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Api Cultural Center Inc

EIN 73-1649335 · Oakland, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood88 out of 100GovernanceGood73 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Oakland Asian Cultural Center builds vibrant communities through Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) arts and cultural programs that foster intergenerational and cross-cultural dialogue, cultural identity, collaborations, and social justice.API Cultural Center, Inc. dba Oakland Asian Cultural Center believes that culture and heritage play a critical role in building and maintaining vibrant and healthy communities. The Center showcases a wide range of cultural and artistic expression including dance,literature,music and the visual arts. OACC serves as a resource for understanding the legacy of Asians and Pacific Islanders and their unique influences on the cultural identities and enrichment of our communities and to build bridges of understanding among all communities

Income
$1.1 million
Spending
$1.1 million
Spent on programs
67%
Reserves
12.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 41%
Employees
9
Volunteers
50
Highest pay
$100,943, executive dir.

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

Good: 88 out of 100. Higher than 73% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 12.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 7% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 3% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 7% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    67% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 17 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

Good: 73 out of 100. Higher than 49% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    14 of 14 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

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • 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 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 (3)
  1. $416,425 spent. Community arts/cultural programs- includes programs that directly serve and integrate the community in bringing the highest quality Asian and Pacific American arts and culture programming to OACC, such as presentations & talks, film screenings, and exhibitions via on-site and online recording and streaming platforms. Artist support programs include OACCs Artist in Residence which fosters emerging and established local APA artists in creating new works which are then premiered at an event. OACC also offers affordable facility rentals to the public and community-based organizations (CBOs). OACC often presents programs in collaboration with community partners who use space at cost or no cost.
  2. $170,351 spent. Cultural Heritage Programs-Include programs that preserve Asian and Pacific Islander history, culture and heritage. This includes organizing annual festivals (Lunar New Year Celebration and Full Moon Festival), exhibitions, artist demonstrations, and workshops.
  3. $149,337 spent. Youth/Family programsincludes programs that focus specifically on providing children and youth the opportunity to learn more about Asian Pacific Islander culture, history, and artistic heritage. Programs include School Tours and off-site Community Outreach Programs, and weekly language, performing, and visual art classes.

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

  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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.

  4. 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.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since January 2003.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.