# The Roots Initiative

Youth development programs nonprofit in Chicago, Illinois 60628. EIN 32-0659999. Data as of November 8, 2026.

Page: https://backpr.com/find/nonprofit/320659999-the-roots-initiative

## Mission (the organization's own words)

> To activate black youth as the architects and leaders of transformative civic and social change in their communities and beyond. We beleive tht when youth are provided the social-emotional supports, education, and resources to understand their power, identity, culture, and inherent genius, then they will have a greater sense of responsibility as well as confidence and knowledge to engage...

Source: Form 990, year ending Dec 2024: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/320659999/202543109349304099/full

## IRS facts

- Type: Youth development programs (IRS activity code O50)
- Tax status: 501(c)(3), contributions deductible, recognized 2021
- Source: IRS Business Master File, posted October 13, 2026: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/exempt-organizations-business-master-file-extract-eo-bmf

## Finances (IRS Form 990 e-file data)

| Year ending | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Net assets | Employees | Volunteers | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2024 | $166,488 | $199,159 | $215,071 | $215,071 | 0 | - | [Form 990](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/320659999/202543109349304099/full) |
| Oct 2023 | $289,919 | $28,882 | $262,996 | $262,996 | 0 | 15 | [Form 990](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/320659999/202421919349300622/full) |

Expense split, year ending Dec 2024: programs $93,875 (47%), management $78,598 (39%), fundraising $26,686 (13%).

Revenue sources, year ending Dec 2024: gifts and grants $166,488, program fees $0, investment income $0.

Growth label: **Shrinking** (about -38% a year, Oct 2023 to Dec 2024). Growth label: we compare total revenue on the oldest and the newest return shown above. Growing means revenue rose by more than 10% a year on average, Shrinking means it fell by more than 10% a year, and Steady means a change between -10% and +10% a year. The rate is the compounded yearly average between the two returns, so it hides ups and downs in between (see the table). We only label groups with returns at least a year apart and at least $5,000 of revenue on the oldest one. This is our own calculation, not an IRS rating or a judgment of quality.

## How it compares

- Revenue rank: 91 of 543 youth development nonprofits in Chicago.
- Revenue $166,488 is higher than roughly 50 to 60% of 505 youth development nonprofits in Illinois; median $157,728.
- Source: IRS Business Master File, posted October 13, 2026; BackPR analysis.

## Local context

- Cook County, Illinois: about 1,053,196 children under 18 (U.S. Census Bureau, July 1, 2024): https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/datasets/2020-2024/counties/asrh/cc-est2024-agesex-all.csv
- 2,288 youth and community nonprofits in this directory in the county: 2.2 per 1,000 children.
- Licensed programs in Chicago: 780 licensed child care centers: https://backpr.com/find/illinois/chicago
- Illinois rules: https://backpr.com/resources/states/illinois

## Questions

**What is The Roots Initiative's EIN?**

The Roots Initiative's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 32-0659999. It is the nine-digit number the IRS uses to identify the organization. Source: IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File posted October 13, 2026.

**Is The Roots Initiative a nonprofit?**

Yes. The IRS lists The Roots Initiative in Chicago, Illinois as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3), recognized since 2021. This is from the IRS Business Master File posted October 13, 2026. Status can change, so check its current status on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search before you donate.

**Are donations to The Roots Initiative tax-deductible?**

Yes, the IRS lists gifts to The Roots Initiative as tax-deductible (IRS Business Master File posted October 13, 2026). How much you can deduct depends on your own taxes, and this is not tax advice. Check its current status on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search before you donate.

**What does The Roots Initiative do?**

In its own words on its Form 990 for the year ending Dec 2024: "To activate black youth as the architects and leaders of transformative civic and social change in their communities and beyond. We beleive tht when youth are provided the social-emotional supports, education, and resources to understand their power, identity, culture, and inherent genius, then they will have a greater sense of responsibility as well as confidence and knowledge to engage..." The IRS classifies it as: Youth development programs.

**How much money does The Roots Initiative take in?**

For the year ending Dec 2024, The Roots Initiative reported total revenue of $166,488 and total expenses of $199,159 on its Form 990 (IRS Form 990 e-file data).

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Data as of November 8, 2026. Sources: IRS Business Master File, IRS Form 990 series e-file data, U.S. Census Bureau. No officer or staff names are published.