Djapo Cultural Arts Institute Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Djapo Cultural Arts Institute a 501c3 nonprofit is dedicated to preserving traditional African and diasporic art forms through dance music song history and folklore. Its mission is to educate inspire and empower communities by fostering unity cultural appreciation and collective growth through research dialogue community initiatives international travel and theatrical performances. Djapo expands artistic possibilities while strengthening connections and creating meaningful cultural experiences.
- Income
- $239,346
- Spending
- $266,213
- Spent on programs
- 88%
- Reserves
- 1.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 83%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 50
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
Weak: 44 out of 100. Higher than 16% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 1.4 months of spending.
Debt
5 of 20It owes 62% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 11% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 9% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1588% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 19 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
Good: 78 out of 100. Higher than 72% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Independent board
25 of 2510 of 10 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
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
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 (3)
- $182,217 spent. The Djapo Cultural Arts Institutes Community Arts Program is a vital initiative that offers inclusive African and diasporic arts education to a wide range of individuals emphasizing those from marginalized backgrounds. By delivering workshops school residencies and public performances the program actively works towards the preservation and celebration of African cultural traditions. Through a comprehensive curriculum that covers African dance drumming storytelling and history participants have the unique opportunity to learn from experienced master artists and cultural experts. Furthermore the programs commitment extends to collaborating with local entities such as organizations schools and community centers to ensure that their cultural offerings are accessible to a diverse audience especially targeting youth seniors and vulnerable populations. By engaging in these partnerships the Community Arts Program effectively broadens its reach and impact fostering a sense of unity and understanding across different sectors of the community.
- $30,000 spent. Djapo Cultural Arts Institute organizes the Annual African Dance & Drum Festival uniting artists educators and the community to honor and engage with the diverse African cultural heritage. This vibrant event spans multiple days and encompasses dance and drumming workshops captivating performances enlightening panel discussions and enriching cultural exhibitions led by esteemed artists from Africa and its diaspora. With a focus on fostering cultural exchange artistic growth and community involvement the festival draws participants from all corners of the country. Beyond enhancing artistic skills the festival nurtures cultural pride creates economic avenues for local artists and vendors and encourages intergenerational knowledge transfer through immersive participatory activities.
- $22,000 spent. Djapo Cultural Arts Institute has been dedicated to facilitating an enriching International Cultural Arts & Education Tour to West Africa for more than 16 years. This unique program offers participants a life-changing opportunity to immerse themselves in the traditional art forms of Africa in their authentic cultural settings. The tour takes participants to countries like Senegal Mali Ghana and The Gambia where they engage in hands-on training with skilled master artists visit significant historical sites and form meaningful connections with local communities. By fostering direct cultural immersion the tour promotes cross-cultural understanding historical appreciation and artistic development among participants while also fostering economic growth through strategic partnerships with local artists craftsmen and cultural establishments. Moreover beyond the cultural and educational aspects the program also places a special emphasis on philanthropy. Djapo Cultural Arts Institute actively facilitates donations and provides scholarships for disadvantaged children and families in the communities visited during the tour. This philanthropic component not only enriches the lives of those in need but also underscores the Institutes commitment to social responsibility and community development. Through these philanthropic efforts participants are given the opportunity to give back to the communities that have welcomed them creating a reciprocal exchange of support and goodwill that further enhances the transformative impact of the program. By engaging in philanthropic activities participants are able to witness firsthand the positive difference they can make in the lives of others fostering empathy compassion and a broader sense of global citizenship among them.
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? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 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 November 2015.
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 November 4, 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.