Chicago Ort Technical Institute
Chicago Ort Technical Institute faces sustained operating deficits and declining assets.
EIN: 10850994 · Deerfield, IL · NTEE: B42 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Chicago Ort Technical Institute Legit?
Significant Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Chicago Ort Technical Institute directs 75% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Chicago Ort Technical Institute
Chicago Ort Technical Institute (EIN: 10850994) is a nonprofit organization based in Deerfield, IL, classified under NTEE code B42. The organization reported total revenue of $2.1M and total assets of $1.9M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Chicago Ort Technical Institute's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Chicago Ort Technical Institute is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 19 years, with 5 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2013–2017). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -7.4%.
Key Financial Metrics (2017)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $2.1M |
| Total Expenses | $2.6M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-466,821 |
| Total Assets | $1.9M |
| Total Liabilities | $2.2M |
| Net Assets | $-242,422 |
| Operating Margin | -22.0% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 112.6% |
| Months of Reserves | 8.9 months |
Financial Health Grade: C
In 2017, Chicago Ort Technical Institute reported a deficit of $467K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 8.9 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 112.6% (high leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 5 years of filings (2013–2017), Chicago Ort Technical Institute's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7.4%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | -13.4% | -5.6% | -19.3% |
| 2016 | +2.7% | -1.4% | -9.3% |
| 2015 | +3.3% | +8.2% | -2.4% |
| 2014 | -19.8% | +49.8% | -6.1% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2007 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Chicago Ort Technical Institute with a Mission Score of 45 out of 100 (Fair). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 15%
- programs: 75%
- fundraising: 10%
According to IRS 990 filings, Chicago Ort Technical Institute allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 15%, programs: 75%, fundraising: 10%. With 75% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2017)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $467K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 112.6%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which is unusual for an entity with over $2 million in annual revenue and suggests that executive compensation may be structured differently or not reported in this section, or that leadership is entirely volunteer-based.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of Chicago Ort Technical Institute's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent operating deficits (e.g., 2017: $2.1M revenue vs. $2.5M expenses)
- Declining asset base over time (from $2.8M in 2013 to $1.9M in 2017)
- Liabilities sometimes exceeding assets (e.g., 2017: $2.1M liabilities vs. $1.9M assets)
- 0% reported officer compensation for an organization of this size
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Chicago Ort Technical Institute:
- Consistent IRS 990 filing history, indicating transparency in reporting
- Focus on vocational technical education (NTEE B42)
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago Ort Technical Institute
Is Chicago Ort Technical Institute a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Chicago Ort Technical Institute (EIN: 10850994) significant concerns. Mission Score: 45/100. 4 red flags identified, 2 strengths noted.
How does Chicago Ort Technical Institute spend its money?
Chicago Ort Technical Institute directs 75% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Chicago Ort Technical Institute tax-deductible?
Chicago Ort Technical Institute is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 10850994). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Why has Chicago Ort Technical Institute consistently operated at a deficit?
The filings show expenses exceeding revenue in multiple years, for example, $2,589,711 in expenses vs. $2,122,890 in revenue in 2017, indicating a structural imbalance.
What is the long-term plan to address the declining asset base?
Assets have decreased from $2,857,740 in 2013 to $1,918,599 in 2017, suggesting a need for a strategy to rebuild financial reserves.
How is executive leadership compensated if officer compensation is reported as 0%?
The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings is atypical and warrants clarification on how leadership is compensated or if they are unpaid volunteers.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Chicago Ort Technical Institute showing financial trends over 5 years of public records:
Over 5 years of IRS 990 filings (2013–2017), Chicago Ort Technical Institute's revenue has declined by 26.3%, moving from $2.9M to $2.1M. Total assets decreased by 32.9% over the same period, from $2.9M to $1.9M. Total functional expenses rose by 50.9%, from $1.7M to $2.6M. In its most recent filing year (2017), Chicago Ort Technical Institute reported a deficit of $467K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $2.2M in liabilities against $1.9M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 112.6%), resulting in net assets of $-242,422.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | $2.1M | $2.6M | $1.9M | $2.2M | — | — |
| 2016 | $2.5M | $2.7M | $2.4M | $2.2M | — | — |
| 2015 | $2.4M | $2.8M | $2.6M | $2.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $2.3M | $2.6M | $2.7M | $1.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $2.9M | $1.7M | $2.9M | $1.7M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2017: Revenue of $2.1M, expenses of $2.6M, and assets of $1.9M (revenue -13.4% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $2.5M, expenses of $2.7M, and assets of $2.4M (revenue +2.7% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $2.4M, expenses of $2.8M, and assets of $2.6M (revenue +3.3% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $2.3M, expenses of $2.6M, and assets of $2.7M (revenue -19.8% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $2.9M, expenses of $1.7M, and assets of $2.9M.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Chicago Ort Technical Institute is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.