Sylvia Acosta Chavez, Executive Director at Spanish Community Center | https://www.spanishcenter.org/
Sylvia Acosta Chavez, Executive Director at Spanish Community Center | https://www.spanishcenter.org/
The listed appropriations included grants of $250,000 and $200,000 if two, each designated for programs or services funded by the State of Illinois.
These appropriations represent 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 1969 by Adler; Maher; Hernandez, Spanish Community Center states that its mission is: “The Spanish Community Center helps improve the life for Latinos, immigrants, and low income people through educational and social services.”
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 $2,339,720 in total revenue. Of that, $82,856 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 3.5% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $1,997,970 in contributions overall. It also reported $1,915,120 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Spanish Community Center had $1,401,970 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $864,881, indicating a significant 38.3% decline 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.
Spanish Community Center 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.
| Fiscal Year | Total Grants/Contracts | Total Taxpayer $$ |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | $450,000 |
| Term | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2024 | Alejandro Guzman | Member |
| 2024-2024 | Brian Mcdaniel | Member |
| 2024-2024 | Christopher Scott Chamblee | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Cornell Deshun Lurry | Member |
| 2024-2024 | Daniel Black | Member |
| 2024-2024 | Enrique Arias | Member |
| 2024-2024 | Eyzuri Sanchez | Member |
| 2024-2024 | Johan Sanchez | Member |
| 2024-2024 | John M Spesia | Member |
| 2024-2024 | Kristi Kelly | Member |
| 2024-2024 | Nicole Whitehead | Member |
| 2024-2024 | Samantha Ante | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Stacey Mallo | Vice Preside |
| 2024-2024 | Stephanie Ordonez | Member |
| 2024-2024 | Sylvia Acosta Chavez | Executive Director |
| 2024-2024 | Tanya Aryas | President |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Bridgett L Lane | Accounting Associate | - |
| 2024 | Francisco Morales | Transportation | - |
| 2024 | Monica Vasquez | Immigration Counselor | - |
| 2024 | Monica Vasquez | Assistanat Executive Director | - |
| 2024 | Myra Castro | Adm Assistant | - |
| 2024 | Nubia M Contreras | Hiv Prevention Educator | - |
| 2019 | Daniel P Black | Board Of Directors | - |
| 2013 | Berenice Vargas | Intern And Finance | - |
| 2013 | Christina M Melesio | Event Coordinator | - |
| 2013 | CLAUDIA HERNANDEZ | Daycare Director | - |
| 2013 | Jasmine Danielle Mccullum | Receptionist | - |
| 2011 | Peter J Honiotes | Social Services Intern | - |
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