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Nonprofiteer
← CARA PROGRAM

Form 990 for tax year 2024

Filed by CARA PROGRAM.

Totals

Total revenue
$20,870,682
Total expenses
$16,565,889
Contributions and grants received
$16,034,825
Grants paid
$500,820
Program service revenue
$4,368,115
Investment income
$576,127
Other revenue
-$108,385
Total assets, end of year
$26,522,087
Total liabilities, end of year
$4,357,676
Net assets or fund balances, end of year
$22,164,411
Program services expenses (Part IX)
$12,249,104
Management and general expenses
$2,616,231
Fundraising expenses
$1,700,554
Program service expenses (Part III)
$12,249,104

Program services were 73.9% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

Line items

Every line the filer filed in Parts VIII, IX and X, as filed and in filed order. Blank columns are left out, and the lines are not forced to add up to the totals above.

Revenue

Part VIII, the statement of revenue.

  • 1c · Fundraising events

    $1,212,756

  • 1e · Government grants (contributions)

    $4,455,521

  • 1f · All other contributions, gifts and grants

    $10,366,548

  • 1g · Noncash contributions included above

    $72,000

  • 2a · Program service revenue: Job contracts

    total $4,368,115 · related or exempt $4,368,115

  • 3 · Investment income

    total $529,587 · excluded $529,587

  • 7a · Gross sales of assets other than inventory

    securities $2,090,000

  • 7b · Less cost or other basis and sales expenses

    securities $2,043,460

  • 7c · Gain or loss

    securities $46,540

  • 7d · Net gain or loss

    total $46,540 · excluded $46,540

  • 8a · Fundraising events: gross income

    $195,100

  • 8a · Fundraising events: contributions included on line 1c

    $1,212,756

  • 8b · Fundraising events: direct expenses

    $336,233

  • 8c · Net income from fundraising events

    total -$141,133 · excluded -$141,133

  • 9a · Gaming: gross income

    $38,475

  • 9b · Gaming: direct expenses

    $14,191

  • 9c · Net income from gaming

    total $24,284 · excluded $24,284

  • 11a · Other revenue: Miscellaneous

    total $8,464 · related or exempt $8,464

  • 11e · Other revenue, total

    $8,464

Functional expenses

Part IX, the statement of functional expenses.

  • 2 · Grants to domestic individuals

    total $500,820 · program services $500,820

  • 5 · Compensation of officers, directors and key employees

    total $1,275,089 · program services $961,871 · management and general $187,438 · fundraising $125,780

  • 7 · Other salaries and wages

    total $9,139,414 · program services $6,957,465 · management and general $1,306,798 · fundraising $875,151

  • 8 · Pension plan contributions

    total $157,931 · program services $114,125 · management and general $26,130 · fundraising $17,676

  • 9 · Other employee benefits

    total $1,054,315 · program services $760,482 · management and general $175,250 · fundraising $118,583

  • 10 · Payroll taxes

    total $748,555 · program services $541,443 · management and general $123,549 · fundraising $83,563

  • 11c · Fees: accounting

    total $36,981 · program services $17,202 · management and general $13,520 · fundraising $6,259

  • 11g · Fees: other

    total $828,673 · program services $452,659 · management and general $218,299 · fundraising $157,715

  • 12 · Advertising and promotion

    total $12,935 · program services $7,198 · management and general $167 · fundraising $5,570

  • 13 · Office expenses

    total $23,294 · program services $1,843 · management and general $658 · fundraising $20,793

  • 14 · Information technology

    total $566,231 · program services $358,242 · management and general $149,106 · fundraising $58,883

  • 16 · Occupancy

    total $499,533 · program services $335,711 · management and general $101,730 · fundraising $62,092

  • 17 · Travel

    total $228,714 · program services $179,824 · management and general $30,188 · fundraising $18,702

  • 20 · Interest

    total $76,527 · program services $52,185 · management and general $14,952 · fundraising $9,390

  • 22 · Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    total $538,262 · program services $352,512 · management and general $133,213 · fundraising $52,537

  • 23 · Insurance

    total $211,653 · program services $191,950 · management and general $12,318 · fundraising $7,385

  • 24a · Other expenses: Program supplies

    total $208,392 · program services $196,806 · management and general $6,816 · fundraising $4,770

  • 24b · Other expenses: Fees

    total $174,933 · program services $98,794 · management and general $27,494 · fundraising $48,645

  • 24c · Other expenses: Building Repairs & Main

    total $106,819 · program services $72,831 · management and general $21,203 · fundraising $12,785

  • 24d · Other expenses: Admissions screening

    total $84,453 · program services $84,202 · management and general $174 · fundraising $77

  • 24e · All other expenses

    total $92,365 · program services $10,939 · management and general $67,228 · fundraising $14,198

Balance sheet

Part X, book values.

