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Short North Alliance Inc

EIN 45-4891723 · Columbus, OH

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak33 out of 100GovernanceGood85 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • Raising each dollar of donations cost 191 cents.

These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.

What it says it does

THE MISSION OF THE SHORT NORTH ALLIANCE IS TO NURTURE THE SHORT NORTH ARTS DISTRICT AS A VIBRANT, CREATIVE, AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY AND LEADING ARTS DESTINATION.

Income
$2.8 million
Spending
$3.0 million
Spent on programs
80%
Reserves
0.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 99%
Employees
8
Volunteers
500
Highest pay
$162,412, 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

Weak: 33 out of 100. Higher than 6% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    10 of 20

    It owes 41% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 6% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 5% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    0 of 15

    80% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 191 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 39% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    21 of 21 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. Short North Arts District Promotional Programs: Expenditures in this area include the development, installation, and maintenance of temporary and permanent Public Art Projects; the design, development, and implementation of Short North Arts District-wide Seasonal/Holiday Promotional Campaigns; the sale and distribution of merchandise and informational materials for the Short North Arts District; group tours; and the administration of a Friends of the Short North program to engage off High Street businesses more deeply in the Short North community. Collectively these programs allow the Short North Alliance to further its mission to build the Short North Arts District into a leading arts destination.
  2. $889,789 spent. Improvements, Maintenance & Safety Programs: Expenditures in this area include operation of a full service, comprehensive clean & safe program for the Short North Arts District, the Short North Crime Interdiction Program, leading the development of major physical improvements to the public space in the Short North Arts District, and managing implementation of and maintenance of landscaping in the Short North Arts District. Collectively these programs allow the Short North Alliance to maintain and grown the vibrancy of the Short North Arts District.
  3. $345,914 spent. Short North Arts District Parking Programs & Kiosk Programs: Expenditures in this category include several services which help district visitors and employees obtain information, support, and other services to park in the Short North Arts District, wayfind in and around the Short North Arts District, and obtain mobility options in the Short North Arts District.
  4. $66,396 spent. Short North Arts District Events: Expenditures in this category include several highly visible, long standing community events to further the Short North Alliances mission to nurture the Short North Arts District as a vibrant, creative, and inclusive community. These events include: The Monthly Short North Gallery Hop, Highball, Halloween, and the Short North Gala.
  5. Short North Arts District Events: Expenditures in this category include several 66396. 0. 324708.

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 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 December 2024.

    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 May 2012.

    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.