Creative Washtenaw
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It owes more than it owns.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
To advocate for and provide support services to artists creative workers organizations businesses educational and government entities to ensure that Washtenaw County Michigan - the greater Ann Arbor area - remains a great place for all to create live work learn play and visit.
- Income
- $222,447
- Spending
- $263,859
- Spent on programs
- 75%
- Reserves
- -5.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 50%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 0
- Highest pay
- $46,136, president-ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 15 out of 100. Higher than 4% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
0 of 20It owes 266% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 19% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15Income fell 67% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1575% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 20 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 94 out of 100. Higher than 90% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Independent board
25 of 256 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
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
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, 2024, 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)
- $56,059 spent. Creative Washtenaw is dedicated to advancing the arts through public art installations and design projects in collaboration with local artists. By transforming public spaces we aim to enrich the cultural landscape encourage artistic expression and build a more vibrant community. Our initiatives not only beautify neighborhoods but also foster creativity and engagement among residents creating a lasting impact on the communitys cultural identity.
- $89,856 spent. Creative Washtenaw provides essential support to artists creatives and cultural organizations in Washtenaw by offering business guidance valuable resources relief programs and networking opportunities. Through our customized assistance we aim to cultivate a dynamic creative community empowering individuals to flourish and contribute significantly to the cultural richness of the region.
- $51,411 spent. Creative Washtenaw plays a vital role in supporting local artists by overseeing government grants which are pivotal in nurturing a dynamic creative environment. Through the management of grant initiatives and the provision of essential connections to valuable resources Creative Washtenaw empowers artists to embark on projects that contribute significantly to the cultural richness of the region. This proactive approach not only benefits individual artists but also enhances the overall artistic vibrancy and diversity of the community.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 October 13, 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 November 6, 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 October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since September 2008.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.