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Local Color

EIN 47-3980272 · Campbell, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceGood78 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Local Colors mission is to build equitable pathways for local artists and creatives to thrive. We meet our mission by facilitating equitably paid projects for artists; acquiring and developing affordable workspace for local creatives;(Continued at Schedule O, Note 06.)

Income
$1.5 million
Spending
$1.4 million
Spent on programs
74%
Reserves
6 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 64%
Employees
11
Volunteers
100
Highest pay
$89,483, 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

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 81% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 6% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 4% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 6% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    74% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 11 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: 78 out of 100. Higher than 29% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    8 of 9 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

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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 (4)
  1. $535,541 spent. Creative Services. In 2024, Local Colors Creative Services program supported the creation of over 20,000 square feet of murals across 36 projects, directly engaging 64 local artists. These public and private commissions included highly visible installations in San Jos, Milpitas, and San Mateo, bringing vibrancy to commercial corridors and community hubs alike. In addition to mural production, this program expanded capacity by hiring a second full-time team member, allowing Local Color to meet growing demand for high-quality public art. Highlights include mural restoration work in partnership with the San Jos Downtown Association and the stewardship of beloved pieces such as Threads Woven by Jimmy Paints and Recuerdos del Este by Edgar Ochoa. This work advanced the organizations mission by increasing artist compensation, expanding access to public art, and reinvesting in the cultural infrastructure of the city.
  2. $261,247 spent. Creative Spaces. In 2024, Local Color provided over 23,000 square feet of affordable, collaborative workspace to 40 artists and 7 creative organizations across San Jos. Through the Creative Spaces program, Local Color ensured ongoing access to safe, functional space for creative production, rehearsal, and exhibition. noble workshop & gallery, served as both an artist studio and a community gathering space. Monthly exhibitions at noble showcased the work of over 205 regional artists The program also expanded programming access to residents of the Arya affordable housing complex, deepening its commitment to equitable access to the arts. In a city facing rising commercial rents and displacement, Creative Spaces remains a cornerstone of Local Colors mission to build infrastructure where artists can thrive.
  3. $237,193 spent. Creative Experiences. Local Colors Creative Experiences program delivered 31 immersive art workshops and community events in 2024, designed and led by 25 local creatives. These experiences reached over 1,000 participants, including corporate teams, K-12 students, and community groups. The program fostered creative expression, wellness, and connection through hands-on activities such as botanical decoupage, clay sculpture, and communal painting. The program also cultivated long-term partnerships with organizations like Google, the Tech Interactive, and Foster the Bay, subsidizing more than $8,000 in programming costs. The Creative Experiences program continues to diversify earned revenue while offering inclusive, accessible art-making opportunities across generations.
  4. Continued from Part I, Line 1, and Part III, Line 1: ... and coaching and supporting local artists as they launch, maintain, and grow their arts and social entrepreneurship practices to be sustainable; while celebrating, educating, and advocate for the value of the artist in the community.

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 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 December 2024.

    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 July 2015.

    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.