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Essex Art Center Inc

EIN 04-3238501 · Lawrence, MA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood74 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Essex Art Center is a community-based creative hub in Lawrence, Massachusetts, using art as a catalyst to bring people together, spark conversations that matter, and build community.

Income
$891,190
Spending
$939,685
Spent on programs
76%
Reserves
5.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 70%
Employees
15
Volunteers
50
Highest pay
$92,128, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 74 out of 100. Higher than 47% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 5.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 15% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 5% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 25% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    76% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 9 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 95% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    11 of 11 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a 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

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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 September 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 (1)
  1. $715,646 spent. We believe in the power of art to change not just the way we see the world, but the way we live. Essex Art Center sees everyone as an artist, and we help artists and art lovers connect with their creativity. Each year, the Center reaches 10,000 individuals. Our arts education programs serve artists of all ages. We offer diverse studio courses, including ceramics, drawing, digital art, painting, animation, Risograph printing, and stained glass. We make learning accessible to everyone by providing affordable studio classes and workshops with special financial assistance to Lawrence residents, including 75% off for youth 18 years or younger and 30% off for adults. In addition, we hold public art and design entrepreneurship programs for teens and a work-mentorship program for high school and college students. Participants in our public art and design programs receive stipends for their work, as do students in our work-mentorship program. Essex Art Center's exhibition program sees art as a connector in our community and a platform for communication about issues that matter. Our galleries serve as a source of inspiration for our students and a teaching tool for our teachers. We are strategic in the artists we exhibit, working to amplify underrepresented voices and ensuring that the work is responsive to what's happening in the world and relevant to our community. Our exhibitions and their correlating programming are always free and open to the public.Essex Art Center's community outreach programs bring the creative experience beyond our walls. From off-site offerings in schools and community centers to special events, such as free figure drawing nights and art college admissions fairs, these programs put into practice our belief that art brings us together. Our summer block party, Fiesta en la calle!, brings together people of all ages to enjoy live music, dance performances, food, and artmaking. Throughout the year, our community outreach programs reach 3,000 individuals, with Fiesta en la calle!, connecting us with 2,000 residents from Greater Lawrence in just one day.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.

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

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

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since February 1995.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.