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Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble

EIN 80-0948665 · Elizabeth, NJ

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair54 out of 100GovernanceFair59 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

EYTE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality theater education and performance opportunities to the youth of Elizabeth, promoting artistic expression, personal growth, and community engagement. The Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble's mission is centered upon strengthening the voices of young artists. Utilizing theater-arts based curricula, EYTE provides creative learning opportunities for the youth of city and global majorities, where they gain experiences that empower self and community.

Income
$274,068
Spending
$257,719
Spent on programs
100%
Reserves
0.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 97%
Employees
0
Volunteers
25
Highest pay
$50,700, president

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

Financial health

Fair: 54 out of 100. Higher than 22% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.9 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 6% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 52% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    100% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

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

Governance

Fair: 59 out of 100. Higher than 28% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    5 of 25

    0 of 4 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

    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 May 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 (3)
  1. $200,000 spent. 1. Walking the Beat (WTB): Arts-Based Youth Violence Prevention Program Purpose Achievement: Walking the Beat is EYTE's flagship program, utilizing theater arts to prevent youth violence and foster community engagement. The program serves youth ages 14-20 from high-risk environments in Union County, NJ, with a focus on Elizabeth. Through creative disciplines-such as devised theater, music production, VR filmmaking, oral history, and writing-youth develop critical life skills, process trauma, and engage in dialogue with law enforcement. In 2024, the program served 150+ youth and 30+ law enforcement officers. It also incorporated trauma-informed care, Juvenile Justice Jeopardy workshops, and mindfulness practices, demonstrating measurable improvements in self-efficacy and emotional regulation among participants.
  2. $10,500 spent. Creative Aging Initiative: Seeds & Blooms Intergenerational Theater Purpose Achievement: Seeds & Blooms brings together youth and elders (ages 8-88) in Elizabeth, NJ, for storytelling, writing, and performance residencies. The program fosters intergenerational dialogue, combats ageism and elder isolation, and preserves cultural knowledge. Elders-in-Residence develop personal narratives, which culminate in community performances accompanied by jazz ensembles and portrait photography exhibitions. The program collaborates with the City of Elizabeth's Office on Aging and local senior centers, and was renewed in 2024 due to community demand.
  3. $47,219 spent. Purpose Achievement: Beyond its flagship initiatives, EYTE produces a range of arts-based programs that include street outreach, youth mentorship, creative residencies, and public performances. These initiatives often intersect with social service agencies and include trauma-informed curriculum design and public safety workshops. In 2024, the organization partnered with local schools, courts, and social service agencies to reach youth with elevated risk factors. These programs reinforce EYTE's commitment to non-violence, social justice, and empowering communities through creative expression.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 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 May 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 August 2015.

    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.