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National Association of Black Storytellers Inc

EIN 52-1752103 · Baltimore, MD

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceGood76 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc. NABS promotes and perpetuates the art of Black storytelling-an art form which embodies the history, heritage, and culture of African Americans.

Income
$349,319
Spending
$304,959
Spent on programs
75%
Reserves
6.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 82%
Employees
0
Volunteers
46
Highest pay
$24,500, executive dir.

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

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 78% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.5 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 13% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 106% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    75% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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

Good: 76 out of 100. Higher than 57% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no 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

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • 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 (4)
  1. $109,077 spent. The Black Appalachian Storyteller Fellows Program awarded six artists fellowships to support their practice as a Black Appalachian storytellers and culture bearers. The fellowship provides opportunities to examine, research, develop and perform and/or document the Black Appalachian storytelling tradition. Awardees also are mentored by NABS master storytellers and funded to attend and present at the In the Tradition...National Black Storytellers Festival and Conference.
  2. $77,518 spent. The National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc. (NABS) "In The Tradition..." Annual National Black Storytelling Festival & Conference held in Atlanta, GA presented professional storytelling concerts, workshops, scholar panels, and other cultural arts to over 150 attendees. A Black Heritage Tour was conducted which explored the history and rich culture of African Americans in Atlanta.
  3. $31,261 spent. The Adopt-A-Teller Program (AATP) served 1,087 students and 180 adults in 12 venues in Atlanta, GA. The Adopt-A-Teller Program performances were conducted by 21 experienced, dynamic, diverse, and nationally renowned storytellers who presented 24 cultural arts and educational services. The AATP conducted a free community family concert. Performances were conducted at public and charter elementary schools, libraries, community centers and a senior center. The storytellers shared their wealth of stories that celebrate African centered traditions from around the world. These stories improve listening, critical thinking, and oratory skills as well as enhance self-esteem and stimulate the desire to read.
  4. $11,112 spent. The Youth Program equipped over 50 youths with essential storytelling techniques, communication strategies, and public speaking skills. The program strengthened youths connections to their cultural heritage while encouraging creative expression and personal development. 13 Youth received traveling & registration scholarships, 10 local youth received festival registration scholarships, and 2 Youth Alumni were awarded travel and registration scholarships to present youth workshops.

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 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 December 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 February 1997.

    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.