Connecticut Academy for the Arts
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
is to provide an environment for quality personalized learning that integrates arts and creativity throughout an age appropriate curriculum, to cultivate innovative, collaborative and global thinkers and to prepare them for a life of civic and global engagement, professional achievement and personal fulfillment through the arts.
- Income
- $141,439
- Spending
- $98,028
- Spent on programs
- 70%
- Reserves
- -36.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 83%
- Employees
- 0
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
Fair: 50 out of 100. Higher than 16% of charities in its peer group (education, under $250k).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
5 of 20It owes 62% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 31% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 21% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1570% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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
Weak: 35 out of 100. Higher than 13% of charities in its peer group (education, under $250k).
Independent board
18 of 254 of 4 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
0 of 5Reports that it does not keep minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
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 (3)
- $68,999 spent. CAFTA CIAO Program:Northwest Connecticut Pre-K through High School (ages 4-18) students have an opportunity to take part in CIAO (CAFTA Italian Arts Outreach), a unique Language Arts and Culture program sponsored through a grant from the Italian Government.The CIAO program is project based and students will create their own age appropriate journal/textbooks and choose from projects such as acting for films, filmmaking, fashion, arts,animation, architecture, literature, writing, design and culture while learning to converse inItalian.The class will be taught by professional internationally renowned artists, designers and filmmakers, Teresa and John Sullivan, as well as by visits from other nationally and internationally known professional artists and designers.There is no Italian language prerequisite necessary for this class. The CIAO Program will also open up opportunities for travel to Italy, Italian internships and networking.
- SEL Creativity Program/Partnership with Torrington Public Schools:PERSONALIZED LEARNING IN VISUAL ARTSCAFTA students receive training in various disciplines chosen from the following studies: Film, Fine Art, Photography, Design, Architecture, Graphic Design, Branding/Marketing. Each program is designed for individual students based on their interests, talents and capabilities. No two students are alike therefore CAFTA instructors work with each student to maximize their potential in what ever level they have reached from beginners to advanced studies as well as preparation for higher education and careers in the field of Art and Design.
- CAFTA Friday Film Forum:is an adult film studies group that meets weekly to study the great international filmmakers,directors, and actors in the world of cinema. In the 10 years CAFTA Friday Film Forum (FFF) has been in session, over 500 award winning films from all over the world have been seen and discussed. In the new CAFTA Cineteque Theater (at 100 Prospect Street in Torrington, CT), films are shown on a 30 foot screen in a very comfortable studio environment. A "Happy Hour" informal cultural networking takes place from 6 pm until showtime at 6:45 pm. Refreshments are served at that time. Everyone is asked to bring either a savory or desert to share. Promptly at 6:45 pm the movie begins. After the film, coffee and dessert are served and everyone joins in the discussion to evaluate the tectonics and themes of the film, filmmakers and/or director. The conversation is always lively, interesting and informative. Many say it is the highlight of their week.Film classes may be audited film by film. Fee is $5 per class. New students can register at the door when they arrive.
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 October 13, 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 November 6, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since March 2011.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 November 4, 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.