Saint Josephs Arts Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It reported loans to or from officers, directors or other insiders.
- It owes more than it owns.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
Saint Joseph's Arts Foundation (SJAF) supports the creation and presentation of contemporary art through local and national artist-in-residency programs, innovative partnerships with artists and arts organizations, and the presentation of exhibitions, performances, and public events that showcase art of all media and disciplines. At a time when unaffordable gallery and studio space, as well as housing, plagues artists throughout the United States, SJAF provides art exhibition spaces in both San Francisco, CA and Providence, MA, along with other support to artists. SJAF creates arts programming that inspires artists and the public to participate in cultural experiences, and promote the relevance of art and artists in the daily life of our society.
- Income
- $710,607
- Spending
- $950,256
- Spent on programs
- 89%
- Reserves
- -1.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 61%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 0
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: 20 out of 100. Higher than 1% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
0 of 20It owes 150% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 34% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 16% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1589% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 4 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
Fair: 57 out of 100. Higher than 27% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
18 of 253 of 4 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
0 of 7Reports no 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.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
0 of 10Reports at least one of: diversion of assets, excess benefits, 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)
- $844,926 spent. In 2024, the Foundation continued to expand its reach and deepen its impact through a growing number of exhibitions and public programs. Across both the San Francisco and Provincetown locations, SJAF presented eight visual art exhibitions, alongside 29 programs in San Francisco and 21 in Provincetown. These included artist talks, workshops, performances, film screenings, and interdisciplinary gatherings that welcomed a diverse and engaged public. Highlights included Packing and Cracking: The Art of (and Response to) Gerrymandering in San Francisco, which used textile-based art to explore political redistricting and featured hands-on workshops and public talks. In Provincetown, a sold-out conversation between Doris Kearns Goodwin and Kevin Sessums drew broad community interest and engagement. Throughout the year, SJAF remained committed to inclusivity, collaboration, and cultural vitality, strengthening its role as a hub for creative exchange and community connection on both coasts.
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 February 2020.
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.