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Contemporary Arts Center

EIN 31-0590095 · Cincinnati, OH

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair68 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The CAC is a lab for understanding ourselves, others, and the world around us through the experience and creation of all contemporary art forms.

Income
$2.7 million
Spending
$4.4 million
Spent on programs
71%
Reserves
10.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 88%
Employees
56
Volunteers
42
Highest pay
$171,539, executive director - exit 01/25

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

Financial health

Fair: 68 out of 100. Higher than 44% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 10.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 5% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 63% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 15% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    71% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 25 cents.

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

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    16 of 16 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 August 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 (5)
  1. $1.5 million spent. As the premier venue in the Cincinnati region for contemporary art, the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) is a place for displaying, learning about, and making art. The CAC's exhibition program catalyzes dialogue and discovery in Greater Cincinnati by presenting five to seven major exhibitions of cutting-edge contemporary art each year to over 35,000 individuals in our Zaha Hadid-designed building located in the center of downtown Cincinnati.
  2. $1.1 million spent. The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) aims to provide critical reflection and interpretation of today's culture, challenge conventional wisdom and experience, encourage social engagement, preserve cultural history, and create experiences for connecting with others. The CAC produces a range of educational programs that aid our visitors in exploring and engaging with our exhibitions. These reach more than 19,000 individuals of all ages and backgrounds, including roughly 3,000 underserved Cincinnati teens. Educational programs for students and teachers feature content aligned with state and national academic standards. Other programs are designed for homeschooled children, teens, adult learners, and seniors experiencing memory loss. Additionally, the CAC's Creativity Center is an interactive art gallery and hands-on art-making space that serves communities of all incomes and backgrounds across Greater Cincinnati.
  3. $291,750 spent. The Contemporary Arts Center's (CAC) Visitor Experience program ensures an accessible, welcoming, and engaging first point of contact for all guests. Through front desk admissions, and visitor assistance, the team provides highquality customer service that enhances each guest's interaction with the CAC's exhibitions and programs. Visitor Experience staff help connect individuals with contemporary art by facilitating smooth entry, answering questions, and supporting an inclusive and visitorcentered environment.
  4. $216,151 spent. The CAC's gift shop offers artinspired merchandise and publications that extend the visitor experience and promote engagement with contemporary art. In addition, the CAC provides versatile event and venue rental options that serve the community and generate missionsupporting revenue.
  5. (Expenses $ 216,151 including grants of $)(Revenue $ 32,441) The CAC's gift shop offers artinspired merchandise and publications that extend the visitor experience and promote engagement with contemporary art. In addition, the CAC provides versatile event and venue rental options that serve the community and generate missionsupporting revenue.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 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 August 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 July 1940.

    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.