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Art From the Inside

EIN 88-2003501 · Maplewood, MN

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair68 out of 100GovernanceFair65 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Art from the Inside takes a multi-faceted approach to giving a voice to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated artists. Art from the Inside creates the opportunity for incarcerated artists to have a visual voice through engaging community-centered exhibitions of their art. We host exhibits at a range of venues with the goal of making art accessible to anyone. We incorporate community discussions and educational opportunities at each exhibit. We provide economic empowerment for the artists we work with through the sale of original art and prints. We are committed to taking a community-centered approach that includes education advocacy for a successful transition back into the community as part of our scope. We support incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals through the arts by promoting personal transformation, community engagement, and public education about the criminal justice system through exhibiting art created by people incarcerated in our state, supporting returning

Income
$241,540
Spending
$249,804
Spent on programs
90%
Reserves
2.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 79%
Employees
0
Volunteers
20
Highest pay
$52,107, officer / co-founder

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

Fair: 68 out of 100. Higher than 39% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.3 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 1% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 3% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 81% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    90% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 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: 65 out of 100. Higher than 60% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    10 of 10 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

    0 of 10

    Did not give 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.

  • 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 (3)
  1. $83,392 spent. In 2025, Art from the Inside expanded its programming to deepen impact for both currently and formerly incarcerated artists. We launched a community-based exhibition series, Shifting Perspectives, hosted at a major public library, featuring artwork from incarcerated and returning artists alongside public programming, including artist-led workshops, a film screening of JUSTICE-REFORMED, and panel discussions focused on policy, reentry, and systems change.
  2. $111,827 spent. Through exhibitions, wellness programming, and community engagement, AFTI works to shift narratives around incarceration, cultivate compassion, and strengthen community belonging. AFTI piloted an art and wellness fellowship program in three correctional facilities: MCF-Stillwater, MCF-Shakopee, and MCF-Faribault. During the 12-week program, AFTI fellows learned to incorporate mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and visualization exercises, and community singing. Fellows self-reported that these skills enhanced their emotional self-regulation, equipping them to manage their thoughts and responses, support improved decision-making and pro-social behavior.
  3. $29,992 spent. We introduced the Creative Pathways Fellowship, a structured program supporting formerly incarcerated artists through mentorship, leadership development, and paid opportunities to facilitate art and wellness programming. This initiative strengthens pathways for returning artists to serve as leaders in their communities.

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 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 May 2022.

    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.