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Passes our checks

Montclair Village Association

EIN 02-0551618 · Oakland, CA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair63 out of 100GovernanceGood76 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Montclair Village Association (MVA) is a Business Improvement District made up of approximately 230 retail and service businesses located in Montclair Village. The MVAs mission is to support its merchant members, and to help the Village thrive.

Income
$469,186
Spending
$590,697
Spent on programs
94%
Reserves
8.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 49%
Employees
4
Volunteers
25
Highest pay
$51,634, executive dir.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 63 out of 100. Higher than 33% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 8.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 26% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 31% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    94% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Good: 76 out of 100. Higher than 51% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 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)
  1. $438,584 spent. Beautification / Design / Land Use In 2025, the Montclair Village Association (MVA) continued to enhance the districts physical environment through coordinated maintenance and streetscape improvements. Services included regular sidewalk and gutter cleaning, graffiti and debris removal (66 incidents), and removal of illegal dumping (24 incidents), along with maintenance of 38 planters, 80 tree wells, and 55 street banners. The Association also maintained 43 public art installations and pedestrian-oriented lighting, and replaced approximately 500 linear feet of rooftop string lighting to improve safety and aesthetics.The MVA collaborated with the City of Oakland on infrastructure and parking management, including continued support of the ParkMobile system at the public garage. The Association maintained district amenities and conducted ongoing stakeholder engagement through board meetings and direct outreach. These efforts improved cleanliness, visual appeal, and overall functionality of the commercial district.
  2. $75,254 spent. Promotions In 2025, the Montclair Village Association implemented a comprehensive marketing and events program to increase district visibility and economic activity. The Association produced nine major events, including Taste of Montclair Village, the Montclair Beer, Wine & Music Festival, seasonal celebrations, and a new Picnic on the Plaza concert series. These events attracted significant community participation and supported local businesses.The MVA also provided promotional and logistical support for numerous community events and maintained ongoing marketing through digital communications, social media, and district branding efforts. Additional initiatives included business outreach, merchant engagement events, and partnerships to promote sustainability practices. These activities increased foot traffic, supported merchants, and strengthened the districts identity and economic vitality.
  3. $40,327 spent. Safety / Security In 2025, the Montclair Village Association operated a comprehensive public safety program to maintain a secure environment for businesses and visitors. The program included 676 patrol hours and 496 administrative hours dedicated to safety coordination, along with 1,562 proactive merchant checks and 56 direct service responses. The Association maintained a network of 62 security cameras and provided footage for 73 incidents to law enforcement, merchants, and insurers.The MVA coordinated closely with the Oakland Police Department and continued supplemental safety initiatives, including expanded ambassador presence during peak periods. Through consistent patrols, outreach, and surveillance support, the program enhanced public safety, deterred criminal activity, and strengthened confidence among district stakeholders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. 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 October 13, 2026.

  2. 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 November 6, 2026.

  3. 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 October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since January 2006.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. 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 November 4, 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.