Potters Studio
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
We educate, nurture and inspire a diverse community of ceramic artists. We provide the space, support and tools for creativity, growth, community, connection and joy for those who make and appreciate ceramics. We believe that diversity and inclusiveness make for a better experience for everyone.
- Income
- $2.5 million
- Spending
- $1.8 million
- Spent on programs
- 69%
- Reserves
- -13.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 67%
- Employees
- 33
- Volunteers
- 35
- Highest pay
- $120,156, executive dir.
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
Fair: 50 out of 100.
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
5 of 20It owes 57% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 29% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 36% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1569% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 31 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
Strong: 100 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 258 of 9 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a 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.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or 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)
- $1.2 million spent. The Potters Studio supports a vibrant and inclusive community of ceramic artists by providing affordable access to a fully equipped, professional clay studio. Our Membership Program is central to our mission to foster creativity, access, and lifelong learning for people of all backgrounds. In 2024, we served 380 active members.Membership includes 24/7 studio access (after a one-month trial period) and use of extensive resources, including throwing wheels, hand-building spaces, slab rollers, a damp room, kilns, a well-ventilated glaze lab, and a ceramics reference library. Members receive free training on firing procedures, glaze mixing, and safe equipment use. Our members also benefit from over 20 cone 10 glazes, more than a dozen high-fire clay bodies (clay and firing fees apply), and personalized storage options.Throughout the year, we offered 72 ceramics classes, 12 professional development workshops, and 24 Clay Club sessions. Members also had access to monthly member-exclusive workshops, and the opportunity to participate in two major sales events: our annual Holiday Sale and our biannual Parking Lot Sale.We are deeply committed to equity and access. Membership is offered on a sliding scale. The Sustaining level of $210 per month covers the actual cost of operations. The Supporting level of $250 per month is a pay-it-forward option that helps subsidize access for others. The Supported level of $170 per month is available by application and helps reduce financial barriers for marginalized or underrepresented community members. In 2024, we awarded 30 Supported Memberships, ensuring access to studio space and resources for those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue ceramics.
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 October 13, 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 December 2021.
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 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.