CENTER FOR SPEECH AND LANGUAGE DISORDERS
Mission Statement
As the only speech and language (S&L) dedicated nonprofit organization in Chicagoland focused on service provision, CHAT (formerly Center for Speech & Language Disorders) has given children in need the gift of communication for 46 years. CHAT provides life-changing speech therapy to children with few—if any—other options. We approach our work with deep cultural humility, understanding the need for systemic change in healthcare and education so that students can be more sustainably supported. We strive for more communication justice by serving under-resourced and neurodivergent children whose communication disorders and differences contribute to their inequitable treatment, and by working to remove structural barriers to access. We are in-network with all regional IL Medicaid plans; bring services into communities where needed; and offer services regardless of ability to pay. CHAT exists to include and empower children whose voices have not been heard, helping them to access a better future.
Financial Overview — FY 2025
Compared with Peers
FY 2025| Ratio | This org | Peer median | Position (P10 → P90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Program expense ratio
Program expenses / total expenses
· higher is better
|
83.8% | 84.6% |
P10P90
|
Below median |
|
Admin expense ratio
Management and general / total expenses
· lower is better
|
10.6% | 12.1% |
P10P90
|
Above median |
|
Fundraising expense ratio
Fundraising expenses / total expenses
· lower is better
|
5.6% | 0.0% |
P10P90
|
Bottom quarter |
|
Fundraising efficiency
Fundraising expenses / gross fundraising income
· lower is better
|
130.4% | 124.6% |
P10P90
|
Below median |
|
Operating reserve
Months of expenses covered by net assets
· higher is better
|
-0.1 mo | 10.6 mo |
P10P90
|
Bottom quarter |
|
Liabilities to assets
Total liabilities / total assets
· lower is better
|
105.8% | 11.7% |
P10P90
|
Bottom quarter |
|
Revenue concentration
Share of revenue from the largest source
· lower is better
|
89.5% | 90.0% |
P10P90
|
Above median |
|
Revenue growth
Year over year revenue growth
|
-1.7% | 6.6% |
P10P90
|
|
|
Expense growth
Year over year expense growth
|
-1.6% | 6.0% |
P10P90
|
|
|
Surplus margin
Surplus as a share of revenue
|
0.6% | 3.5% |
P10P90
|
Impact
1 program| Outcome / Program | People Served | Cost / Service | # Completed | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Improved Communication | 750 | $80.00 | — | Per Week |
Financial History
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net Assets | Program % | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2.1M | $2.1M | $-22,385 | 83.8% | 38 |
| 2024 | $2.2M | $2.2M | $-35,116 | 84.2% | 40 |
| 2023 | $1.7M | $2.0M | $-49,896 | 82.9% | 35 |
| 2022 | $1.8M | $1.8M | $247K | 84.4% | 37 |
| 2021 | $1.7M | $1.6M | N/A | — | 35 |
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