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Kennedy Heights Art Center

EIN 45-0477749 · Cincinnati, OH

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood75 out of 100GovernanceGood85 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To enhance the life of the surrounding community through arts and cultural experiences that embrace diversity, foster creativity and build community.

Income
$1.6 million
Spending
$1.4 million
Spent on programs
92%
Reserves
2.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 63%
Employees
35
Volunteers
157
Highest pay
$78,717, executive director

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: 75 out of 100. Higher than 54% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 10% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 12% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 35% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    92% 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

Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 38% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    12 of 12 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

    0 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 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 (5)
  1. $1.1 million spent. Kennedy Heights Arts Center (KHAC) provided a wide range of arts education programs for youth and adults on our campus. Through classes, workshops, summer camps, and artist residencies, students learned from and worked alongside professional artists in a variety of artforms such as drawing and painting, ceramics, fiber arts, design, music, dance and creative writing. In addition KHAC partnered with three public elementary schools to fuel creativity and learning through arts integration, fine art field studies, after-school programs, and teacher professional development training. In partnership with Cincinnati Public Schools, KHAC provided an after-school Jazz Academy offering free transportation, instruments, private and ensemble instruction, and performance opportunities for 140 students in grades 4-12. Through the facilitation of Tellus Zine, an online publication of art and writing by teens, for teens; and Teen Artists for Change, students in grades 7-12 were empowered to use their creative skills to make a difference in their community.
  2. $145,918 spent. Kennedy Heights Arts Center presented 9 art exhibitions in its Kennedy and Lindner Galleries. Highlights included: Chapter 2: A Subtle Farewell to the Inner Child, Gee Hortons solo exhibition exploring themes of Black identity and belonging; Printed Voices from India, an exhibition curated by SOS Art featuring prints by 97 contemporary printmakers from India; Hearts of Liberation, a group show curated by Asha the Artist delving into the profound concept of Radical Black Love; and KHAC 20th anniversary exhibition, featuring work by 20 artists who have helped shape the arts center. Cincinnati, KHAC presented When Liberation Comes featuring ten commissioned new works by Black artists exploring the promises and realities of freedom in our country.
  3. $64,013 spent. Kennedy Heights Arts Center partnered with Juneteenth Cincinnati on the 4th Annual Voices of Freedom, a free visual and performing arts series celebrating Black arts and culture. In addition, KHAC presented a number of other free community events for area residents, including Play in the Park, a series of weekly summer arts and music events in Kennedy Heights Park; jazz concerts; spoken word open mic; and Winterfest celebration.
  4. $33,964 spent. Kennedy Heights Arts Center supports an artist collective which fosters artistic growth and creative collaboration for local artists who are committed to building community. Activities included: monthly artist salons, a members art exhibition, and participation in community events.
  5. Kennedy Heights Arts Center supports an artist collective which fosters 33964. 0. 34935.

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 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 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 June 2004.

    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.