Northwest Arkansas African American Heritage Association Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
We're dedicated to addressing and correcting the inequalities Black communities face in Northwest Arkansas. We do this by preserving, documenting, and promoting the rich heritage and culture of Black communities in the region. We conduct research, document histories, and educate our community on the often overlooked and intentionally suppressed contributions and experiences of Black individuals in Northwest Arkansas.
- Income
- $172,408
- Spending
- $208,126
- Spent on programs
- 94%
- Reserves
- 5.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 99%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 0
- Highest pay
- $23,000, president
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: 60 out of 100. Higher than 29% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 5.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 5% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 21% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 15% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1594% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 4 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
Good: 86 out of 100. Higher than 82% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Independent board
25 of 255 of 5 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
0 of 7Reports no 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
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
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)
- $194,999 spent. In 2023, NWA Black Heritage launched the Fayetteville Black Historic District project to preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage of Black communities in Northwest Arkansas. This initiative combats historical disenfranchisement, redlining, and eminent domain threats by protecting significant cultural sites, including churches and historic buildings. The project promotes economic growth through job creation and small business opportunities, while fostering community pride and identity. Future plans include developing an Afrofuturist Museum, affordable housing, and enhanced green spaces to ensure a vibrant and inclusive community for generations to come.
- $365 spent. Black Girl Excellence" is an impactful mentorship initiative sponsored by our organization at Fayetteville High School, led by teacher Ms. Breanna Taylor, benefiting approximately 40 students from grades 9-12. This innovative program holistically supports the students' academic achievements and personal growth, focusing on their mental, physical, and social well-being. NWABH enriches the program by introducing a secondary mentor, an accomplished MA graduate, Olympic pentathlete, and media personality, who brings inspiring encounters with successful Black professionals, thereby expanding the students' horizons and showing the vast array of success paths available to them. Through our involvement, including funding for unique and enriching activities, we directly contribute to shaping confident, well-rounded, and aspirational young Black women, poised to become influential leaders and trailblazers in their communities and beyond.
- $970 spent. Black Communities & Schools: Our organization spearheads a vital initiative to preserve and illuminate the African American heritage in Fayetteville, with a particular focus on historical educational disparities, as exemplified by Jefferson and Lincoln Schools. We delve into historical research, uncovering and bringing to light the systemic challenges and injustices faced by the African American community due to past city planning and educational policies. Our advocacy and educational outreach extend beyond mere awareness, as we actively engage in revising current city plans, including the 2008 Parks Master Plan, to honor and reflect the rich African American history. This crucial work not only corrects historical narratives but also empowers the Fayetteville community with a more inclusive and accurate understanding of its diverse heritage, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among African American residents and contributing to a more equitable society.
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? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on May 15, 2011 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on April 15, 2012.
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 2013.
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.