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Continuo Arts Foundation Inc

EIN 65-1320288 · Summit, NJ

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair53 out of 100GovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

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

Music Education Performance and Exposure

Income
$302,133
Spending
$306,046
Spent on programs
24%
Reserves
2.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 55%
Employees
2
Volunteers
60
Highest pay
$62,000, 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

Fair: 53 out of 100. Higher than 21% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 4% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 1% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 6% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    0 of 15

    24% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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: 91 out of 100. Higher than 79% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    5 of 5 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

    6 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 (5)
  1. $25,423 spent. CAF Choral Program - The Continuo Arts ten choral ensembles experienced continued growth in 2024. All of the ensembles grew in size to approximately one hundred and forty-four members and families being served each week. Ensembles were featured in large scale local concerts as well as numerous community service appearances. As a result of large enrollment, curriculum for the three children's choir ensembles was adapted and faculty enlarged. Working in partnership with members, patrons, corporate and private sponsors, Continuo Arts continued true to our mission by making possible the education, performance and composition of music in ways which might otherwise be considered too unique or too expensive to be ordinarily under taken; giving precedence to considerations of quality over those of quantity; to artistic rather than to economic values and to opportunity over expediency.
  2. $14,331 spent. CAF Conservatory - The Continuo Arts Conservatory provided private instruction in voice, piano and a variety of instruments. Private studies culminated in a recital featuring the private students enrolled at the conservatory. A staff of exemplary working musicians, most with Master's to Doctorate degrees are committed to the artistic growth and success of each individual student. Lessons take place in our conservatory studios.
  3. $8,071 spent. Broadway and Beyond - The Broadway and Beyond program ran its three-week musical theater intensive in collaboration with Rad Theatricals, a nearby musical theater company. The intensive culminated in an abridged production of the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
  4. $23,739 spent. Performances - Continuo Arts produced two major shows in 2024 in Summit, New Jersey, both involving the organizations full membership with a live orchestra. Additionally, choristers appeared at Carnegie Hall to sing for internationally renowned conductor, John Rutter. The organization also held two fundraisers in 2024, the Annual Fund Cabaret and the Annual Gala, both featuring various performers from within the membership. Youth Choir ensembles were featured at the Annual Gala along with soloists and a Benny Goodman-style Big Band. Production levels, audience development, participation and public reception vastly surpassed expectations, with the 2024 Gala being the best attended in the history of the organization.
  5. $1,305 spent. Flute Choir - In 2024, Continuo Arts began a flute choir program. This program featured several flautists performing together and individually during the organization's performances.

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 September 2008.

    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.