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Passes our checks

Luther Burbank Memorial Foundation

EIN 94-2581084 · Santa Rosa, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceStrong90 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

THE MISSION OF THE LUTHER BURBANK CENTER FOR THE ARTS IS TO ENRICH, EDUCATE, AND ENTERTAIN CHILDREN AND ADULTS OF THE NORTH BAY THROUGH ACCESSIBLE AND OUTSTANDING PRESENTATIONS OF ARTS, FAMILY AND ENTERTAINMENT PERFORMANCES, EDUCATION PROGRAMS, VISUAL ARTS AND COMMUNITY USE OF OUR FACILITY. COLLECTIVELY, THESE SHOWS PROVIDE OVER 100 PERFORMANCES ANNUALLY.

Income
$18.2 million
Spending
$13.5 million
Spent on programs
79%
Reserves
12.6 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 46%
Employees
274
Volunteers
250
Highest pay
$258,768, president & ceo

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 100 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 12.6 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 6% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 26% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 36% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    79% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 9 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 90 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    19 of 19 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

    0 of 10

    Did not give 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

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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 June 30, 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)
  1. $10.6 million spent. ACCORDING TO THE FOUNDATION'S BYLAWS, THE PURPOSE OF THE FOUNDATION IS TO ENRICH, EDUCATE AND ENTERTAIN THE NORTH BAY COMMUNITY THROUGH ACCESSIBLE AND OUTSTANDING PRESENTATIONS OF ARTS, FAMILY AND ENTERTAINMENT PERFORMANCES, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, VISUAL ARTS AND COMMUNITY USE OF THE FOUNDATION'S FACILITY. IN ADDITION, THE FOUNDATION IS FORMED FOR THE PURPOSES OF PERFORMING ALL THINGS INCIDENTAL TO, OR APPROPRIATE IN, THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE FOREGOING PRIMARY CHARITABLE PURPOSES.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 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 June 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 August 1979.

    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.