Passes our checks

Arts Empowerment Project Inc

EIN 45-4837497 · Charlotte, NC

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

What it says it does

To break the cycles of violence and trauma through arts opportunities that ignite change in vulnerable youth.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Good: 83 out of 100. Higher than 64% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

Reserves
35 of 35
Spendable reserves would cover 13.2 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20
It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15
Income exceeded spending by 12% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15
Income fell 15% on the year before.
Spending floor
8 of 15
59% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 12 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Good: 82 out of 100. Higher than 80% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

Independent board
25 of 25
15 of 15 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
7 of 7
Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5
Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10
Did not give 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.
No reported misuse
10 of 10
Reports 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

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)

$126,298 spent. Encounters Life Skills/Promoting Peace + Justice, engages students through art-making and facilitated discussion with arts educators, and guest artists. Members of local law enforcement also join classes to positively engage with students. Youth gain skills through arts instruction, encouraging positive choices, and self-awareness while also promoting leadership and orientation to educational and career goals. (58 Students served in 2024)
HeART Packs provides donated art supplies, creative activities, books, healthy snacks and a gift card to comfort and engage vulnerable children in underserved communities, including group homes, foster care and domestic violence shelters. (388 students served in 2024)
Free Art Friday gives young children in grades K-5 positive arts and enrichment experiences. Visiting artists engage with students to promote character development, literacy and social and emotional learning. (230 students served in 2024)

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

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 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 August 2012.
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.