Joseph Avenue Arts and Culture Alliance Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Only 24% of its spending went to programs.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
The Joseph Avenue Arts and Culture Alliance provides dynamic arts and cultural experiences for underserved families and youth in a safe, inspiring place for artistic expression-instilling pride and serving as a catalyst for community transformation.
- Income
- $213,744
- Spending
- $215,452
- Spent on programs
- 24%
- Reserves
- 3.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 71%
- Employees
- 1
- Volunteers
- 11
- Highest pay
- $79,735, 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
Fair: 58 out of 100. Higher than 28% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 3.9 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 1% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 2% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1524% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 40 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 92% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Independent board
25 of 2511 of 11 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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)
- $9,421 spent. The Rising Stars program is JAACA's signature education series designed to inspire and empower children and families through hands-on, high-quality arts instruction. Focused on underserved populations in the Joseph Avenue neighborhood, the program offers free dance and music education to elementary and pre-teen participants. A cornerstone of the series is the 10-week Bucket Drumming classes and Dance Fusion classes taught by instructors from The Hochstein School, culminating in the ROCstarz Celebration: a public performance that showcases students' talents and growth.
- $5,686 spent. Presented as part of the Rochester Fringe Festival, "Cirque 101" is a family-friendly event that introduces audiences of all ages to the thrilling world of circus arts. This free workshop, held over two Saturdays, features professional teaching-artists skilled in the circus arts and juggling in a vibrant and interactive format. Cirque 101 includes hands-on learning opportunities for youth and families, offering a safe and inclusive environment to explore balance, coordination, and creativity.
- $4,412 spent. Debut Artists is JAACA's performance series that shines a spotlight on exceptional emerging talent from across the region and beyond. Each event introduces new paraprofessional performers to Rochester audiences. Past performers have included classical vocalists, chamber ensembles, jazz trios, and solo instrumentalists, each bringing a fresh perspective and an inspiring story to the stage. Hosted in intimate community venues, the series offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and connection between artists and audiences, free for all to attend.
- $31,270 spent. There were other small programs that occured during the year.
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
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 June 2025.
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 April 2015.
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.