The 51st

EIN: 993371005 501(c)(3) Arts, Culture & Humanities

Washington, DC

Total Revenue
$902,674
Total Expenses
$595,854
Total Assets
$723,811
Net Assets
$572,990
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Financial Vulnerability Assessment (Tuckman-Chang)

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Financial Trends

Organization Details

Formation Year
2024
Legal Domicile
DC
Phone
2028275660
Tax Period
2025-01-01 to 2025-12-31

The 51st, founded in 2024, is a small nonprofit in the Arts, Culture & Humanities sector that reported $903K in total revenue in fiscal year 2025. Revenue surged 115% from the prior year, signaling strong growth momentum. The organization ran a surplus of $307K, a strong 34% operating margin.

Mission

The 51st is an information source that makes living in the District of Columbia easier, more fun, and more equitable for all residents. We provide news as a public service, educate readers, and build community through engagement events.

Program Service Accomplishments

Program 1
Expenses: $420,472

The Journalism program provides independently researched and rigorously fact-checked local news to DC residents: more than 400 articles, 60 newsletters, and 1 million website visits in 2025. Tenant...

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The Journalism program provides independently researched and rigorously fact-checked local news to DC residents: more than 400 articles, 60 newsletters, and 1 million website visits in 2025. Tenant advocates and social workers said they frequently shared the organizations D.C. Explained guides with clients, noting the clear and accessible writing. The 51st received several grants to support stories holding people in power accountable. One focused on a DC Water policy change where, instead of placing a lien when a buildings owner failed to pay the water bill, the agency started shutting off tenants water. Four days after that story published, DC Council amended regulations to say tenants must receive 30 days notice before water is shut off. Another accountability story from the previous year was recognized with a Pulitzer Prize as part of a broader project in partnership with The New York Times, Baltimore Banner, and Big Local News.

Program 2
Expenses: $46,021

The Outreach program strengthens community bonds through in-person relationship building and curated experiences. In 2025, The 51st secured a grant to continue the work of its first Community...

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The Outreach program strengthens community bonds through in-person relationship building and curated experiences. In 2025, The 51st secured a grant to continue the work of its first Community Connector, focused on assessing the information needs of Ward 7 residents. With that expansion, the organization contracted two additional Ward 7 residents as organizers; hosted small-scale events to bring people together; and shared what they learned from community members with The 51sts newsroom -- leading to nearly two dozen stories featuring Ward 7 people, places, and issues. Building off of that model, The 51st added another Community Connector to focus on relationships with D.C. natives throughout the region. This included launching a video series highlighting individual D.C. natives and partnering with Black.Native.Creative. to host a recurring live game show to celebrate local history and culture: Ask A D.C. Native, Live.

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Trantor Score

Financial Health Score (300–850) · Liquidity · Solvency · Sustainability · Efficiency

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Liquidity (40%) • Solvency (30%) • Sustainability (20%) • Efficiency (10%)

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Financial Overview (2025)

Revenue Breakdown

Contributions & Grants $876,839
Program Service Revenue $25,729
Investment Income $106
Other Revenue $0
TOTAL REVENUE $902,674

Expense Breakdown

Grants Paid $0
Salaries & Benefits $429,676
Fundraising Expenses $6,172
Program Expenses $466,493
Other Expenses $166,178
TOTAL EXPENSES $595,854

Year-over-Year Comparison

2025 2024 Change
Revenue $902,674 $419,309 +1.2%
Expenses $595,854 $153,139 +2.9%
Net Income $306,820 $266,170 +0.2%
Key Indicators
Grants to Organizations Grants to Individuals Lobbying Political Activity Foreign Activities Donor Advised Fund Schedule B Required
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Financial Health Indicators

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Liquidity & Cash Position

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Governance

Voting Members
7
Independent Members
N/A
Employees
2
Volunteers
N/A

Governance Policies

Conflict of Interest Policy
Whistleblower Policy
Document Retention Policy

Special Practices & Reported Activities

Operated a School
Operated a Hospital
Provided First Class Travel
Reported Conflict of Interest
Reported Asset Diversion
Excess Benefit Transaction
Made Political Expenditures
Engaged in Lobbying
Operated Donor Advised Fund
Maintained Art Collections
Filed Form 720

Compensation of Officers, Directors & Key Employees

Total Officers
2
$114,276
Total Directors
2
$168,383
Key Employees
1
$74,150
Highest Compensated
0
reported
Name Title Hours/Week Role Reportable Comp Other Comp Total
Christina Sturdivant Sani Executive Director 35.00
Director
$89,778 $0 $89,778
Maddie Poore Individual Director 30.50
Director
$78,605 $0 $78,605
Eric Falquero Treasurer 29.50
Officer
$75,988 $0 $75,988
Martin Austermuhle N/A 35.00
Key Emp
$74,150 $0 $74,150
Abigail Higgins President 27.50
Officer
$38,288 $0 $38,288
Colleen Grabick Member 14.50
$35,988 $0 $35,988
Natalie Delgadillo Member 8.00
$23,500 $0 $23,500
Note: Compensation data is self-reported by the organization on their Form 990. "Reportable Comp" includes salary, bonuses, and other reportable compensation from the organization and related organizations. "Other Comp" includes benefits, deferred compensation, and non-taxable benefits.

Historical Data

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Net Income
2025 $902,674 $595,854 $723,811 $306,820
2024 $419,309 $153,139 $268,170 $266,170
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