Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The primary purpose of HEART The Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre is to enrich the Hilo community an underserved region on Hawaii Island by providing high-quality, pre-professional theatre experiences for both youth and adults. Through a robust combination of performances, education, and outreach, HEART serves as a vital cultural resource, engaging hundreds of participants and reaching thousands of audience members each year. Committed to access and inclusion, HEART actively partners with schools, senior centers, and community organizations to bring theatre education and live performance to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity. We cultivate a supportive, inclusive environment where performers can develop their skills, build confidence, and discover a lifelong connection to the performing arts-while inspiring creativity and a love of theatre throughout the broader community.
- Income
- $166,957
- Spending
- $114,944
- Reserves
- 10.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 56%
- Highest pay
- $7,000, at large director
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 10.2 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 31% 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)
- $114,943 spent. Education, performance, and community outreach programs centered on theatre and music. Our theatre education services offer acting classes, workshops, and seasonal camps that help young people build confidence, creativity, and performance skills. Each year, we train and mentor hundreds of youth performers, supporting both their artistic growth and personal development. Our youth theatre program produces a dynamic season of high-quality performances, including plays, musicals, showcases, park concerts, and presentations at senior centers, all featuring talented young artists from our community. Recent and current productions include Chicago, Heathers, Grease, A View from the Bridge, The Little Mermaid, and this year's additions of Cabaret, Frozen (featuring a cast and crew of over 100), and Dear Evan Hansen. Cast sizes typically range from 50 to 100 performers, with productions regularly selling out across six to nine performances and reaching audiences of 500 or more per show. Our work has been recognized with five prestigious BroadwayWorld Awards, including Best Youth Theatre in the State of Hawaii for our production of The Little Mermaid. HEART is committed to expanding access to the arts by engaging underserved communities. Through partnerships with schools, community organizations, and senior centers, we bring performances and educational programs to those who may not otherwise experience live theatre-fostering creativity, confidence, and a lasting appreciation for the arts.
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? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 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 November 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 November 4, 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.