San Diego Theatre Critics Circle
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The San Diego Theatre Critics Circle is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to reviewing and honoring the top achievements in San Diego professional theater. The organization is made up of 9 professional theater critics who write about theater throughout the year, then vote to choose the top achievements. Each February, a ceremony is held to honor the top performances, direction, design and productions and cash awards totaling $2750 or are given in the categories of achievements by a small theater and youth critics. The event draws 400 people. We give away 30 percent of all tickets free to nominees, youth writers and volunteers. The cost to present the ceremony and pay for award plaques and scholarships is raised through a 50-50 mix of donations and ticket sales. The board and all members are volunteers. In addition to the awards ceremony, our members teach about theater criticism in high schools and judge theater competitions and have a newsletter and podcast.
- Income
- $351
- Spending
- $2,750
- Reserves
- 117.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending February 28, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending February 28, 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 February 28, 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 (1)
- Each February nominations are selected in up to 25 categories of theatrical excellence and an awards program in San Diego. Nearly 400 people attend the open-to-all event. All nominated artists receive free tickets, which are underwritten by donors and ticket sales. The awards are coveted by the local artists because it helps them get other work and theater companies use the awards as a way to establish a pattern of excellence when applying for grants. This year we awarded a $600 scholarship to the winners of our Young Critics writing competition for high school and college age students. We also awarded a $1,000 grant to the winner of the most outstanding achievement by a small theater (under 99 seats).
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending February 28, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
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 February 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 March 2008.
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.