Straus Historical Society Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Societys mission is to foster the preservation and interpretation of cultural and historical matters pertaining to the settlement of Jews in the United States, with a particular focus on the family of Lazarus and Sara Straus. The Society conducts research, collaborates with individuals and institutions, and disseminates information through publications and public presentations to educate the public about their historical significance and contributions to American society.
- Income
- $151,874
- Spending
- $121,035
- Spent on programs
- 70%
- Reserves
- 57.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 93%
- Employees
- 1
- Volunteers
- 12
- Highest pay
- $44,600, executive director
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
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 85% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 57.1 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 7% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 20% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 31% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1570% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 10 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
Strong: 92 out of 100. Higher than 89% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Independent board
25 of 2513 of 13 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
0 of 7Reports no 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.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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 (1)
- $85,250 spent. In carrying out its mission, the Society conducted research and exchanged information with individuals and organizations having an interest in the settlement of Jews in the United States, with a particular focus on the family of Lazarus and Sara Straus. The Society uses the history and contributions of the Straus family in government, commerce, and philanthropy as a framework for educating the public about broader themes in American history and the immigrant experience. During the year, the Society conducted historical research and collaborated with institutions and individuals to collect and share materials related to the Straus family, including participation in museum exhibitions and public presentations. The Society disseminated its research through newsletters, reports, educational seminars, and presentations at schools and public forums, and made materials available to researchers, authors, and students to support further study of American history. The Society continued its scholarship program, providing financial support to students consistent with its educational mission.
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
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 December 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 May 1999.
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.