South Holland, IL 60473
Chicago, IL 60637
IRS determination letter
The following is a summary of our official IRS determination letter (Letter 947, Rev. 2-2020, Catalog No. 35152P), issued June 12, 2026 by the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division.
Tax Exempt and Government Entities
PO Box 2508, Cincinnati, OH 45201
Signed by: Stephen A. Martin
Director, Exempt Organizations, Rulings and Agreements
June 12, 2026
We're pleased to tell you we determined you're exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3). Donors can deduct contributions they make to you under IRC Section 170. You're also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under Section 2055, 2106, or 2522.
Organizations exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3) are further classified as either public charities or private foundations. We determined you're a public charity under IRC Section 509(a)(2).
You are required to file an annual information return (Form 990 or Form 990-EZ) or electronic notice (Form 990-N, the e-Postcard). If you don't file a required return or notice for three consecutive years, your exempt status will be automatically revoked.
IRS Contact: D. Morgan · ID 0194954 · 877-829-5500
What this means for donors
— IRS Letter 947, June 12, 2026
- Cash donations, checks, and online contributions are deductible to the extent permitted by law
- In-kind donations (goods and services) may be deductible at fair market value — consult your tax advisor
- Bequests and planned gifts qualify under IRC Sections 2055, 2106, and 2522
- We will provide a written receipt for all donations upon request and automatically for gifts of $250 or more
To verify our tax-exempt status independently, you may search our EIN (42-3036705) on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
Public disclosure obligations
As a 501(c)(3) public charity, Ras Tafari Inc is required by federal law to make the following documents available for public inspection upon request:
- IRS Determination Letter — our official letter of tax-exempt status (summarized on this page)
- Form 990 / 990-EZ / 990-N — annual information returns for the three most recent fiscal years (first return due after December 31, 2026)
- Form 1023 — our application for tax-exempt status (available upon written request)
To request copies of any of these documents, contact us at selassiefest@gmail.com. We will respond within the IRS-required timeframe of 30 days. Documents may also be found on GuideStar / Candid once filed.
Governance & accountability
Ras Tafari Inc is governed by a Board of Directors that meets quarterly to ensure the organization remains mission-driven, financially responsible, and legally compliant. Our organizational structure, board members, and executive leadership are published on our Organization pages.
- No private inurement — no part of net earnings benefits any private individual
- No substantial lobbying activity or political campaign intervention
- Annual Form 990 filing required and will be publicly available after each fiscal year end (December 31)
- Public charity under IRC § 509(a)(2) — primarily supported by fees from exempt activities and contributions from the public
Our mission
Ras Tafari Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating the legacy of Emperor Haile Selassie I and promoting community uplift through music, education, culture, and the arts. We produce SelassieFest — a free, all-ages annual festival rooted in Rastafari heritage, African diaspora culture, and Pan-African solidarity in Chicago.
All festival activities, programming, and community initiatives are carried out in furtherance of our tax-exempt purpose under IRC § 501(c)(3).
Contact & document requests
For public disclosure document requests, donation receipts, or questions about our nonprofit status:
Ras Tafari Inc — Nonprofit Disclosure
765 E 154th St, South Holland, IL 60473 (registered)
6227 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60637 (festival)
EIN: 42-3036705
Document requests are fulfilled within 30 days as required by IRS regulations. There is no charge for the first copy of any required disclosure document.
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