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Strawdog Theatre Company

EIN 36-3602224 · Chicago, IL

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak15 out of 100GovernanceFair59 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

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

Strawdog Theatre Company's mission is to enrich the lives of our community, our audiences, and our artists with dynamic, intimate theatre experiences, crafted through compassion, inclusivity, and ingenuity.

Income
$40,392
Spending
$54,890
Spent on programs
69%
Reserves
-2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 44%
Employees
0
Volunteers
24
Highest pay
$824, executive artistic director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Weak: 15 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

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

  • Debt

    0 of 20

    It owes 223% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 36% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 60% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    69% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 59 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    5 of 5 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.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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. $35,238 spent. Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins is our annual holiday show adapted from the book by one of our ensemble members. The program held appeal for families and members of the Jewish community, and this was our 7th year producing the piece. The show ran from December 14, 2024 through January 5, 2025.
  2. $1,100 spent. Much Ado About Nothing: The Ides Reunion Episode, was a sequel to our previous year's experimental 40 minute, multi-media take on Julius Caesar. The show was a 90s reality show retelling of Much Ado About Nothing, performed at local bar, Burke's Public House 5401 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL, 60640. What happens when four young lovers get locked into a house for the weekend and the cameras start rolling? Drugs, alcohol, brawls and makeups, and a whole lot of producer intervention makes. Every Wednesday in March 5 - April 2, 2025
  3. $1,275 spent. Strawdog Presents Hit Factory 2025: Cruel Cruel Summer - An audio bananarama for your eyes - Hit Factory is Strawdog's home grown writing initiative focused on audio drama and comedy. Thursday June 26th we presented 3 'classic' Hit Factory Scripts written by Ensemble Member Aly Renee Amidei, Ensemble Emeritus Anita Deely and longtime friend of the theatre Brett Neveu.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since January 1989.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 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.