Iconoclast Artists
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Iconoclast Artists is a writing and arts program in Houston and Galveston, Texas that builds relationships with students in underserved schools and juvenile detention centers through core competencies, creative writing, performance and visual arts.
- Income
- $388,116
- Spending
- $389,988
- Spent on programs
- 93%
- Reserves
- 1.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 68%
- Employees
- 2
- Volunteers
- 0
- Highest pay
- $60,000, 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: 68 out of 100. Higher than 39% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 1.8 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 4% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 0% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 7% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1593% 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
Strong: 97 out of 100. Higher than 92% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 2513 of 14 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a 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
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
12 of 15Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.
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)
- $362,848 spent. Iconoclast Artists is a writing and arts program in Houston and Galveston, Texas that builds relationships with students in underserved schools and juvenile detention centers through core competencies, creative writing, performance and visual arts. Our Program Consists of: Iconoclast Writing Program - The Iconoclast Writing Program is working with students in-school, after-school, and during summer school, in partnership within various Houston, Spring Branch, Aldine, and Galveston school districts. Classes typically meet weekly and provide educational and artistic instruction, using original writing exercises and close readings of both classic and contemporary poets. Iconoclast Sessions - The Iconoclast Sessions are quarterly performance gatherings free and open to the public that pair an academic poet with a spoken word poet. In addition to introducing our students to a wide variety of literary expressions, Iconoclast Sessions create a context where communities that would not otherwise meet can begin to build freindships. Iconoclast Sessions 2 - Iconoclast Sessions 2 are gatherings totally devoted to student performances. Our students take the stage and deliver their poetry to a live audience. Iconoclast Curriculums - The two Iconoclast Curriculums are innovative guides and writing exercises: one developed for the school systems and the other created for the broader community. Iconoclast Curriculum: HISD meets requirements for public school testing prep and other lesson-planning checklists, while Iconoclast Curriculum: Community is designed to be immediately accessible to students and mentors who are hungry for independent study. Iconoclast Anthology - Each year, Iconoclast publishes an anthology of poetry written by the students in our program. As published authors, these students not only have the opportunity to enhance their collegiate applications, but also to express their vision through a voice rooted in their own experience to a wide audience. Proceeds of the anthology go to the educational fund for Iconoclast students. Core compentencies - Iconoclast Artists has integrated core compentencies within our writing curriculum, which is based on understanding brain function and creating new neural pathways for coping with emotions. Using mindfulness practices and exercises, our experienced professional work with our staff, students, teachers, and student leaders, both individually and within various specialized groups, in order to create social and emotional awareness, enhance psychological well-being, and promote academic success. Iconoclast students also participate in TEDxYouth and in workshops at local colleges and universities.
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 January 2017.
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.