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Jefferson Center for Learning & the Arts

EIN 51-0136114 · Columbus, OH

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak45 out of 100GovernanceStrong97 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

THE JEFFERSON CENTER OWNS AND OPERATES HISTORIC AND NEWLY DEVELOPED PROPERTIES THAT SUPPORT A COMMUNITY OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. WE ALSO LEASE SUPPORTIVE HOUSING TO INDIVIDUALS DIAGNOSED WITH MENTAL ILLNESS OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER AND TO FAMILIES RESIDING WITH SUCH INDIVIDUALS.

Income
$799,278
Spending
$1.1 million
Spent on programs
89%
Reserves
-6.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 78%
Employees
5
Volunteers
41
Highest pay
$161,164, executive di

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: 45 out of 100. Higher than 14% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 11% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 37% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 5% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    89% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 6 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

Strong: 97 out of 100. Higher than 91% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    17 of 17 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

    12 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • 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 (1)
  1. $971,665 spent. USING REAL ESTATE AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION AS CATALYSTS FOR SOCIAL CHANGE, THE JEFFERSON CENTER FOR LEARNING & THE ARTS REVITALIZES PROPERTIES AND NEIGHBORHOODS THROUGH THE REDEVELOPMENT OF NEGLECTED HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND UNDERUTILIZED LAND. WE WORK TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE NONPROFIT SECTOR BY DEVELOPING VIBRANT, AFFORDABLE SPACES, BECAUSE WHEN CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS CAN SAVE MONEY ON OVERHEAD COSTS, THEY HAVE MORE TO ALLOCATE TO THE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT DIRECTLY IMPACT INDIVIDUALS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES. WE ALSO LEASE SUPPORTIVE HOUSING TO INDIVIDUALS DIAGNOSED WITH MENTAL ILLNESS OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER AND TO FAMILIES RESIDING WITH SUCH INDIVIDUALS.

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 November 6, 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 August 1975.

    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 November 4, 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.