Mission: The Museum of Ventura County, through its collections, exhibits, educational programs and publications, celebrates the history, art, and culture of Ventura County and the Channel Islands
Museum of Ventura County is a 501(c)(3) organization, with an IRS ruling year of 1957, and donations are tax-deductible.
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Important note on the timeliness of ratings
The IRS is significantly delayed in processing nonprofits' annual tax filings (Forms 990). As a result, the Financial and Accountability & Transparency score for Museum of Ventura County is outdated and the overall rating may not be representative of its current operations. Please check with the charity directly for any questions you may have.
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Star Rating System by Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator evaluates a nonprofit organization’s financial health including measures of stability, efficiency and sustainability. We also track accountability and transparency policies to ensure the good governance and integrity of the organization.
Exceptional
This charity's score is 91.55, earning it a 4-Star rating. Donors can "Give with Confidence" to this charity.
This score is calculated from two sub-scores:
Finance: 90.33 View details
Accountability & Transparency: 93.00 View details
This score represents Form 990 data from 2020, the latest year published by the IRS.
View this organization’s historical ratings.
Star Rated Report
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Program Expense Ratio
67.6%
The Program Expense Ratio is determined by Program Expenses divided by Total Expense (average of most recent three 990s).
This measure reflects the percent of its total expenses a charity spends on the programs and services it exists to deliver. Dividing a charity's average program expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Administrative Expenses
19.0%
As reported by charities on their IRS Form 990, this measure reflects what percent of its total budget a charity spends on overhead, administrative staff and associated costs, and organizational meetings. Dividing a charity's average administrative expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Fundraising Expenses
13.2%
This measure reflects what a charity spends to raise money. Fundraising expenses can include campaign printing, publicity, mailing, and staffing and costs incurred in soliciting donations, memberships, and grants. Dividing a charity's average fundraising expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Liabilities to Assets Ratio
2.8%
The Liabilities to Assets Ratio is determined by Total Liabilities divided by Total Assets (most recent 990).
Part of our goal in rating the financial performance of charities is to help donors assess the financial capacity and sustainability of a charity. As do organizations in other sectors, charities must be mindful of their management of total liabilites in relation to their total assets. This ratio is an indicator of an organization’s solvency and or long term sustainability. Dividing a charity's total liabilities by its total assets yields this percentage.
Source: IRS Form 990
Fundraising Efficiency
$0.07
The amount spent to raise $1 in charitable contributions. To calculate a charity's fundraising efficiency, we divide its average fundraising expenses by the average total contributions it receives. We calculate the charity's average expenses and average contributions over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Working Capital Ratio
6.67 years
Determines how long a charity could sustain its level of spending using its net available assets, or working capital, as reported on its most recently filed Form 990. We include in a charity's working capital unrestricted and temporarily restricted net assets, and exclude permanently restricted net assets. Dividing these net available assets in the most recent year by a charity's average total expenses, yields the working capital ratio. We calculate the charity's average total expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Program Expense Growth
22.88%
We compute the average annual growth of program expenses using the following formula: [(Yn/Y0)(1/n)]-1, where Y0 is a charity's program expenses in the first year of the interval analyzed, Yn is the charity's program expenses in the most recent year, and n is the interval of years passed between Y0 and Yn.
Source: IRS Form 990
Governance
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990 that the organization has these governance practices in place.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990
| Governance: | |
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| Independent Voting Board Members ... (More) | |
| No Material Diversion of Assets ... (More) A diversion of assets – any unauthorized conversion or use of the organization's assets other than for the organization's authorized purposes, including but not limited to embezzlement or theft – can seriously call into question a charity's financial integrity. We check the charity's last two Forms 990 to see if the charity has reported any diversion of assets. If the charity does report a diversion, then we check to see if it complied with the Form 990 instructions by describing what happened and its corrective action. This metric will be assigned to one of the following categories:
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| Audited Financials Prepared by Independent Accountant ... (More) Audited financial statements provide important information about financial accountability and accuracy. They should be prepared by an independent accountant with oversight from an audit committee. (It is not necessary that the audit committee be a separate committee. Often at smaller charities, it falls within the responsibilities of the finance committee or the executive committee.) The committee provides an important oversight layer between the management of the organization, which is responsible for the financial information reported, and the independent accountant, who reviews the financials and issues an opinion based on its findings. We check the charity's Form 990 reporting to see if it meets this criteria.
