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Black Girls Dance

EIN 82-1437264 · Chicago, IL

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceFair63 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

At Black Girls Dance, our unwavering commitment is to champion and elevate dancers of color by providing a transformative journey that encompasses training, exposure, and performance opportunities. Rooted in the belief that dance is not only an art form but a powerful avenue for personal growth and empowerment, our mission transcends the stage to impact lives and communities.

Income
$612,078
Spending
$398,678
Spent on programs
78%
Reserves
8.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 44%
Employees
3
Volunteers
95
Highest pay
$94,053, 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 8.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 7% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 35% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 60% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    78% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 6 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

Fair: 63 out of 100. Higher than 37% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    5 of 5 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no 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.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • 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. $180,019 spent. Dance Season Provided high-quality ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop training to over 180 students, fostering confidence, discipline, and artistry. In 2025, Black Girls Dance continued providing high-quality dance training, performance opportunities, mentorship, and confidence-building experiences for girls of color. Program accomplishments included serving over 200 students, offering weekly dance instruction across multiple disciplines, producing major performance opportunities, providing scholarship support, and continuing the organizations expansion toward the future Full Circle Performing Arts Center.
  2. $80,405 spent. Girls Rise Up Welcomed two University of Chicago Booth MBA Board Fellows, who helped structure new fundraising initiatives and strategic planning for growth. Provided mentorship and professional development opportunities for senior ensemble members, including college and career guidance.
  3. $32,073 spent. MARY Welcomed two University of Chicago Booth MBA Board Fellows, who helped structure new fundraising initiatives and strategic planning for growth. Provided mentorship and professional development opportunities for senior ensemble members, including college and career guidance.
  4. $17,826 spent. Sold out the Harris Theater 1400 seats at our 2024 Spring Concert held in June Produced Mary, A Holiday Dansical at the Logan Center, featuring a cast of 35 young dancers and providing performance opportunities for aspiring artists. Performed at the Chicago Sky WNBA halftime show, giving students professional performance exposure. Hosted a Giving Tuesday campaign featuring compelling student stories to engage new donors and expand funding for scholarships. Participated in the 34th Annual International Association of Blacks In Dance Conference in Memphis, TN

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 August 2021.

    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.