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Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne

EIN 35-0992067 · Fort Wayne, IN

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood78 out of 100GovernanceStrong90 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

ARTS UNITED MOBILIZES RESOURCES TO DEVELOP, COORDINATE, AND SUPPORT ARTS AND CULTURE, ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND THE ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF NORTHEAST INDIANA.

Income
$9.8 million
Spending
$3.3 million
Spent on programs
75%
Reserves
8.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 71%
Employees
58
Volunteers
95
Highest pay
$141,957, president &

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

Good: 78 out of 100. Higher than 58% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 8.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 67% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 54% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    75% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 3 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: 90 out of 100. Higher than 49% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    29 of 29 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

    0 of 10

    Did not give 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 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)
  1. $1.2 million spent. CULTURAL DISTRICT: AU ACTIVATES AND DEVELOPS ARTS CAMPUS FORT WAYNE (ACFW), A STATE-DESIGNATED CULTURAL DISTRICT, GENERATING 40+ MILLION IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY ANNUALLY. -AU PARTNERS WITH LOCAL/STATE GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP AND PROMOTE ACFW, ENABLING PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS AND A COORDINATED APPROACH TO DEVELOPING THIS COMMUNITY AMENITY. -AU IS WORKING WITH THE CITY OF FORT WAYNE TO INCLUDE ACFW ON THE URBAN TRAIL, WHICH WILL IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIVITY AND ENHANCE VISIBILITY FOR ARTS AND CULTURE NONPROFITS. -AU MANAGES 4 FACILITIES WITH 8 LEASE-HOLDING TENANT ORGANIZATIONS. THE CITY OF FORT WAYNE AND ALLEN COUNTY CONTINUE THEIR ANNUAL INVESTMENT OF 750,000 TO SUSTAIN THE OPERATION OF THESE FACILITIES. AU OFFERS FULL- SERVICE LEASES AT A LOW RATE OF 5-7 PER SQ. FT.; COMPARABLE DOWNTOWN LEASES ARE 20-25 PER SQ. FT. AU OPERATES 2 PERFORMANCE VENUES, THE ARTS UNITED CENTER AND PARKVIEW PHYSICIANS GROUP ARTSLAB. -AU SPECIALIZES IN HELPING LOCAL ARTS ORGANIZATIONS TAKE THEIR PRODUCTIONS FROM CONCEPT-TO-AUDITION-TO-REHEARSAL-TO-CURTAIN BY PROVIDING AFFORDABLE, TAILORED, WRAPAROUND TECHNICAL THEATER EXPERTISE AND SUPPORT STAFF. CULTURAL DISTRICT: AU ACTIVATES AND DEVELOPS ARTS CAMPUS FORT WAYNE (ACFW), A STATE-DESIGNATED CULTURAL DISTRICT, GENERATING 40+ MILLION IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY ANNUALLY. -AU PARTNERS WITH LOCAL/STATE GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP AND PROMOTE ACFW, ENABLING PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS AND A COORDINATED APPROACH TO DEVELOPING THIS COMMUNITY AMENITY. -AU IS WORKING WITH THE CITY OF FORT WAYNE TO INCLUDE ACFW ON THE URBAN TRAIL, WHICH WILL IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIVITY AND ENHANCE VISIBILITY FOR ARTS AND CULTURE NONPROFITS. -AU MANAGES 4 FACILITIES WITH 8 LEASE-HOLDING TENANT ORGANIZATIONS. THE CITY OF FORT WAYNE AND ALLEN COUNTY CONTINUE THEIR ANNUAL INVESTMENT OF 750,000 TO SUSTAIN THE OPERATION OF THESE FACILITIES. AU OFFERS FULL- SERVICE LEASES AT A LOW RATE OF 5-7 PER SQ. FT.; COMPARABLE DOWNTOWN LEASES ARE 20-25 PER SQ. FT. AU OPERATES 2 PERFORMANCE VENUES, THE ARTS UNITED CENTER AND PARKVIEW PHYSICIANS GROUP ARTSLAB. -AU SPECIALIZES IN HELPING LOCAL ARTS ORGANIZATIONS TAKE THEIR PRODUCTIONS FROM CONCEPT-TO-AUDITION-TO-REHEARSAL-TO-CURTAIN BY PROVIDING AFFORDABLE, TAILORED, WRAPAROUND TECHNICAL THEATER EXPERTISE AND SUPPORT STAFF.
