b) To be eligible for an award under the Act, nongovernmental recipients must provide the Council, along with a program proposal, either of the following:

1. 1) Proof of nonprofit status by presenting all of the following, when applicable:

   1. A) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the Internal Revenue Code, Title 26 U.S.C.A. 501(c);
   2. B) A copy of a currently valid Internal Revenue Service tax exemption letter;
   3. C) A statement from the Illinois Department of Revenue, the Illinois Secretary of State, or the Illinois Attorney General certifying that the applicant organization has a current nonprofit status; and
   4. D) A certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation filed with the Illinois Secretary of State that clearly establishes nonprofit status, and a copy of the most recent annual report required by the Illinois Attorney General or Secretary of State; or

2. 2) Proof of authorized business activity in the State of Illinois by presenting:

   1. A) A certified copy of a certificate of incorporation or other appropriate and necessary authorization to conduct business in Illinois filed with the State of Illinois or a unit of local government;
   2. B) A taxpayer identification number; and
   3. C) When applicable, a copy of any annual report required by law for the most recent year.

c) The Council may require additional documentation to verify the legitimacy of a nongovernmental recipient. Such documentation may include, but is not limited to:

1. 1) Any brochures or publications explaining the activities of the organization;
2. 2) A copy of the recipient's Articles of Incorporation;
3. 3) A copy of the recipient's By-laws; and
4. 4) A copy of the recipient's Partnership Agreement.