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Yerba Buena Arts & Events

EIN 94-3368964 · San Francisco, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood71 out of 100GovernanceStrong94 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Yerba Buena Arts & Events/Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is a presenting organization dedicated to enhancing the vitality and quality of life in the parks and open spaces of Yerba Buena Gardens and the San Francisco Bay Area through the curated presentation of free artistic, community and cultural programs. Yerba Buena Gardens Festival presents music, dance, theater, children's & family programs, and cultural events reflecting the rich cultures and creativity of the region. Artistic excellence, inclusion, diversity and innovation are at the heart of our mission. As the only curated arts park fully dedicated to the long-term presentation of free arts and cultural programs, Yerba Buena Gardens has a unique place in the cultural landscape of San Francisco.

Income
$1.7 million
Spending
$2.0 million
Spent on programs
84%
Reserves
14.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
other income, 72%
Employees
30
Volunteers
15
Highest pay
$180,016, executive dir.

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

Good: 71 out of 100. Higher than 49% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 14.3 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 21% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 17% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 15% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    84% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 31 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

Strong: 94 out of 100. Higher than 59% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    12 of 12 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

    9 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • 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 (2)
  1. $1.2 million spent. Yerba Buena Gardens Festival The mission of Yerba Buena Arts & Events aka Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is to enhance the vitality and quality of life in the parks and open spaces of Yerba Buena Gardens and San Francisco through the curated presentation of admission-free performing arts and community cultural programs that represent the rich ethnic and cultural diversity of San Francisco and the world beyond. The range of programs includes jazz, roots, world, and classical music; traditional and contemporary dance; theater; poetry; and large-scale cultural celebrations. We also offer an interactive childrens series, and educational programs for adults. Through the six-month Yerba Buena Gardens Festival (May October), San Francisco residents and visitors enjoy many opportunities to gain a greater understanding of diverse art forms and cultural heritages. Commissioning Program Yerba Buena Gardens Festival has a strong commitment to commissioning and presenting new work by composers, theater artists, choreographers, and other performing artists.
  2. $476,080 spent. Rentals Program Yerba Buena Gardens Festival manages rentals of Yerba Buena Gardens to clients interested in holding a private event in one of the nations most beautiful outdoor parks. Besides the opportunity to introduce Yerba Buena Gardens and Yerba Buena Gardens Festival to new audiences, the Rentals program is a vital source of earned income that supports the admission-free Yerba Buena Gardens Festival.

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 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 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 August 2000.

    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.