The Chicago Education Cooperative
Standards For Charity Accountability
Governance
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Board Oversight
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Board Size
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Board Meetings
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Board Compensation
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Conflict of Interest
Measuring Effectiveness
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Effectiveness Policy
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Effectiveness Report
Finances
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Program Expenses
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Fundraising Expenses
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Accumulating Funds
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Audit Report
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Detailed Expense Breakdown
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Accurate Expense Reporting
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Budget Plan
Fundraising & Info
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Truthful Materials
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Annual Report
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Website Disclosures
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Donor Privacy
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Cause Marketing Disclosures
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Complaints
The Chicago Education Cooperative does not meet the following 6 Standards for Charity Accountability:
Standard 1 (Oversight of Operations and Staff)
Organizations shall have a board of directors that provides adequate oversight of the charity's operations and its staff. Indication of adequate oversight includes, but is not limited to, regularly scheduled appraisals of the CEO's performance, evidence of disbursement controls such as board approval of the budget, fund raising practices, establishment of a conflict of interest policy, and establishment of accounting procedures sufficient to safeguard charity finances.
The Chicago Education Cooperative does not meet this standard because:
The Executive Director also serves as the board chairperson.
Standard 2 (Number of Board Members)
Soliciting organizations shall have a board of directors with a minimum of five voting members.
The Chicago Education Cooperative does not meet this standard because:
The board of directors has only three members.
Standard 3 (Frequency and Attendance of Board Meetings)
An organization shall have a minimum of three evenly spaced meetings per year of the full governing body with a majority in attendance, with face-to-face participation. A conference call of the full board can substitute for one of the three meetings of the governing body. For all meetings, alternative modes of participation are acceptable for those with physical disabilities.
The Chicago Education Cooperative does not meet this standard because:
The board of directors held only two meetings in 2024, and only one had majority attendance.
Standard 11 (Financial Statements)
Make available to all, on request, complete annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. When total annual gross income exceeds $1 million, these statements should be audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. For charities whose annual gross income is less than $1 million, a review by a certified public accountant is sufficient to meet this standard. For charities whose annual gross income is less than $250,000, an internally produced, complete financial statement is sufficient to meet this standard.
The Chicago Education Cooperative does not meet this standard because:
Organization did not provide any financial statements.
Standard 14 (Budget)
Have a board-approved annual budget for its current fiscal year, outlining projected expenses for major program activities, fund raising, and administration.
The Chicago Education Cooperative does not meet this standard because:
Organization did not provide a copy of its budget.
Standard 16 (Annual Report)
Have an annual report available to all, on request, that includes: (a) the organization's mission statement, (b) a summary of the past year's program service accomplishments, (c) a roster of the officers and members of the board of directors, (d) financial information that includes (i) total income in the past fiscal year, (ii) expenses in the same program, fund raising and administrative categories as in the financial statements, and (iii) ending net assets.
The Chicago Education Cooperative does not meet this standard because:
Organization does not produce an annual report.
The BBB Wise Giving Alliance requested but did not receive complete information from the organization and is unable to verify the organization's compliance with the following Standard(s) for Charity Accountability: 8, 9, 10, 12, 13
The Chicago Education Cooperative meets the remaining 9 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Stated Purpose:
Since 2018 the mission of The Chicago Education Cooperative is to provide free school supplies. We supply churches, hospitals, schools and daycares with school supplies free of charge. All that is asked in return is a thank you letter on official stationery.
Year, State Incorporated:
2023,
School Supply Donation
Reading Room Construction
Playground Construction
Chief Executive
Zakee Lea, Executive Director
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Not disclosed
Board Size
3
Paid Staff Size
0
Method(s) Used:
Invitations to fund raising events, Grant proposals
This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
| Total Income | $0 |
| Total expenses: | $0 |
| Program expenses | $0 |
| Fundraising expenses | $0 |
| Administrative expenses | $0 |
| Other expenses | $0 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses | $0 |
| Beginning Net Assets | $0 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets | $0 |
| Ending Net Assets | $0 |
| Total Liabilities | $0 |
| Total Assets | $0 |
An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.
This report is not to be used for fundraising or promotional purposes.
RELATED CONTENT
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Meets Standards
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Standards Not Met
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Did Not Disclose
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Review in Progress
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Unable to Verify
Report completed by:
BBB of Chicago & Northern Illinois