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Community Matters Cincinnati Inc

EIN 47-1191643 · Cincinnati, OH

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood72 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To build a thriving and more just community, Community Matters goes beyond the traditional nonprofit model by forming partnerships with our neighbors instead of viewing them only as clients to be provided a service. We believe our neighbors are experts in the needs and strengths of our community and should be the primary voice advocating for community needs and leading community initiatives.Alongside our neighbors, Community Matters currently focuses on four pillars of work: 1) Family Sustainability, all families have the resources to achieve their goals; 2) Education Pathways, adult learners have the opportunity to advance their knowledge and skills; 3) Community Leadership, residents spearhead community development and hold power in community institutions; and 4) Neighborhood Development, Lower Price Hill is an affordable and vibrant place to live.

Income
$1.8 million
Spending
$1.8 million
Spent on programs
92%
Reserves
2.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 79%
Employees
19
Volunteers
152
Highest pay
$112,911, executive director

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

Financial health

Good: 72 out of 100. Higher than 49% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    12 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 1% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 8% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    92% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 cents.

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

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    13 of 13 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

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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 June 30, 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 (4)
  1. $607,056 spent. Education Pathways The Education Pathways pillar seeks to ensure that all people in our community have access to the education necessary to accomplish their goals. Each year, we partner with 300-400 adult learners and offer free one-on-one tutoring to help them reach their goals to earn a high school equivalency, enroll and succeed in college, and advance their careers.
  2. $496,926 spent. Family Sustainability The Family Sustainability pillar exists to ensure that all families have the resources to achieve their goals. Each year, the Opportunity Hub program partners with 600 families as they navigate crises, stabilize after a crisis, and connect with opportunities that sustain their families long-term. Our Family Sustainability work also includes the Community Market, a choice food pantry supporting neighbors with non-perishable and fresh foods, personal care products, and household items.
  3. $338,743 spent. Neighborhood Development The Neighborhood Development pillar exists to ensure that all residents have affordable, high-quality housing, opportunities for resident-led businesses, and access to positive public spaces.Key investment areas include the Washing Well laundromat, a community led, affordable laundromat; The Sanctuary, a community event center; LPH Thrives, affordable housing and resident-owned business development; and Community Supported Housing, providing housing to our most vulnerable neighbors.
  4. $231,091 spent. Community Leadership The Community Leadership pillar invests directly in our neighbors as organizers and leaders of community initiatives. Within these initiatives, and across our entire organization, we are committed to evaluating existing power structures, engaging with our community, and compensating all people for their expertise and time. Current initiatives include The Collective, a group of residents who facilitate creative, community-based activities; the LPH Community Gardens and Clean & Green Team, projects where residents lead the upkeep of our community gardens and beautify the neighborhood; and the Neighborhood Action Team, a coalition of residents who organize community voice and develop community initiatives.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, 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 June 2025.

    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 October 2014.

    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.