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| Does Not Provide Loan(s) to or Receive Loan(s) From Related Parties ... (More) | |
| Documents Board Meeting Minutes ... (More) | |
| Distributes 990 to Board Before Filing ... (More) | |
| Compensates Board ... (More) |
Policies
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990, or for some metrics on the charity's website, that the organization has these policies in place.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990 and organization's website
| Policies: | |
|---|---|
| Conflict of Interest ... (More) | |
| Whistleblower ... (More) | |
| Records Retention and Destruction ... (More) | |
| CEO Compensation Process ... (More) | |
| Donor Privacy ... (More) Donors can be reluctant to contribute to a charity when their name, address, or other basic information may become part of donor lists that are exchanged or sold, resulting in an influx of charitable solicitations from other organizations. Our analysts check the charity's website to see if the organization has a donor privacy policy in place and what it does and does not cover. Privacy policies are assigned to one of the following categories:
The privacy policy must be specific to donor information. A general website policy which references "visitor" or "user" personal information will not suffice. A policy that refers to donor information collected on the website is also not sufficient as the policy must be comprehensive and applicable to both online and offline donors. The existence of a privacy policy of any type does not prohibit the charity itself from contacting the donor for informational, educational, or solicitation purposes. (Less) | Partial |
Transparency
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990, or for some metrics on the charity's website, that the organization makes this information easily accessible.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990 and organization's website
| Transparency: | |
|---|---|
| CEO Salary Listed on 990 ... (More) | |
| Board of Directors Listed on Website ... (More) | |
| Key Staff Listed on Website ... (More) | |
| Audited Financial Statements on Website ... (More) | |
| Form 990 Available on Website ... (More) |
Additional Information
Unscored
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Total Revenue and Expenses
This chart displays the trend of revenue and expenses over the past several years for this organization, as reported on their IRS Form 990.
Salary of Key Persons
Presented here are this organizations key compensated staff members as identified by our analysts. This compensation data includes salary, cash bonuses and expense accounts and is displayed exactly how it is reported to the IRS. The amounts do not include nontaxable benefits, deferred compensation, or other amounts not reported on Form W-2. In some cases, these amounts may include compensation from related organizations. Read the IRS policies for compensation reporting
Elena Brokaw, Executive Director
$127,329 (5.16% of Total Expenses)
Current CEO and Board Chair can be found in the Leadership & Adaptability report below.
Source: IRS Form 990 (page 7), filing year 2020
Business Master File Data
Below are some key data points from the Exempt Organization IRS Business Master File (BMF) for this organization. Learn more about the BMF on the IRS website
Activities:
Other school related activities (BMF activity code: 059)
Historical site, records or reenactment (BMF activity code: 062)
Other activity aimed t combating community deterioration (BMF activity code: 402)
Foundation Status:
Organization that normally receives no more than one-third of its support from gross investment income and unrelated business income and at the same time more than one-third of its support from contributions, fees, and gross receipts related to exempt purposes. 509(a)(2) (BMF foundation code: 16)
Affiliation:
Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations). (BMF affiliation code: 3)
Data Sources: IRS Forms 990
The Form 990 is a document that nonprofit organizations file with the IRS annually. We leverage finance and accountability data from it to form Encompass ratings. Click here to view this organization's Forms 990 on the IRS website (if any are available).
Pandemic Response
Due to the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, we give charities such as this one the opportunity to share the story of COVID's impact on them. Charities may submit their own pandemic responses through their nonprofit portal.
Museum of Ventura County reported being impacted by COVID-19 in the following ways:
Program Delivery
Fundraising Capacity
Revenue
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's operations financially:
The Museum of Ventura County was well supported by the community and helped provide the necessary assistance to weather the pandemic financially, as well as help from some government assistance and COVID-19 relief grant programs.
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's delivery of programs:
The pandemic created an unforeseen opportunity for the Museum of Ventura County to expand its offerings, through a myriad of virtual programs and events, shining a spotlight on Ventura County to the world and engaging thousands of new online visitors from outside the County. During the pandemic, over 6,000 people per month enjoyed free live stream programs that were inclusive and culturally relevant; 5,558 primarily low-income students benefitted from virtual education lessons and field trips to help students, parents, and teachers with remote learning during COVID-19, including 10 new virtual exhibits; 17 virtual learning modules; 15 new historic blog articles, and much more. In addition, 5,000 unique visitors attended the museum’s lecture series. The museum also launched the Gallery Marketplace to showcase works of local visual artists. This vibrant online venue has provided a platform for artists to sell their work during the difficulties of exhibiting during COVID-19.
