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Passes our checks

Asheville Independent Arts and Music Inc

EIN 92-2108301 · Asheville, NC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair62 out of 100GovernanceWeak38 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

PRESERVE AND PROMOTE THE MUSIC AND ART SCENE IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA THROUGH LIVE STREAMING, FILMING, AND ARCHIVING CONCERTS AND AREA EVENTS

Income
$158,545
Spending
$159,202
Spent on programs
90%
Reserves
1.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
0
Volunteers
0
Highest pay
$21,820, president

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

Financial health

Fair: 62 out of 100. Higher than 31% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 1.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 0% of income.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    90% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.

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

Governance

Weak: 38 out of 100. Higher than 14% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    0 of 25

    2 of 2 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

    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

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • 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, 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. $45,350 spent. During the 2025 tax year, the organization implemented a disaster relief grant program in response to the significant impact of Hurricane Helene on the local arts community. The storm caused widespread disruptions, including prolonged closures of venues and loss of performance opportunities for artists. Through this program, the organization identified and provided financial assistance to over 100 local artists and 20 local venues & events. Grant funds were used to help stabilize operations, offset lost income, and support the resumption of artistic programming following an extended period of disruption. This program furthered the organizations mission by directly supporting the recovery and sustainability of the local arts ecosystem during a period of acute need.
  2. $86,270 spent. The organization continued its core program of providing media coverage, promotion, and preservation of the local music and arts community. Through its community-based web platform, the organization captures live performances and events, making them freely accessible worldwide through live streaming and archived recordings. The organization takes pride in its non-exclusive coverage, showcasing a diverse blend of musical acts and performances. This program not only builds visibility and publicity for local artists, but also serves as a digital archive, preserving their work and expanding access to audiences beyond the local community. The organization covered numerous events throughout the year, generating significant online engagement through video views and impressions. This foundational program advances the organizations mission by supporting, promoting, and preserving the regions creative community.
  3. $11,351 spent. The organization hosts the annual Music Video Asheville program, which invites local musicians to submit original music videos for consideration. Selected entries are curated into a 90-minute showcase, which is presented at a public screening and awards event held in downtown Asheville. This program provides a platform for artists to share their work with the broader community while recognizing excellence in music and visual storytelling. The event fosters community engagement, supports local musicians, and celebrates the creativity and diversity of the areas arts scene.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 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 November 6, 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 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 February 2023.

    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 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.