  2. $1.0 million spent. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: AU COORDINATES PARTNERSHIPS THAT SUPPORT ARTS ADVOCACY, CULTURAL PLANNING, COMMUNITY EVENTS, AND GRANT ADMINISTRATION. DIRECT SUPPORT IS PROVIDED TO PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH GRANT PROGRAMS. -IN 2024, AU ADMINISTERED 3 GRANT PROGRAMS, AWARDING 43 GRANTS TOTALING 260,161 TO SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS AND NONPROFITS. IN 2025, AU WILL CONTINUE TO ADMINISTER THESE GRANTS TO SUPPORT CREATIVE INITIATIVES. -AU IS THE REGION 3 ARTS PARTNER FOR THE INDIANA ARTS COMMISSION (IAC). IN THIS CAPACITY, AU FACILITATES GRANT MAKING FOR IAC'S ARTS ORGANIZATION SUPPORT AND ARTS PROJECT SUPPORT (APS). IN 2024, AU FACILITATED 45 AWARDS TOTALING 333,227. NEW IN 2025, APS WILL INCLUDE A 2ND FALL CYCLE. -AU PROVIDES INDIRECT SUPPORT BY GENERATING VISIBILITY AND ATTENDANCE FOR ARTS AND CULTURE ACTIVITIES. -EVENTS LIKE TASTE OF THE ARTS AND THE ARTS UNITED AWARDS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO FEATURE AND CELEBRATE THE ARTISTRY AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF LOCAL CREATIVES. -THE WEEKLY ARTS AND CULTURE FORECAST EMAIL AND CALENDAR ARE FREE RESOURCES THAT SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT UPCOMING ARTS AND CULTURE EVENTS. -THE ARTS CAMPUS FORT WAYNE (ACFW) SEASON BROCHURE IS A FREE, ANNUAL RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTING THE MISSIONS, PROGRAMS, AND SEASONS OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT PRESENT PERFORMANCES IN ACFW VENUES. THIS IS SHARED WITH LOCAL RETAIL SHOPS, HOTELS, AND RESTAURANTS, AS WELL AS REGIONAL VISITOR BUREAUS, TO HIGHLIGHT ARTS AND CULTURE IN FORT WAYNE. -ARTS AND CULTURE ARE VALUED IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES AND COMMUNITY PLANNING. VISIT FORT WAYNE LAUNCHED ITS MUSIC ECONOMY TASKFORCE IN SUPPORT OF THE ALLEN COUNTY TOGETHER PLAN (ACT), WHICH INCLUDES SUPPORT FOR THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF ACFW. THE NORTHEAST INDIANA REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY LAUNCHED ITS LEI ARTS CREATIVITY ECONOMY STUDY TO EXAMINE HOW TO STRENGTHEN THE CREATIVE SECTOR AS AN ECONOMIC CLUSTER SUPPORTING REGIONAL GROWTH. -AU IDENTIFIES AND FILLS GAPS THAT ARE NOT ADDRESSED BY LOCAL NONPROFITS OR GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. AU PARTNERS WITH THE CITY OF FORT WAYNE TO COORDINATE THE PUBLIC ART COMMISSION, WHICH GOVERNS THE CITY'S PUBLIC ART PROGRAM. -AU HAS A SUBSIDIARY LLC THAT PROVIDES FISCAL AGENCY FOR BOLD, NEW PROGRAMS AND IS EXPLORING A POTENTIAL PROGRAM TO UTILIZE THIS RESOURCE IN THE FUTURE. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: AU COORDINATES PARTNERSHIPS THAT SUPPORT ARTS ADVOCACY, CULTURAL PLANNING, COMMUNITY EVENTS, AND GRANT ADMINISTRATION. DIRECT SUPPORT IS PROVIDED TO PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH GRANT PROGRAMS. -IN 2024, AU ADMINISTERED 3 GRANT PROGRAMS, AWARDING 43 GRANTS TOTALING 260,161 TO SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS AND NONPROFITS. IN 2025, AU WILL CONTINUE TO ADMINISTER THESE GRANTS TO SUPPORT CREATIVE INITIATIVES. -AU IS THE REGION 3 ARTS PARTNER FOR THE INDIANA ARTS COMMISSION (IAC). IN THIS CAPACITY, AU FACILITATES GRANT MAKING FOR IAC'S ARTS ORGANIZATION SUPPORT AND ARTS PROJECT SUPPORT (APS). IN 2024, AU FACILITATED 45 AWARDS TOTALING 333,227. NEW IN 2025, APS WILL INCLUDE A 2ND FALL CYCLE. -AU PROVIDES INDIRECT SUPPORT BY GENERATING VISIBILITY AND ATTENDANCE FOR ARTS AND CULTURE ACTIVITIES. -EVENTS LIKE TASTE OF THE ARTS AND THE ARTS UNITED AWARDS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO FEATURE AND CELEBRATE THE ARTISTRY AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF LOCAL CREATIVES. -THE WEEKLY ARTS AND CULTURE FORECAST EMAIL AND CALENDAR ARE FREE RESOURCES THAT SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT UPCOMING ARTS AND CULTURE EVENTS. -THE ARTS CAMPUS FORT WAYNE (ACFW) SEASON BROCHURE IS A FREE, ANNUAL RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTING THE MISSIONS, PROGRAMS, AND SEASONS OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT PRESENT PERFORMANCES IN ACFW VENUES. THIS IS SHARED WITH LOCAL RETAIL SHOPS, HOTELS, AND RESTAURANTS, AS WELL AS REGIONAL VISITOR BUREAUS, TO HIGHLIGHT ARTS AND CULTURE IN FORT WAYNE. -ARTS AND CULTURE ARE VALUED IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES AND COMMUNITY PLANNING. VISIT FORT WAYNE LAUNCHED ITS MUSIC ECONOMY TASKFORCE IN SUPPORT OF THE ALLEN