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Big Dawg Theatre Company Inc

EIN 33-3494141 · Wilmington, NC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak46 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To enrich our community through dynamic theater experiences that inspire, educate, and entertain. Vision: A vibrant, inclusive space where stories come alive and creativity thrives. Big Dawg Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to producing high-quality live performances, offering educational programs, and fostering a supportive creative space for artists and audiences alike.

Income
$113,609
Spending
$115,422
Reserves
0.6 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 65%
Highest pay
$18,000, artistic director

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

Financial health

Weak: 46 out of 100. Higher than 17% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.6 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 2% of income.

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

Governance

This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.

Source: Form 990EZ 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 (3)
  1. Big Dawg Theatre Company produced a full season of plays that brought divers, thought-provoking, and artistically ambitious work to audiences in Wilmington, NC.
  2. Through accessible ticket pricing, community partnerships, and targeted outreach, Big Dawg Theatre Company ensured that high-quality theatre remained available to residents across socioeconomic backgrounds. The company facilitated talkbacks, community discussions, and post-show converssations that deepened audience understanding of the themes presented onstage. These programs encouraged civic dialogue, historical awareness, and cultural literacy.
  3. $1,837 spent. Big Dawg Theatre Company continued its commitment to bold programming by staging contemporary plays, regional premieres, and artistically challenging works that spark converstation. Productions such as White Rabbit, Red Rabbit and The Hermit of Fort Fisher invited audiences to engage with innovative storytelling and historically rooted narratives unique to this region.

Source: Form 990EZ 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 May 2025.

    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.