Passes our checks

Open Center for the Arts

EIN 38-3936972 · Chicago, IL

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

What it says it does

To provide a space where all can come together to share, showcase, and refine their artistice talents while connecting their growth to the community.

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

Weak: 46 out of 100. Higher than 15% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

Reserves
4 of 35
Spendable reserves would cover 0.2 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20
It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15
Spending exceeded income by 11% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15
Income fell 7% on the year before.
Spending floor
8 of 15
57% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.

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

Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 79% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

Independent board
25 of 25
5 of 5 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.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15
Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)

$60,000 spent. Artecito is a bimonthly workshp presented via zoom and in person at different community locations. This project was created in collaborati with Lincoln Park Zoo and presented 26 workshops in the last calendar year. Participants explore different plants and wildlife through a presentation and reinforced through the Arts.
$50,000 spent. La Plaza de Marshall Square, a community-led vision to transform one of Chicagos historic boulevards into a vibrant public plaza inspired plazas and central gardens found throughout the world. Residents have consistently shared the importance of green spaces, public gathering areas, and family centered environments. La Plaza seeks to honor these traditions while crating a welcoming and culturally rooted public space in Marshall Square.
$21,285 spent. The LAWNDALE Project serves as a bridge between North Lawndale and South Lawndale communities, harnessing the transformative power of the Arts to foster connection and unity. By bringing these neighbohoods together, the project seeks to create a cohesive community where residents can celebrate their shared heritage and creativity.

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

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 October 13, 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 September 2025.
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 January 2021.
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 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.