Art Encounter
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
THE ORGANIZATION MISSION IS TO EDUCATE, EMPOWER, AND CONNECT PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND BACKGROUNDS THROUGH INTERACTIVE ENCOUNTERS WITH VISUAL ART. THE ORGANIZATION BELIEVES THAT THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO SEE, AND THAT ART CAN BE A POWERFUL VEHICLE TO BETTER UNDERSTAND OURSELVES AND THE WORLD AROUND US.
- Income
- $597,692
- Spending
- $572,687
- Spent on programs
- 70%
- Reserves
- 11.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 49%
- Employees
- 5
- Volunteers
- 16
- Highest pay
- $78,750, executive dir.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 79 out of 100.
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 11.5 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 20% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 4% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 10% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1570% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 29 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 95 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
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
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 June 30, 2025, 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 (5)
- $119,267 spent. Mural Arts - The goal of the program is to uplift and beautify neighborhoods with mural art through creative partnerships with community organizations, schools, and business districts. The Organization pairs professional artists with community members and youth to create large-scale public works of art that last for years to come.
- $93,765 spent. Outreach School - School programs are at the heart of community engagement to bring art to youth across the Chicago area. The Organization empowers students from a broad range of backgrounds through engaging explorations of art that critical thinking, creativity, and self-discovery. Its signature approach of discussing original artworks embraces individual perceptions, while hands-on workshops build self-confidence and a deeper understanding of the creative process.
- $89,308 spent. Non-Local Travel Tours - Trips offer the change to experience the art world in a fresh and stimulating new way. The Organization organizes unique and diverse opportunities for global exploration, provide otherwise unattainable access to private collections, artist studios, museums, and galleries, plus authentic local food and culture, all led by knowledgeable and experienced professional teaching artist.
- $72,120 spent. Local Art Tours - The programs provide exclusive access to private collections, galleries, museums, and artist studios with discussions led using the signature Art Encounter method. Programs are offered throughout the year for the general public.
- $27,059 spent. Outreach Adults/Seniors - The programs in senior homes bring creativity and connection to adults residing in assisted living facilities through hands-on projects and discussion of artworks from the Organizations professional collection.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, 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 October 13, 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 June 2025.
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 May 1979.
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 October 21, 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.