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Muse Foundation

EIN 86-2187647 · Providence, RI

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood80 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The MUSE Foundation of Rhode Island (MUSEOFRI) is committed to nurturing creativity and innovation within communities of color through strategic philanthropic investments and initiatives. Our mission revolves around three core principles: enriching communities through education and inspiration, empowering them through advocacy and action, and equipping them with essential resources and networks.

Income
$132,830
Spending
$135,715
Reserves
10.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Highest pay
$25,500, founder and executive director

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 80 out of 100. Higher than 53% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 10.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 2% of income.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.

Source: Form 990EZ 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 (3)
  1. $45,804 spent. TurnUp RI is a youth and community engagement initiative designed to empower young people through mentorship, leadership development, educational opportunities, arts and cultural programming, and community collaboration. The program promotes positive youth development, civic participation, and creative expression while creating safe and inclusive opportunities for engagement and personal growth throughout Rhode Island.
  2. $35,625 spent. YESPVD! is a community-based initiative focused on youth empowerment, education, and social impact through collaborative programming and outreach efforts. The program supports underserved youth and communities by providing opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, community engagement, and access to educational and cultural resources that encourage long-term personal and community success.
  3. $20,357 spent. Rhode Island Black Philanthropy Month is an annual initiative that celebrates and promotes Black philanthropy, cultural awareness, civic engagement, and community leadership throughout Rhode Island. The program convenes community members, nonprofit leaders, artists, educators, and advocates through events, discussions, and partnerships that highlight the importance of equity, collective impact, and investment in underserved communities.

Source: Form 990EZ 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 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 September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since September 2021.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 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.