Puppetry Arts Institute
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Puppetry Arts Institute is a 501(c)3 organization in its 24th year in the area of Englewood in Independence, Missouri. We provide workshops, puppet shows, exhibits and special events in our neighborhood in Jackson County.
- Income
- $55,088
- Spending
- $64,736
- Reserves
- 4.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 81%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 57 out of 100. Higher than 26% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 4.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 18% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ 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 (1)
- $48,541 spent. The Puppetry Arts Institute (PAI), established in 2001, offers entertaining puppet shows performed by professional puppeteers and puppet painting workshops for school age groups and families. "Grown up" shows and events are offered several times a year. The museum features unique puppet exhibits, a gift shop, a library, and a stage where children can perform. Exhibits include international puppets, Hazelle Rollins puppets, changeable exhibits in main room, and unique items in the gift shop. One room is devoted to Kansas City's own Hazelle Rollins legacy as the world's largest producer of puppets. PAI inherited the leftover factory puppet parts that are still being used for creative workshops and displays. The international room houses a collection of puppets from around the world that PAI's founder, Diane Houk, obtained while living in several countries. In August 2022, a concluding performance of the Missouri Bicentennial Show, was performed at the National Frontier Trails Museum. Fortunately, in 2024, PAI was able to perform puppet shows for family audiences at PAI as well. The Artistic Director and other regional puppeteers performed twice this year in unique shows at PAI's location. PAI has partnered with the Independence School District since 2010 to provide puppet painting workshops and a puppet show in citizenship for over 1100 kindergartners each year. PAI's Artistic Director performed several shows per year for all ages. PAI is one of the anchors in the Englewood Arts District and is considered an important tourism destination by the city of Independence. Just recently, the city's media director filmed activities at PAI in honor of World Puppetry Day. PAI is actively involved in helping with workshops and community events.
Source: Form 990EZ 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 September 2000.
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.