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Catalina Island Museum

EIN 95-1880698 · Avalon, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To collect, preserve and promote the culture and history of Santa Catalina Island and to bring unique exhibitions to Catalina.

Income
$14.0 million
Spending
$3.0 million
Spent on programs
80%
Reserves
13.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 95%
Employees
24
Volunteers
35
Highest pay
$171,500, executive dir.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending February 28, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 94% of charities in its peer group (education, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 13.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 1% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 79% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 878% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    80% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 3 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending February 28, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 50% of charities in its peer group (education, $10m to $100m).

  • 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

    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 February 28, 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. $1.6 million spent. The Museum maintains a vibrant rotating special exhibition schedule that includes at least four art and/or history exhibitions per year. The William Wrigley Jr. Gallery also houses an exhibition that showcases the Museum's permanent collection, interpreting the history of Santa Catalina Island. The Museum's collection of over 160,000 historical items and artworks are collected, preserved, exhibited, and made accessible to researchers. Museum board and staff are working with community partners to implement new initiatives related to education, art, and serving underrepresented audiences. In alignment with this effort, the Museum is expanding its exhibition program to include more contemporary art, and to showcase Tongva culture and modern Tongva art.
  2. $647,251 spent. The museum provides educational programming and events that convene local residents and Island visitors in an exploration of the people and cultures that make Catalina unique. The Museum offers music and dance performances, lectures, films, and engaging art education programs for all ages. The Museum's education programs encourage K - 12 students to enjoy the creative process as they think critically, problem-solve, and engage with the Museum's unique collection. The Museum is expanding educational offerings to include new programming for K -12 students, family programs, and initiatives that increase engagement with the community and LA County residents. The new programs will focus on the Island's history, native Tongva culture, and the arts. In September 2022, the Museum started construction on a new 1,000 square-foot Education Center. These capital expansions will support plans to expand all programmatic components. Construction was completed in Spring of 2024.
  3. $167,806 spent. The store at the Catalina Island Museum is stocked with a carefully curated selection of jewelry and accessories, books, toys, tile and pottery, and gift items that reflect the island's unique history. Each unique store item is inspired by the landmarks and history of Santa Catalina Island, many of which have been created using images from our archive. Select store items also reflect the themes or content of the Museum's temporary exhibitions. Our Visitors Services Associates assist with sales of items, educating visitors about the Museum's offerings and orientating visitors within the Museum.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending February 28, 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending February 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since November 1956.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 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.