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Counterpulse

EIN 94-2986114 · San Francisco, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak48 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

exchange of art and ideas, catalyzing transformation in our communities and our society. We work towards a world that celebrates diversity of race, class, cultural heritage, artistic expression, ability, gender identity & sexual orientation.

Income
$1.3 million
Spending
$1.3 million
Spent on programs
65%
Reserves
-0.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 71%
Employees
24
Volunteers
75
Highest pay
$104,287, art & exec dir

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

Weak: 48 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 6% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 4% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 10% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    65% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 16 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: 100 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    10 of 11 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

    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 (4)
  1. $375,678 spent. Performances: CounterPulse presents an ongoing curated platform of Performances that are a part of our biennial festival, co-produced with independent producers, and/or commissioned through residencies. The CounterPulse Festival is presented every other year on odd years and focused on national and international presentations. Co-productions partner directly with artists and small companies on the production and presentation of 20-35 presentations each year. Commissioning residencies nurtures artistic development through a residency experience that combines financial support, artistic freedom, extensive rehearsal space, and structured community feedback sessions.
  2. $305,434 spent. House Artists Program: The House Artists Program supports artists and companies based in the San Francisco Bay Area by offering a suite of financial, outreach, and facilities services. This comprehensive program serves as a nesting place and launching pad for artists. Robust fiscal oversight is at the core of the program to provide the solid foundation on which to build creative work.
  3. $178,972 spent. Public Arts and other: Public Arts is focused on producing and presenting work outside of the CounterPulse facility in the public spaces of our neighborhood and city at large. This program's primary aim is to keep what is beautiful about the Tenderloin thriving: a neighborhood that is diverse, expressive, and resilient. We predominantly work in the Tenderloin neighborhood to provide opportunities for residents, workers and visitors to engage in safe, hospitable, and creative activities and share their stories.
  4. Rental Exchange: Throughout the year, CounterPulse provides highly subsidized rehearsal and performance space to over 2,000 artists. All artists who rent the space receive a free publicity package of technical assistance and comprehensive guidance in the art of self-production. CounterPulse keeps its doors open over 100 hours each week, with a typical day beginning at 9 a.m. for rehearsals, continuing with afternoon classes or workshops, and closing at 11 p.m. with a lively post-show discussion following an evening performance.

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 September 1991.

    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.