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Fuse Theatre Ensemble

EIN 93-1182817 · Portland, OR

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair57 out of 100GovernanceFair62 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

?Fuse Theatre Ensemble is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon, dedicated to producing paradigm-shifting theatre that centers marginalized voices, particularly those of the LGBTQIA+ community. Their mission emphasizes creating community and understanding through innovative performances that challenge audiences to exit their comfort zones. They prioritize representation by ensuring that stories about marginalized groups are told by those within those communities. Additionally, Fuse focuses on maximizing funds that go directly to artists, highlighting the importance of the people involved in the art over material expenses.

Income
$230,189
Spending
$243,546
Spent on programs
65%
Reserves
1.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 77%
Employees
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

Fair: 57 out of 100. Higher than 26% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 1.3 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 6% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 38% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    65% 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

Fair: 62 out of 100. Higher than 48% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 8 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

    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.

  • 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 (4)
  1. $42,750 spent. In 2024, Fuse Theatre Ensemble undertook a new program service by serving as the fiscal sponsor for the Oregon Origins Project. Through this sponsorship, Fuse provided administrative and financial oversight to support the project's mission-aligned activities. The fiscal sponsorship enabled the Oregon Origins Project to operate under Fuse's tax-exempt status while advancing artistic work that aligns with Fuse's commitment to promoting diverse and marginalized voices through theatre and performance.
  2. $15,495 spent. Fuse Theatre Ensemble produced Blonde on a Bum Trip, an original musical about Candy Darling, a transgender icon and Warhol superstar. The project advanced Fuse?s mission to uplift LGBTQIA+ voices through theatre, employing artists, crew, and community partners to bring the production to the stage.
  3. $15,216 spent. Fuse Theatre Ensemble produced A New Brain, a musical by William Finn that explores themes of illness, creativity, and resilience. The production supported Fuse?s mission by highlighting underrepresented experiences through compelling storytelling and by fostering community engagement with issues of health, identity, and artistic expression. Program expenses included artist compensation, production materials, venue costs, and marketing.
  4. Fuse Theatre Ensemble produced additional theatrical programming, including late-night cabaret productions that provided emerging and unestablished artists with accessible opportunities to mount regular performances. Other activities included the development of new works, community engagement events, and artist collaborations, all advancing Fuse?s mission to amplify diverse and underrepresented voices through innovative theatre. - Activity Code: Grants Amount: 0 Expense Amount: 56800 Revenue Amount: 16173

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 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 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 November 1997.

    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.