  • 1 · Cash, non-interest-bearing

    beginning of year $707,404 · end of year $4,687,714

  • 2 · Savings and temporary cash investments

    beginning of year $8,112,240 · end of year $8,338,785

  • 3 · Pledges and grants receivable

    beginning of year $790,686 · end of year $2,311,850

  • 4 · Accounts receivable

    beginning of year $1,035,657 · end of year $1,191,246

  • 8 · Inventories for sale or use

    beginning of year $4,088 · end of year $13,168

  • 9 · Prepaid expenses and deferred charges

    beginning of year $296,806 · end of year $355,927

  • 10a · Land, buildings and equipment: cost or other basis

    $11,261,806

  • 10b · Land, buildings and equipment: accumulated depreciation

    $5,065,835

  • 10c · Land, buildings and equipment, net

    beginning of year $6,412,334 · end of year $6,195,971

  • 12 · Investments: other securities

    beginning of year $4,039,475 · end of year $2,079,430

  • 15 · Other assets

    beginning of year $1,288,642 · end of year $1,347,996

  • 17 · Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    beginning of year $1,145,671 · end of year $1,294,168

  • 23 · Secured mortgages and notes payable

    beginning of year $2,888,838 · end of year $2,608,624

  • 25 · Other liabilities

    beginning of year $839,820 · end of year $454,884

  • 27 · Net assets without donor restrictions

    beginning of year $15,874,680 · end of year $19,704,690

  • 28 · Net assets with donor restrictions

    beginning of year $1,938,323 · end of year $2,459,721

Mission and programs · 2024

Mission

Build an inclusive economy by developing employment pathways to advance transformative individual and community success.

  • Traditional Training & Placement Program is Cara's traditional services which includes a comprehensive range of training and support for motivated individuals affected by poverty and homelessness, including life-skills training, specialized job-skills training, and personalized career placement services.South Side Campus (SSC) is Cara's South Side campus and provides trainings and workshops similar to Cara's traditional program. The SSC also offers drop-in financial and digital literacy trainings and referrals to wraparound supportive services.Employment Retention ensures that participants of Cara have the tools needed for long-term selfsufficiency.Cara offers personal and professional coaching throughout each participant's first year of employment. These services include: regular one-on-one meetings with employed participants about on-the-job successes and challenges; and development of individual long-term goals, including goals related to housing, education, and debt repayment. As a result, over 70% or more of employed Cara participants receiving this support remain in their first job placement for at least one year. In addition to employment retention support, Cara's Career AdvancementProgram supports participants who have not only achieved stability in their personal and professional lives, but who also show an exceptional drive to grow in their careers. Once participants have been employed for at least six months and are established personally and professionally, they may opt in to career advancement services.

    Expenses $6,729,554 · Grants $450,199 · Revenue $129,392

  • TCP Staffing, LLC (TCP Staffing) dba Cara Connects, a wholly owned limited liability company started in 2011, was created to manage employment of individuals in the transitional jobs aspect of Cara Chicago. Cara Connects employs participants who are working transitional jobs for Cleanslate and Cara Chicago as well as select companies outside of the enterprise. In 2013, Cara Connects expanded to be a contract staffing firm dedicated to sourcing quality candidates to fulfill critical entry-level positions within Chicago's growing job market by providing temporary and temporary to permanent opportunities.

    Expenses $280,493 · Grants $1,356 · Revenue $298,040

  • Cleanslate Chicago, LLC (Cleanslate), a wholly-owned limited liability company started in 2005, provides exterior maintenance services to customers across Chicago. The program was created as a vehicle for individuals with significant obstacles to employment - particularly individuals with criminal backgrounds to gain on-the-job work experience and intensive support services through transitional jobs. Cleanslate is a complement to Cara and provides additional services and training opportunities for at-risk individuals. For tax purposes, Cleanslate is treated as a disregarded entity and will be included in Cara Chicago's financial statements and tax reporting. Under applicable accounting standards, Cara Chicago is required to prepare consolidated financial statements with Cleanslate

    Expenses $5,239,057 · Grants $49,265 · Revenue $3,949,147

  • Cara Works, LLC a wholly owned limited liability company started in 2018, was organized to further the charitable purpose of Cara Chicago by serving as employer of record for workers employed in transitional jobs through other social enterprises.

As filed on the 2024 return. The filer continues this part on Schedule O, which is not shown here.

