Passes our checks

Hippodrome State Theatre Inc

EIN 59-1590987 · Gainesville, FL

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

What it says it does

Artistic performances and education in the theatre arts.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Fair: 51 out of 100. Higher than 23% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

Reserves
4 of 35
Spendable reserves would cover 0.3 months of spending.
Debt
10 of 20
It owes 33% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15
Income exceeded spending by 1% 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 10 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Good: 77 out of 100. Higher than 28% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

Independent board
18 of 25
3 of 3 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.
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 July 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)

$1.4 million spent. MAIN STAGE - Encompasses the production of an annual series of major theatrical performances, generally running from September through June. Being the only professional theater in the area, it establishes Gainesville as a cultural hub in the region and provides the community with the opportunity to view new and challenging works, expand their artistic awareness, and experience high-quality productions by Award-Winning designers and playwrights.
$107,960 spent. Education Programs - Internationally recognized teen and pre-teen arts-based prevention and intervention programs, service learning programs in which teens write and perform issues based works for their peers, and classes and workshops conducted for both children and adults interested in studying theater and film. The theater also offers an internship program in which local students and recent graduates may gain experience and prove themselves in a professional theater environment.
$95,061 spent. CINEMA - Shows of limited release, first run cinema productions and film festivals. Provides an opportunity for the showing of independent art films, documentaries, and foreign films that would not otherwise be available to the general public. Often features live interview sessions during which audience members may interact with directors, screen writers, and community figures related to the films.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

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 July 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 October 1975.
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.