Smart Kinston City Project Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
TO ALLOW THE PUBLIC AND ORGANIZATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE REVITALIZATION OF CERTAIN DOWNTOWN AREAS IN ORDER TO ATTRACT CERTAIN CREATIVE WORKFORCES AND CULTURAL TOURISTS.
- Income
- $98,433
- Spending
- $60,266
- Reserves
- 28 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 86% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, under $250k).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 28.0 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 39% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 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 (1)
- $60,266 spent. With relocation of first artists, smART Kinston has begun to see the fruits of its reparatory work. Applications continue to come in as we shape the Arts and Cultural District into the focal point of Kinston's revitalization efforts. Construction on Arts Riverwalk and neighborhood entrance has begun and will soon solidify district as a destination. Recruitment of artists continues. Promotion of project has received much local media attention, but soon will grow into regional and statewide publicity as scope of recruitment reach increases. Continued support from local businesses has broadened reach of recruitment efforts. Construction on public art entrance to neighborhood is complete and partnerships with legacy non-profits have led to proceeds sharing from local events and joint initiatives. The Arts Council, Cooperative Extension and public school system collaborating to make entrance part of school curricula. Donation from Committee of 100 shows willingness of local leaders of commerce to invest in the district, which they view as an arts-based business incubator. Community college partnership continues to provide resource for artists starting their first businesses. Continued support from restaurateurs and other business owners, both financially and through promotion, has led to an upswing in tours of the neighborhood and conversations with additional stakeholders about future partnerships.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.
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.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since July 2014.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.