Bear Paws Cultural Art
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
At Bear Paws Cultural Art, we aim to revitalize Ojibwe cultural heritage, foster mutual understanding and respect with our neighbors, and facilitate community healing through art.
- Income
- $61,102
- Spending
- $137,603
- Reserves
- 3.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 93%
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
Fair: 57 out of 100. Higher than 26% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 3.7 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 125% 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 (1)
- Bear Paws Cultural Art is a heartfelt initiative focused on bringing Ojibwe cultural heritage back to life. Our mission extends beyond just preserving the past; we aim to build bridges with our neighbors and support healing in our community through traditional arts. We host free workshops, which are more than just classes-they're experiences that help participants reconnect with their roots and strengthen bonds across generations. Founded to address the lingering effects of historical and intergenerational trauma, Bear Paws emphasizes cultural practices that are defined by the community itself. Traditional arts serve as more than creative outlets; they are essential channels for sharing language, stories, values, and a sense of belonging. We intentionally create warm, welcoming spaces where elders, adults, and youth can learn together, side by side. Since we started our journey, over 1,200 individuals have participated in our signature program, Maadaoonidiwag, which translates to "sharing knowledge." Here, participants learn directly from Native Artists and Culture Bearers, enriching their understanding and appreciation of our history and traditions. By investing in Native Artists and Culture Bearers as our instructors, we honor the tradition of passing on knowledge, ensuring that it remains alive and vibrant for future generations.
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
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 2025.
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 December 2023.
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.