Public Functionary
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Public Functionary (PF) is artist-led space to dream and live in a world where our multi-faceted identities are celebrated and centered. A place where creative production and collaboration is reparative and generous. Supporting the expression of art and culture through studios, galleries, and performance space - PF pours into an abundant community of practice, where possibility is seen within our relationships with one another.
- Income
- $693,946
- Spending
- $873,289
- Spent on programs
- 82%
- Reserves
- 2.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 94%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 25
- Highest pay
- $62,250, executive director
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 28% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 2.2 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 26% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 67% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1582% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 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
Fair: 64 out of 100. Higher than 37% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
18 of 253 of 3 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no 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.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 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)
- $719,834 spent. Studio Residency Program-- Public Functionary provides private work studios and professional development resources to early-career artists. The studio residency program offers access to mentorship, conversation labs, workshops, and exhibition opportunities. Artists also use shared facilities equipped with tools and materials to expand their practices. The program operates on a cohort model, supporting up to 30 artists at a time. All residency spots are currently filled with a waiting list in place. Through this program, participating artists gain practical knowledge for sustaining their practice and building professional confidence.* Artistic Skill Development and Professional Development Program-- Public Functionary manages client-based art projects, including art event production, murals, interior artworks, and public art commissions, to provide participating artists with paid professional opportunities. These projects support career development by allowing artists to apply their creative skills in real-world settings. The organization also offers technical assistance and consulting to help artists professionalize their work, advocate for equitable compensation, and navigate commission processes. Income generated through consulting and project management fees directly supports the continuation of this program and other artist-focused services.* Art Presentation Program-- Public Functionary presents free exhibitions and multidisciplinary performances featuring both studio residents and artists selected through open calls. Programs include solo and group exhibitions, collaborative performances, and artist-driven productions. Events often include additional public programming such as artist talks, panel discussions, open studios, film screenings, and in-process showings. These presentations serve as a platform for artists to share new work and for the public to engage in dialogue around contemporary art. Exhibitions and performances are open to the community at no cost, creating accessible opportunities for cultural participation.
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, 2024 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on May 15, 2024.
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 October 2024.
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.