Listed in Part VII

  • Andrea O'Leary

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • Andrew Davis

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Brenda Battle

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Chris Rafferty

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Doyoung Yong

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • J Todd Philips

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    4

  • Jaclyn Trovato

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Julie Owens Burns

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Keisha Mullings-Smith

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Kelvin Buncum

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Marta Delgado

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Regina Cross

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Rufus Smith

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • Scott Gidwitz

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Stephen Sheldon

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Steven Quirk

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Terrill North

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Thomas Owens Jr

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Wendy Raymer

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Willette Benford

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • William Eveland

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Kathleen Caliento

    President/CEO

    Total calculated
    $299,990
    From this org
    $270,826
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $29,164
    Hours/week
    37.5

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $270,826
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $8,243
    Nontaxable benefits
    $20,921
    Filer's total
    $299,990

  • Tara Harper

    Chief External Affairs Officer

    Total calculated
    $213,536
    From this org
    $196,049
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $17,487
    Hours/week
    37.5

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $196,049
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $8,445
    Nontaxable benefits
    $9,042
    Filer's total
    $213,536

  • Matt Michalak

    Chief Financial Officer

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    37.5

  • Lauren Feldman

    Chief Operating Officer

    Total calculated
    $180,437
    From this org
    $178,501
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $1,936
    Hours/week
    37.5

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $178,501
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $1,454
    Nontaxable benefits
    $482
    Filer's total
    $180,437

  • Joel Pomerenk

    CFO

    Total calculated
    $183,494
    From this org
    $177,285
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $6,209
    Hours/week
    37.5

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $177,285
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $5,807
    Nontaxable benefits
    $402
    Filer's total
    $183,494

  • Kimberly Massenburg

    Chief Impact Officer

    Total calculated
    $151,593
    From this org
    $131,739
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $19,854
    Hours/week
    37.5

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $131,739
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $2,677
    Nontaxable benefits
    $17,177
    Filer's total
    $151,593

  • Brady Gott

    Chief Social Enterprise Officer

    Total calculated
    $156,895
    From this org
    $130,629
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $26,266
    Hours/week
    37.5

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $130,629
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $5,910
    Nontaxable benefits
    $20,356
    Filer's total
    $156,895

  • Joseph Mutuc

    CTO

    Total calculated
    $118,145
    From this org
    $118,145
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    37.5

  • Cheryl Gavin

    Senior Controller

    Total calculated
    $135,330
    From this org
    $121,255
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $14,075
    Hours/week
    37.5

  • Kristen Boelkens

    HR Manager

    Total calculated
    $115,120
    From this org
    $110,217
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $4,903
    Hours/week
    37.5

  • Ron Holakovsky

    Manager

    Total calculated
    $107,807
    From this org
    $105,284
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $2,523
    Hours/week
    37.5

  • Mark Toriski

    Manager

    Total calculated
    $101,038
    From this org
    $101,038
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    37.5

  • Liana Bran

    Manager

    Total calculated
    $102,025
    From this org
    $102,025
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    37.5

Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. A Schedule J breakdown is as filed: base pay, bonus, other, deferred compensation and nontaxable benefits from this organization, with any from related organizations beside each, and the filer's own total. It is shown with the Part VII listing of the same name on the same return. The form gives no key between the two, so that pairing is ours, and is marked matched by us.

Schedule J

Answered yes

  • 3 · Compensation committee
  • 3 · Approval by the board or compensation committee

Answered no

  • 4a · Severance or change-of-control payment
  • 4b · Supplemental nonqualified retirement plan
  • 4c · Equity-based compensation arrangement
  • 5a · Pay contingent on this organization's revenues
  • 5b · Pay contingent on a related organization's revenues
  • 6a · Pay contingent on this organization's net earnings
  • 6b · Pay contingent on a related organization's net earnings
  • 7 · Other non-fixed payments
  • 8 · Paid under the initial-contract exception

Part I's answers as filed. A line not listed was left unanswered; on lines 1a and 3 that means the box was not checked.

Grants on this return

No itemized grants to organizations on this return.

Taxable family on this return

Schedule R Parts I, III and IV, as filed. These record ownership and control, not shared board members or money moved.

Disregarded entities

Part I: entities that legally are the filer and file no return of their own.

  • Cleanslate Chicago LLC

    to assist individuals who have significant obstacles to employment · IL · income $372,265 · assets $1,317,695

  • TCP Staffing LLC

    to manage employment of individuals participating in transitional jobs · IL · income $2,847 · assets $1,140,550

  • Cara Works LLC

    to serve as employer of record for workers employed in transitional jobs · IL · income $0 · assets $0

Provenance

Return type
form_990
Tax year
2024
Filed
4 December 2025
IRS schema version
2024v5.2
Source object
202523389349300207

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