L a River Public Art Project
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Our organization provides public arts and culture programming and advocacy along the 51 mile length of the Los Angeles River. We provide cultural programming and education in community focused events with artists. Mission: We reimagine the LA River as a dynamic and vibrant landscape. Through innovative art installations and programs, we connect communities with the river, sparking dialogue, igniting creativity, and transforming the river into a shared public space.Vision: The LA River is a beloved public place where art enhances the quality of life for all. The river is a powerful force that shapes our past, present, and future, inspiring our shared cultures.
- Income
- $184,806
- Spending
- $162,254
- Reserves
- 7.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 99%
- Highest pay
- $18,694, executive dir.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 73% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 7.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 1% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 12% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 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)
- $59,885 spent. River Sessions: Ongoing creative site visits led by artists and indigenous culture bearers at different locations along the LA River. Program Services Description 2025 During 2025, LA River Arts carried out its exempt purpose primarily through its River Sessions public programming series. River Sessions advances the organizations charitable mission to expand equitable access to arts and cultural programming along the Los Angeles River and to activate underutilized public spaces through site-responsive creative work. During the year, the organization: Produced 7 public River Sessions events Activated 6 river-adjacent locations across Los Angeles and Maywood Engaged approximately 160 participants Presented or commissioned 10 artists and collaborators Partnered with community-based organizations including BiciCrfono, LA Poet Society, MRCA, FoLAR, Forager Crafts, Metabolic Studio, and Shatto Gallery Programming included poetry rides, cultural heritage activations, artist-led workshops and discussions, LGBTQ+ performance and storytelling events, public exhibitions, and preservation/access tours. All events were free and open to the public. These activities furthered the organizations exempt purpose by integrating contemporary art, environmental awareness, and community engagement in public spaces along the Los Angeles River.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
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.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on May 15, 2019 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on May 15, 2019.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since January 2020.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.