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Merced Center for the Performing Arts

EIN 77-0367895 · Merced, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood88 out of 100GovernanceGood75 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To provide instruction in the performing arts and to give public performances to display these and other art forms.

Income
$449,579
Spending
$396,288
Spent on programs
93%
Reserves
7.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 90%
Employees
21

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 31, 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 (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 7.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 12% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 8% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    93% of spending went to programs.

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

Governance

Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 52% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no 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.

  • 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 July 31, 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 (1)
  1. $366,932 spent. During the reporting year, Playhouse Merced Merced Center for the Performing Arts advanced its charitable mission by providing accessible performing arts experiences and arts education, with a strong emphasis on youth, families, and community engagement. Primary Program: Community Theatre, Dance & Arts Education Playhouse Merceds primary program encompassed live theatrical productions, dance instruction, youth theatre education, and school-based outreach designed to foster creativity, confidence, and cultural participation. Accomplishments during the year included: Mainstage Theatre Productions: The organization produced multiple full-scale mainstage theatrical productions presented to the public. These performances provided affordable access to live theatre while creating opportunities for local artists, technicians, and volunteers to participate in professionally supported community productions. Youth Theatre & Conservatory Programming: Playhouse Merced offered ongoing youth theatre classes and conservatory-style programming focused on acting, voice, movement, and ensemble work. Programs served children and teens and emphasized collaboration, creative expression, and social-emotional development. Dance Education Classes: The organization provided dance instruction for youth, expanding access to performing arts education beyond theatre and supporting physical expression, discipline, and artistic growth. School District & After-School Outreach: In partnership with the local school district, Playhouse Merced delivered after-school performing arts programming and outreach activities that brought theatre and dance education directly to students, increasing arts access for families who may not otherwise be able to participate in fee-based programs. Scholarships & Community Access: To ensure equitable participation, the organization offered scholarships and reduced-cost enrollment opportunities for qualifying students and families, helping remove financial barriers to arts education. Volunteer & Community Engagement: Playhouse Merced engaged community volunteers in productions, classes, and events, strengthening civic involvement and expanding the organizations capacity to deliver programming. Through these activities, Playhouse Merced fulfilled its exempt purpose by enriching the cultural life of the community, expanding access to the performing arts, and providing meaningful arts education opportunities for youth and families.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 31, 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 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 July 2025.

    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 October 1995.

    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.

  7. Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.

    A much larger organization has a similar name: Mann Center for the Performing Arts (Philadelphia, PA), EIN 23-1473884. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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.