catalina Miranda | Board President | - |
| 2012 | Mario Ramirez | Board President | - |
| 2010 | Michelle Ayala | Assistant To The Executive Director | - |
| 2009 | Maria G Trujillo | Board Member Treasurer | - |
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