How this organization adapted to changing conditions caused by COVID-19:
In March 2020, the Museum of Ventura County quickly changed focus to provide uninterrupted engagement opportunities for area residents and students. The museum migrated to a virtual format, with enhanced website capabilities and expanded wifi, to ensure equitable access for all. During this time all exhibits, tours, discussions, and educational programs were provided for free, with more than 70,000 people participating in the various offerings. This is more than double the 45,000 Ventura County residents and visitor's the museum serves on average each year. The museum also transitioned to a fully remote work environment for staff and fundraising efforts were adapted, due to safety and closure mandates. In spite of COVID-19, the museum also served as a Ventura County voting location for the U.S. 2020 presidential election.
Innovations the organization intends to continue permanently after the pandemic:
With the greatly increased community engagement the museum experienced during COVID-19, we recognize our ability to uniquely engage residents and visitors, not only through in-person programs but also by continuing to offer free virtual options that enhance the museums' offerings and provides more equitable access for visitors, in spite of any barriers they may have to in-person options.
Historical Ratings
| Date Published | Form 990 FYE | Overall Score | Overall Rating |
| Rating Version: 2.1 | |||
| 8/1/2022 | 2020 | 91.55 | |
| 4/1/2022 | 2020 | 89.64 |  |
This organization received multiple star ratings within this fiscal year, due to an update to its Accountability and Transparency data and/or the receipt of an amended Form 990. | |||
| 3/1/2022 | 2020 | 87.96 | |
| 5/1/2020 | 2018 | 82.70 | |
| 3/1/2020 | 2018 | 81.69 | |
| 10/1/2019 | 2017 | 81.94 | |
| 2/1/2019 | 2017 | 78.87 |  |
| 3/1/2018 | 2016 | 77.67 | |
| 12/21/2016 | 2015 | 83.68 | |
Previous: Finance & Accountability / Next: Leadership & Adaptability
Impact & Results
This score estimates the actual impact a nonprofit has on the lives of those it serves, and determines whether it is making good use of donor resources to achieve that impact.
Impact & Results Score
Not Currently Scored
Museum of Ventura County cannot currently be evaluated by our Encompass Rating Impact & Results methodology because either (A) it is eligible, but we have not yet received data; (B) we have not yet developed an algorithm to estimate its programmatic impact; (C) its programs are not direct services; or (D) it is not heavily reliant on contributions from individual donors.
Note: The absence of a score does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, it only indicates that we have not yet evaluated the organization.
Do you work at Museum of Ventura County? Join the waitlist for an updated Impact & Results score.
Additional Information
Unscored
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Largest Programs
Museum of Ventura County reported its largest program on its FY 2020 Form 990 as:
$1,771,501
Spent in most recent FY
100%
Percent of program expenses
THE ORGANIZATION MAINTAINS AND STAFFS A MAIN MUSEUM AND LIBRARY IN VENTURA AND AN AGRICULTURE MUSEUM IN SANTA PAULA. BOTH ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC TO PROMOTE, PRESERVE AND INTERPRET THE ART, HISTORY AND ... (More)
Previous: Impact & Results / Next: Culture & Community
Leadership & Adaptability
This score provides an assessment of the organization's leadership capacity, strategic thinking and planning, and ability to innovate or respond to changes in constituent demand/need or other relevant social and economic conditions to achieve the organization's mission.
Leadership & Adaptability Score
100
out of 100
The score earned by Museum of Ventura County is a passing score. This score has no effect on the organization's Star Rating.
Encompass Rating V4 provides an evaluation of the organization's Leadership & Adaptability through the nonprofit organization submitting a survey response directly to Charity Navigator.
Leadership & Adaptability Report
100
of 100 points
Mission
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s mission
THE MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY, THROUGH ITS COLLECTIONS, EXHIBITS, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND PUBLICATIONS, CELEBRATES THE HISTORY, ART, AND CULTURE OF VENTURA COUNTY AND THE CHANNEL ISLANDS.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Vision
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
Ventura County residents need and deserve a rich cultural institution; one that's focused on equity and inclusion. The Museum of Ventura County is uniquely positioned as THE County museum to serve this need and is working strategically toward our vision to inspire vibrant communities by connecting the past, present, and future.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Strategic Goals
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking and goal setting through sharing their most important strategic goals.
