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Japan America Society of Colorado

EIN 84-1125146 · Denver, CO

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Japan America Society of Colorado works to expand people to people relationships between Japan and Colorado by serving as a bridge to connect via business, civic, education, and cultural organizations. We are dedicated to promoting positive U.S.-Colorado-Japan relationships. We believe that understanding each other through our differences and our similarities subsequently leads us to understand the world in which we live. In serving our community and guests, we are guided by the following core values that position us to fulfill our mission and achieve our vision: Unique Opportunities, Education & Life-Long Learning, Excellence, Respect/Understanding/Collaboration, and Fiscal Responsibility.

Income
$326,000
Spending
$312,987
Spent on programs
62%
Reserves
14.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 57%
Employees
3
Volunteers
75
Highest pay
$91,264, executive director

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

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 77% of charities in its peer group (international, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 14.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 1% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 4% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 22% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    62% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 4 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

Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 79% of charities in its peer group (international, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    27 of 27 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

    7 of 7

    Has a 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

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • 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 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 (6)
  1. $38,259 spent. The JASC Annual Gala in 2024 had a theme of "Whisky & Wagyu", focusing on the various agricultural connections between Colorado and Japan. Speakers included representatives from the U.S. Meat Export Federation, local whisky distillers who work with all Colorado farms for their ingredients, and a small local Japanese distiller who does the same in Japan. The audience of international business and education leaders learned about this very important connection between our two communities and also had networking opportunities with both Japanese and Colorado corporate representatives.
  2. $29,784 spent. The JASC Annual Charity Golf Tournament is an important networking event that allows members of the local international business community to come together for a relaxed day of golf followed by a sushi dinner. Employees of both Japanese companies located in Colorado and Colorado companies doing business in Japan have the chance to meet and learn from one another. This fun event was held in June at Plum Creek Golf Club. We were happy to collaborate with the Japanese Business Association of the Rockies. We welcomed more than 100 golfers and 10 volunteers.
  3. $5,313 spent. Passport to Japan is a top program of Japan America Society of Colorado, focusing on basic conversational Japanese language, cultural lessons, and general information about travel throughout Japan. In 2024, we offered Passport to Japan in Level 1 and Level 2. The classes were offered 4 times throughout the year and continue to prove to be very well received by the community, oftentimes selling out completely.
  4. $36,724 spent. Other key program expenses include Cultural events, Japan Cup, the Dragon Boat Festival, the Japanese Kite Festival, the Business Speaker Series event and Japan in the Schools.
  5. $80,179 spent. Additional conference, marketing, meeting and staffing expenses that are directly related to program execution. In an event based organization, these program staffing costs are critical to executing the mission of the organization
  6. $2,635 spent. Miscellaneous expense

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? 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 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 August 1990.

    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.