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Griot Arts Inc

EIN 45-1838783 · Clarksdale, MS

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood75 out of 100GovernanceGood82 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

GRIOT ARTS IS DEDICATED TO EMPOWERING PEOPLE IN CLARKSDALE, MS, BY PROVIDING ACCESS TO ENRICHING ARTS EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES. OUR MISSION IS TO CULTIVATE CREATIVITY, COMPASSION, AND COMMUNITY TO ENHANCE THE WELL-BEING OF OUR STUDENTS AND THE BROADER COMMUNITY. WE BELIEVE IN THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF THE ARTS AND CREATIVE EXPRESSION IN FOSTERING PERSONAL GROWTH, COMMUNITY INTEGRATION, AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT. OUR APPROACH IS GROUNDED IN THE BELIEF THAT EACH INDIVIDUAL INHERENTLY POSSESSES UNIQUE CAPABILITIES FOR SUCCESS. BY NURTURING THESE TALENTS AND PERSPECTIVES, WE ENABLE OUR PARTICIPANTS TO BECOME AGENTS OF POSITIVE CHANGE IN THEIR LIVES AND COMMUNITIES. THIS IS ACHIEVED THROUGH DIVERSE PROGRAMS INCLUDING AFTER-SCHOOL ART EDUCATION, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES, AND COMMUNITY-BUILDING ACTIVITIES.WE OPERATE WITH A COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVITY AND RESPECT FOR A DIVERSITY OF BELIEFS, ENSURING AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE EVERYONE FEELS A DEEP SENSE OF BELONGING AN

Income
$1.1 million
Spending
$847,555
Spent on programs
86%
Reserves
2.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 70%
Employees
21
Volunteers
12
Highest pay
$70,000, executive dir.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 54% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 24% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 39% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    85% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Good: 82 out of 100. Higher than 34% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    10 of 10 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    9 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 31, 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 (2)
  1. $724,493 spent. Through the following programs and achievements, Griot Arts steadfastly pursues its mission of empowering the people of Clarksdale, Mississippi, by providing access to arts, education, and workforce development opportunities, thereby enabling them to create positive change in their lives and in the community. This is accomplished though: i. Meraki Program: Specifically designed for young adults aged 16-24, this program focuses on nurturing soft skills essential for workforce development. By offering these opportunities, we empower participants to create positive changes in their lives, aligning with our commitment to workforce development and personal growth. ii. Griot Afterschool Arts: This diverse arts program, catering to children and adolescents aged 3-18, plays a crucial role in our mission. By providing access to a variety of artistic disciplines, we enable young individuals to explore and develop their creative talents, contributing to their overall educational and personal development. iii. Bridge Services: Offering a range of support services, including academic assistance and workforce readiness programs. This initiative reflects our dedication to education and workforce development, essential for fostering long-term positive change in our community. iv. Community Activities: Encompassing a variety of classes in dance, fitness, and other recreational activities. These activities are instrumental in promoting lifelong learning and engagement in the arts, reinforcing our mission of community empowerment through artistic opportunities.
  2. Significant Achievements i.Impact on Students: In the last year, 108 students were served across all programs, indicating our impact on the community. A total of 295.5 hours through 13 unique weekly artistic classes were conducted in our afterschool program, providing extensive creative learning opportunities. were offered, showcasing the diversity of our programs. Engagement with 81 families, demonstrating our deep reach into the community. Through Bridge Services, 70 educational support offerings were provided, emphasizing our commitment to educational enrichment. Collaboration with 30 community partners, underscoring our role in fostering community-wide support and development. ii.Community Center Development: The revitalization of the historic Paramount Theater into a dynamic community hub embodies our vision of creating a space where the arts and community development intersect. This project is a testament to our dedication to preserving cultural heritage. while fostering opportunities for artistic expression and community engagement.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending July 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since September 2011.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. 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.