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Warnors Center for the Performingarts

EIN 20-8031412 · Fresno, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair58 out of 100GovernanceFair50 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To renovate and preserve the historic theater, offer cultural arts programming to the community and revitalize cultural arts district in downtown Fresno

Income
$1.3 million
Spending
$1.3 million
Spent on programs
69%
Reserves
-1.6 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 80%
Employees
27
Highest pay
$90,692, president

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: 58 out of 100. Higher than 30% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 7% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 0% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 41% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    69% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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

Fair: 50 out of 100. Higher than 7% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    11 of 12 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no 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

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    0 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 (1)
  1. $898,602 spent. Warnors Center for the Performing Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration, operation, and community activation of the historic Warnors Theatre and associated venues in Downtown Fresno, California. The organization stewards a historic 1928 theater listed on the National, State, and Local Historic Registries and continues ongoing restoration and preservation efforts for the approximately 90,000-square-foot facility, including maintenance of one of Californias few remaining original and operational Robert Morton theater pipe organs. During the fiscal year, the organization welcomed approximately 30,000 attendees through a wide range of arts, educational, cultural, and community programming serving Fresno and the greater Central Valley. Efforts throughout the year focused on expanding access to the arts and strengthening the theaters role as a community gathering space serving diverse audiences. Programming included hosting Danzantes Unidos, a multi-day Mexican Folklrico cultural event featuring dance classes, performances, and community celebrations with participants from across the region. The organization also continued its partnership with Chanticleer Shakespeare Co., Fresnos first and only professional Shakespeare repertory company, which utilized the venue for auditions, rehearsals, and performances, including a multi-week production of The Tempestfeaturing live musical collaboration with members of the Fresno Philharmonic. Warnors additionally served as a performance venue for Shine Theatre, a Black-led nonprofit theater organization presenting contemporary musical theater productions for Central Valley audiences. Educational and youth-centered programming included University High Schools annual Magic of the Arts showcase involving participation from more than 500 students, as well as regional youth dance events including including Curtain Call Dance Competition and Fly Dance Competition, which brought hundreds of young performers and families to the theater. The organization also hosted community milestone events, including student graduation ceremonies for local educational institutions such as UEI College, providing a historic gathering space for community celebrations and civic engagement. The organization continued its quarterly Historic Robert Morton Pipe Organ concert series, preserving and showcasing a rare historic instrument while providing arts access and cultural education opportunities for audiences of all ages. In addition to the main theater, the organization operates the Star Palace Ballroom and Franks Place community venues, which support school events, nonprofit programming, cultural gatherings, comedy performances, and other community activities. Together, these spaces further the organizations mission of promoting historic preservation, arts access, cultural enrichment, education, and community engagement throughout Downtown Fresno and the Central Valley.

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 October 13, 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 March 2007.

    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 October 21, 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.