Creative Works
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
At Creative Works, we build communities of inclusion one relationship, one experience, and one person at a time. We believe in creating opportunities for people to contribute to their communities, to pursue their potential and to be treated with dignity and respect.We envision a world without barriers, and we strive towards a standard of excellence throughout our programs to ensure all participants and members of Creative Works are supported and fulfilled.
- Income
- $33.1 million
- Spending
- $26.7 million
- Spent on programs
- 90%
- Reserves
- 9.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 81%
- Employees
- 451
- Volunteers
- 20
- Highest pay
- $350,910, ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 85% of charities in its peer group (employment, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 9.3 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 8% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 19% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 22% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1590% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 41% of charities in its peer group (employment, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 257 of 7 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $19.7 million spent. Residential Services provide support for individuals with disabilities in the individuals' home or in CW Residences, and range from 24-hour support to just a few hours each week. Residential services assist with social skills, community access, health and safety, household maintenance, self-advocacy, and many other needs in order to provide the most comprehensive and therapeutic support possible.
- $3.2 million spent. Community Day Services enable individuals with disabilities to participate fully in community life and to increase their self-reliance through activities that are enriching, meaningful and goal-oriented. Day services are designed to maximize an individual's ability to manage everyday life activities in communities rich with resources. A variety of skill-building options are offered, in addition to readiness skills, volunteer opportunities, and means of artistic expression, all based upon individual needs.
- $479,831 spent. Maine Woodworks is a social enterprise of Creative Works that employs an integrated workforce consisting of people with and without disabilities. All employees earn a competitive wage and work in an environment that fosters both the development and mastery of various furniture-making skills and independence within their work environment. Our wood shop produces bench-crafted, cottage-style furniture built with renewable North American hardwoods and environmentally friendly finishes. Our colorful line of furniture is sold throughout the United States, and proceeds from sales are used to further the social mission of Creative Works.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since January 1967.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.