Artspan
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- 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
ArtSpan builds community by connecting the public to visual arts in san Francisco. Through SF Open Studios, youth and adult education, and art-centric events, ArtSpan creates a platform for artists to thrive, fostering a Bay Area that values the arts.
- Income
- $620,216
- Spending
- $862,819
- Spent on programs
- 52%
- Reserves
- -1.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 33%
- Employees
- 9
- Volunteers
- 89
- Highest pay
- $142,409, 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
Weak: 23 out of 100.
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
0 of 20It owes 170% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 39% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 44% on the year before.
Spending floor
8 of 1552% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 36 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: 91 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 2511 of 11 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
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 (4)
- $238,610 spent. San Francisco Open Studios is an annual, month-long event in October that showcases over 800 emerging and established San Francisco artists in their studios. ArtSpan publishes a printed Guide of artists with comprehensive online catalog. The event connects collectors with artists for engaging dialog and a glimpse into the life of the working artist. In addition to SF Open Studios, ArtSpan produces Exhibitions and Professional Development Workshops for Artists.
- $117,729 spent. Artist Resources, Advocacy & MembershipArtSpan hosts workshops throughout the year to create community and to help inform artists and art-appreciators about art, art business, art collecting and supporting a successful art career. ArtSpan also provides online resources as well as in-person mentoring to help artists reach their professional goals. ArtSpan's Executive Director has been working with local artists to create community action groups, Save Our Studios and Cultural Space Coalition. She has also been working with Artists for a Better Bay Area, the SF Art Commission and other local organizations about artists studio and residential displacement and an $8-million enhancement to the Mayors budget for additional funding for the arts sector. (continued on Schedule O page 2)
- $82,762 spent. Art-In-Neighborhoods programArtSpans Art-In-Neighborhoods program serves the city of San Francisco by connecting communities with local artists while activating spaces with vibrant, locally-made artwork. ArtSpan partners with local businesses and building owners to bring art studios, art exhibitions, and art events to businesses, dormant storefronts, and empty spaces. Local artists who are ArtSpan members are given the opportunity to create, display, promote, and sell their artwork in these diverse venues. All aspects of the program allow otherwise unused walls, spaces, or properties to become creative arenas for celebrating local arts.
- $12,280 spent. Onondaga CampaignArtSpan is redeveloping a city-owned historic building at 45 Onondaga Avenue to provide artists and local residents a community classroom, gallery, resource center, and 10 full-time artist studios. The facility will also serve as ArtSpan's offices and headquarters for our public and member programming and events.
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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since June 1996.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.