Skip to the page content
Your donations
Passes our checks

Ab Community

EIN 83-1354743 · Durham, NC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak25 out of 100GovernanceWeak42 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • Only 13% 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

Design and Facilitate instruction to educate community stakeholders ( residents and business owners) on community asset creation and asset protection.

Income
$415,290
Spending
$443,990
Spent on programs
13%
Reserves
0 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 96%
Employees
0
Volunteers
0

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

Weak: 25 out of 100. Higher than 3% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    2 of 20

    It owes 100% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 7% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 2% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    0 of 15

    13% 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

Weak: 42 out of 100. Higher than 9% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    3 of 3 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no 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

    0 of 5

    Reports that it does not keep minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Independent check of accounts

    12 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • 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 (3)
  1. $57,008 spent. The incumbent worker training program administered by Knox St. Studios in the Triad are of North Carolina has significantly impacted the local workforce. By leveraging Google Certificates in Cyber Security and Digital Marketing, the program has equipped existing employees with critical, in-demand skills, enhancing their career prospects and improving business operations. Additionally, the training for small business owners to manage development contracts has empowered local entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to effectively navigate and secure business opportunities, driving economic growth and innovation in the region.
  2. The City of Durhams ARPA-funded program has made significant strides in advancing STEM education for middle and high school students, with a strong emphasis innovation. Supported by Duke Universitys School of Engineering, the initiative has provided students with hands-on learning experiences and access to cutting edge resources, fostering a new generation of innovators. Additionally, the programs successful launch of Techstars Startup Weekends has built a vibrant community around entrepreneurship, encouraging the development of innovative ideas and providing a platform for young entrepreneurs to collaborate and grow.
  3. Knox St. Studios, as a subrecipient of the SBA Community Navigator Program grant, played a crucial role in marketing outreach. This collaboration aims to foster a diverse, equitable, and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem in Durham by uniting various organizations and grassroot leaders. The project leverages longstanding support from the City of Durham and Durham County, combined with Forward Cities national capacity-building expertise, to create a robust model for connecting the local economy.

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? Worth knowing.

    Status was revoked on May 15, 2022 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on May 15, 2022.

    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 2022.

    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.