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Soharlem Inc

EIN 47-1640149 · New York, NY

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak49 out of 100GovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Our mission as a place-based social enterprise connects people living in poverty with cultural industry opportunities that help them achieve economic self-sufficiency. To do this, we incubate creative entrepreneurs, and we train the workforce needed to sustain them. Vision: A thriving Harlem powered by creative entrepreneurs at the intersection of arts and commercebuilding on our legacy of equitable economic development since 2011.

Income
$495,912
Spending
$563,512
Spent on programs
80%
Reserves
1.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 90%
Employees
4
Volunteers
6

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

Financial health

Weak: 49 out of 100. Higher than 17% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 1.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 7% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 14% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 46% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    80% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 11 cents.

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

Governance

Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 77% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 6 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

    10 of 10

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

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

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

  • 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, 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. $382,402 spent. Incubating Creative Entrepreneurs - Strengthening local artisans through visibility, mentorship, and retail opportunities.ReCouture Workshops: Hosted successful workshops for Met Members, where SoHarlem designers taught participants how to upcycle old garments into bespoke pieces.Cultural Tourism: Creative Entrepreneurs Doris Prester and Debbie Quinones led sold-out walking tours of East and West Harlem, highlighting the "Innovation Triangle," the Factory District, and the rich labor and civil rights history of El Barrio.Innovation Triangle Activation: Partnered with the West Harlem Arts Alliance (WHAA) for a month-long showcase at the Taystee Lab Building.o Noah Ortiz led "no-sew" design demos.o Kenny Allen (Hollywood-Babylon) screened his award-winning film, Dapper Dan: Dont Hate the Players, Change the Game.o Gladys Perez provided live sewing instruction to the public.Met-Inspired Window Displays: * "A Nod to Superfine": Featured Noah Ortiz (Art in Heaven), who showcased an upcycled contemporary Dandyism jacket using materials donated by Dapper Dan, and Walter Joe Dixon (ATASHI), who presented designs featuring exquisite brocade textiles.The Beauty of Home Decor": A collaboration between Olivia Smashum (Blue Olive) and Teniade Morenike Fann (Naija Fly Fabrics). The display featured unique pillows incorporating heritage textiles donated by the late Susan Stauber and Valerie Deas.ILGWU Tribute: Celebrated labor history with a display featuring the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU) imprint, alongside West African ethical fair-trade fabrics from Naija Fly Fabrics.Designer Spotlight: Andres Biel (IFLYUNIVERSE): Welcomed back former apprentice Andres Biel as a Guest Artist. Biel, winner of the Harlem Fashion Week Emerging Designer Competition, transitioned from a SoHarlem apprentice (2019-2021) to a successful high-end streetwear designer. In a full-circle moment, he now teaches at the Henry Street Settlement where his journey began.The Designer as Educator: Piloting Fashion's Next Generation We also spotlight Walter Dixon, SoHarlem Design Apprentice and ATASHI Creative Director, and help market his newly launched, Walter Joe Sewing and Fashion Classes at the High School of Fashion Industries.Media Spotlight: Through our communications efforts, Walter Dixon was featured in CanvasRebel, a national magazine dedicated to the stories of visionary creatives and entrepreneurs. Part of the Voyage Group of Magazines, the feature highlights Walters journey and his impact on the Harlem creative community.From Studio to Runway & Stage:o Stage Production: Sewist Margarita Ayala and Designer Javier Valencia were commissioned to create the full costume lineup for Elf The Musical.o Exhibitions: Assisted Gladys Perez in securing a spot in the Threaded Realities exhibition at the Kota Alliance, where she showcased her upcycled millinery works.Designer Hub Membership: Launched an affordable Studio Membership Program ($200$400/year) to provide sustainable workspace and services to local artisans.New Collective Members: Welcomed Imani (Cre8tive Soles 4 U), who specializes in repurposed, individualistic footwear.Designers 2024 Holiday Season was extended at Columbia Universitys Forums until January 30, 2025. This accessible street-level location impacted the designer pop-ups filled with joy, community, and festive gifts.Following designer Javier Valencias appointment as Creative Director for Black Smoke (Shoot for the Stars Foundation), SoHarlem co-hosted a live-streamed Holiday Fashion Show. The event successfully connected our Creative Entrepreneurs with new markets and celebrated the intersection of Harlems music and fashion scenes.
  2. $67,482 spent. Creative Economy Training Institute - Cultivating the next generation of cultural workersDapper Dans Dream-Connection: Piloted a 12-week intensive apprenticeship for young entrepreneurs.Participants received technical training in garment construction and business mentorship.Success Stories: Nelvin De La Rosa (accepted to college; working part-time at SoHarlem), Zaire Benjamin (promoted to Design & Studio Apprentice), Ashley Best (now at FIT), and Dean Delfante (hired by Banana Republic).Recruitment Partners: Collaborated with Rambler Studios, Shoot for the Stars Foundation (founded by Audrey Jackson), and Avenues for Justice to identify at-risk youth with a passion for design.The Future of Fashion (3D Tech): Under the leadership of Noah Ortiz, SoHarlem is developing a 3D-enabled workforce program to bridge traditional artisan craft with digital fashion technology.Expanded footprint through cultural and environmental cultural collaboration Climate Week & Gotham Foundry: Partnered with neighbors Gotham Foundry to showcase upcycled creations by young designers, highlighting the intersection of biofabrication and sustainable fashion in West Harlem.Urban Tech & Green Spaces: Amsterdam Greenstreet: Collaborated with the City Parks Department to restore the West 126th St & Amsterdam Ave corridor with new flora and fencing.Smart Streetscapes (CS3): Participated in Columbia Universitys Augmented Reality (AR) workshops to help design tech-enabled public spaces that preserve neighborhood history.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.

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

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

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since May 2015.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.