COUNTY TOGETHER PLAN (ACT), WHICH INCLUDES SUPPORT FOR THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF ACFW. THE NORTHEAST INDIANA REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY LAUNCHED ITS LEI ARTS CREATIVITY ECONOMY STUDY TO EXAMINE HOW TO STRENGTHEN THE CREATIVE SECTOR AS AN ECONOMIC CLUSTER SUPPORTING REGIONAL GROWTH. -AU IDENTIFIES AND FILLS GAPS THAT ARE NOT ADDRESSED BY LOCAL NONPROFITS OR GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. AU PARTNERS WITH THE CITY OF FORT WAYNE TO COORDINATE THE PUBLIC ART COMMISSION, WHICH GOVERNS THE CITY'S PUBLIC ART PROGRAM. -AU HAS A SUBSIDIARY LLC THAT PROVIDES FISCAL AGENCY FOR BOLD, NEW PROGRAMS AND IS EXPLORING A POTENTIAL PROGRAM TO UTILIZE THIS RESOURCE IN THE FUTURE.
  3. $247,977 spent. MEMBER SERVICES: AU FACILITATES ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FOR MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS, CREATING A CONNECTED, COLLABORATIVE, AND SUSTAINABLE SECTOR. -MEMBER SERVICES INCLUDES THE REGIONAL ARTS COUNCIL (RAC), BUSINESS SERVICES COUNCIL, AND AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, WHICH ARE MEMBER-LED AND DRIVEN, EACH WITH A CHAIR ELECTED ANNUALLY BY MEMBERS. -44 RAC MEMBERS BENEFIT FROM NETWORKING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES. PLANNED 2025 ACTIVITIES INCLUDE SESSIONS ON 401K OFFERINGS, PLANNED GIVING STRATEGIES, IDEA, AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE FOR EVENTS, AMONG OTHER TOPICS. -23 BUSINESS SERVICES COUNCIL MEMBERS UTILIZE COLLECTIVE PURCHASING POWER TO ACCESS AFFORDABLE HEALTH, DENTAL, AND LIFE INSURANCE, HEALTH SCREENINGS/VACCINATIONS, AN EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, WORKER'S COMPENSATION, GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE, PAYROLL PROCESSING, AND RETIREMENT PLANNING. AS A RESULT, MEMBERS CAN OFFER HIGH-QUALITY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS THAT SUPPORT PROMOTION AND RETENTION. -20 ARTSTIX COMMUNITY BOX OFFICE MEMBERS BENEFIT FROM A CENTRALIZED PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL ONE-STOP SHOP FOR TICKETING WITH BOX OFFICE STAFF WHO MANAGE TICKET SALES 7 DAYS A WEEK AND TRAVEL TO VENUES THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY. NEW THIS YEAR, AU WILL IMPLEMENT AND TRAIN MEMBERS ON NEW TICKETING SOFTWARE. MEMBER SERVICES: AU FACILITATES ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FOR MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS, CREATING A CONNECTED, COLLABORATIVE, AND SUSTAINABLE SECTOR. -MEMBER SERVICES INCLUDES THE REGIONAL ARTS COUNCIL (RAC), BUSINESS SERVICES COUNCIL, AND AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, WHICH ARE MEMBER-LED AND DRIVEN, EACH WITH A CHAIR ELECTED ANNUALLY BY MEMBERS. -44 RAC MEMBERS BENEFIT FROM NETWORKING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES. PLANNED 2025 ACTIVITIES INCLUDE SESSIONS ON 401K OFFERINGS, PLANNED GIVING STRATEGIES, IDEA, AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE FOR EVENTS, AMONG OTHER TOPICS. -23 BUSINESS SERVICES COUNCIL MEMBERS UTILIZE COLLECTIVE PURCHASING POWER TO ACCESS AFFORDABLE HEALTH, DENTAL, AND LIFE INSURANCE, HEALTH SCREENINGS/VACCINATIONS, AN EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, WORKER'S COMPENSATION, GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE, PAYROLL PROCESSING, AND RETIREMENT PLANNING. AS A RESULT, MEMBERS CAN OFFER HIGH-QUALITY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS THAT SUPPORT PROMOTION AND RETENTION. -20 ARTSTIX COMMUNITY BOX OFFICE MEMBERS BENEFIT FROM A CENTRALIZED PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL ONE-STOP SHOP FOR TICKETING WITH BOX OFFICE STAFF WHO MANAGE TICKET SALES 7 DAYS A WEEK AND TRAVEL TO VENUES THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY. NEW THIS YEAR, AU WILL IMPLEMENT AND TRAIN MEMBERS ON NEW TICKETING SOFTWARE.

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

  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 November 6, 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 2024.

    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 September 1958.

    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 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.