Goal One: Provide STEM and enrichment programming to K-12th grade students who are primarily low-income in Ventura County.
Goal Type: New program(s) based on observed changes in needs among our constituencies/communities served.
Goal Two: Expand the museums impact and cultural enrichment of Ventura County residents and visitors.
Goal Type: New program(s) based on observed changes in needs among our constituencies/communities served.
Goal Three: Ensure the Museum of Ventura County is strong, relevant and in service of a diverse audience.
Goal Type: Invest in the capacity of our organization (financial, management, technical, etc.).
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Leadership Development
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
Describe an investment in leadership
The Museum of Ventura County is committed to investing time and resources to further develop and implement comprehensive equitable practices and policies. The museum held the first in a series of staff retreats focused on learning about these topics, engaging in authentic dialogue, and exploring next steps to help facilitate progress towards becoming a more multicultural, inclusive organization. Through this work, the museum commits to an internal process that: Shares best practices and lessons learned. Seeks, develops, and values the contributions and talents of all employees. Includes all members as active participants in decisions that shape the organization. Reflects diverse social and cultural groups throughout all levels of the organization. Demonstrates multicultural competencies to serve increasingly diverse populations. Acts on its commitment to eliminate all forms of exclusion and discrimination that may still exist within the organization, etc.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Mobilizing for Mission
The nonprofit provides evidence of leadership through focusing externally and mobilizing resources for the mission.
This organization mobilizes for mission in the following ways:
Strategic Partnerships
Raising Awareness
Policy Advocacy
What are this organization’s external mobilizaton efforts?
The museum communicates openly and transparently with County residents and has done so each month, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, through a bi-weekly newsletter, social media channels, and our website at: www.venturamuseum.org. In 2021, the museum is communicating the following outward-facing messaging and affirms that as a regional art and history museum, its role is to: 1. Encourage and inspire dialogue; 2. Foster a culture of the inclusion of diverse perspectives; 3. Document regional activism and response through rapid response collecting; 4. Share the history of regional events that speak to what is contemporary and relevant to the community it serves. The museum conducts open solicitations for input and information from the public through various means, including Q&A sessions, social media channels, and an annual survey disseminated via our website on how the organization can better engage, serve, and support our community and visitors.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Story of Adaptability
The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
As a more than 100 year-old institution and one of fewer museums that continued to provide impact driven content and cultural experiences during COVID-19, the Museum of Ventura County provided seamless programming and family engagement opportunities to a record number of visitors online during COVID-19. This has given us unique insight into ways we can make a greater impact and provide more equitable access to the museums offerings.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Additional Information
Unscored
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Organization Leadership
Elena Brokaw
Executive Director
Kate McLean
Chair
Previous: Leadership & Adaptability
Culture & Community
This score provides an assessment of the organization's culture and connectedness to the community it serves. Learn more about how and why we rate Culture & Community.
Culture & Community Score
100
out of 100
Museum of Ventura County has earned a passing score. This score has no effect on the organization's Star Rating. The organization provided data about how it listens to constituents (Constituent Feedback) and its Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) practices (see report below).
The Culture & Community Beacon is comprised of the following metrics:
Constituent Feedback: 100/100 (30% of beacon score)
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: 100/100 (70% of beacon score)
Culture & Community Report
100
of 100 points
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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
100/100 points
70% of beacon score
This organization's score of 100 is a passing score. The organization reported that it is implementing 11 diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations implementing effective DEI policies and practices can enhance a nonprofit's decision-making, staff motivation, innovation, and effectiveness.
View this organization's DEI Strategies
Methodology
We are utilizing data collected by Candid to document and assess the DEI practices implemented by the organization. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to fill out the Equity Strategies section of their Candid profiles to receive a rating.
Learn more about the methodology.
Constituent Feedback
100/100 points
30% of beacon score
This organization reported that it is collecting feedback from the constituents and/or communities it serves. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations that engage in inclusive practices, such as collecting feedback from the people and communities they serve, may be more effective.
View this organization's Constituent Feedback Practices
Methodology
We've partnered with Candid to survey organizations about their feedback practices. Nonprofit organizations can fill out the How We Listen section of their Candid profile to receive a rating.
Learn more about the methodology.
Analysis and Research
Like the overall Encompass Rating System, the Culture & Community Beacon is designed to evolve as metrics are developed and ready for integration. Below you can find more information about the metrics we currently evaluate in this beacon and their relevance to nonprofit performance.
Constituent Feedback
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
