Greater Hartford Arts Council Incorporated
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Only 49% of its spending went to programs.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
We exist to be a catalyst for the arts and promote an equitable arts ecosystem in Greater Hartford.
- Income
- $1.2 million
- Spending
- $1.4 million
- Spent on programs
- 49%
- Reserves
- 3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 72%
- Employees
- 9
- Volunteers
- 5
- Highest pay
- $107,308, ceo-former
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
Weak: 25 out of 100.
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 3.0 months of spending.
Debt
5 of 20It owes 69% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 23% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15Income fell 64% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1549% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 21 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: 100 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 2516 of 16 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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)
- $558,470 spent. Grant Making: The Greater Hartford Arts Council invests in the vitality of the regions arts and cultural ecosystem through a range of competitive and strategic grant programs. In 2024, the Council provided financial support to nonprofit organizations to advance community engagement and equitable access to the arts primarily in the City of Hartford. Grants supported festivals and events that drive local economic activity; programs promoting local and regional artistic talent, and public art projects that enhance community spaces. The Councils grant making prioritizes collaboration, community pride, and the creative economy, ensuring that arts and culture continue to thrive as essential contributors to the region's quality of life.
- $147,564 spent. Community Programs: The Greater Hartford Arts Council produces and supports community-based programs that connect residents and visitors to the arts while strengthening the regions creative ecosystem. In 2024, the Council presented concerts, performances, and cultural events that showcased local talent and fostered civic pride. The Arts Council also offered professional development and capacity-building workshops to help artists and arts organizations build sustainable careers and strengthen their operations. In addition, the Council advanced public art initiatives that enlivened shared spaces, encouraged collaboration among artists and property owners, and celebrated the diversity the Capitol region. communities. Together, these programs enhance community connection, economic vitality, and access to the arts for all.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since June 1971.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
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.