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Nonprofit · EIN 45-1838783

GRIOT ARTS INC

Tax-exempt · CLARKSDALE, MS 38614

Financials

$666K$750K2022$802K$694K2023$1.1M$848K2024
Revenue Expenses · by fiscal year end
Financials of GRIOT ARTS INC by year, from its e-filed returns
Year endedFormRevenueExpensesNet incomeTotal assetsLiabilitiesNet assets
July 31, 2025990$1,117,609$847,555$270,054$762,265$14,650$747,615
July 31, 2024990$802,172$694,484$107,688$500,462$103,829$396,633
July 31, 2023990$666,060$749,764-$83,704$349,418$20,423$328,995
Financial details: 990 for the year ended July 31, 2025

Revenue

Contributions, gifts and grants
$911,754
of which government grants
$125,950
Membership dues
$12,316
Program service revenue
$175,896
Investment income
$4,466
Net income from fundraising events
$25,493
Other revenue
$25,493

Expenses

Grants and similar amounts paid
$0
Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
$134,482
Other salaries and wages
$216,426
Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
$373,430
Professional fundraising fees
$0
Legal fees
$25,755
Occupancy
$55,925
Depreciation
$6,863
Program services (functional)
$724,493
Management and general (functional)
$123,062

Balance sheet and other

Total assets, start of year
$500,462
Total assets, end of year
$762,265
Total liabilities, end of year
$14,650
Net assets, end of year
$747,615
Land, buildings and equipment
$304,465
Net assets without donor restrictions
$506,528
Net assets with donor restrictions
$241,087
Gross receipts
$1,133,383
Employees
21
Volunteers
12
Year formed
2011
State of legal domicile
MS

From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.

Officers, directors and key employees

As listed on the 990 for the year ended July 31, 2025, highest compensation first.

NameTitleHours / weekCompensation
Rebekah Pleasant-PattersonExecutive Dir.
Officer
40$70,000
Benjamin LewisDeputy Director
Officer
40$64,482
Leonette HendersonVice President
Trustee or director, Officer
0$0
Julian GalloPRESIDENT/TREAS
Trustee or director, Officer
0$0
CALI NOLANDDirector
Trustee or director
0$0
BRENDA LUCKETTDirector
Trustee or director
0$0
MARY MARTHA BOBODirector
Trustee or director
0$0
HATTIE SHIVERSDirector
Trustee or director
0$0
BILL GRESHAMDirector
Trustee or director
0$0
ROBERT BOBODirector
Trustee or director
0$0
NICOLE ROSSDirector
Trustee or director
0$0
TYLER YARBROUGHDirector
Trustee or director
0$0
990 for the year ended July 31, 2024: 6 people
NameTitleHours / weekCompensation
Rebekah Pleasant-PattersonExecutive Director
Officer
0$70,000
Benjamin LewisDeputy Director
Officer
40$64,182
Leonette HendersonVice President
Trustee or director
0$0
Julian GalloTreasurer
Trustee or director
0$0
Brenda LuckettSecretary
Trustee or director
0$0
Cynthia NolandPresident
Trustee or director, Officer
0$0
990 for the year ended July 31, 2023: 6 people
NameTitleHours / weekCompensation
Rebekah Pleasant-PattersonExecutive Director
Officer
0$70,000
Benjamin LewisDeputy Director
Officer
40$60,000
Leonette HendersonVice President
Trustee or director
0$0
Julian GalloTreasurer
Trustee or director
0$0
Brenda LuckettSecretary
Trustee or director
0$0
Cynthia NolandPresident
Trustee or director, Officer
0$0

Address and contacts

Address (IRS master file)
278 SUNFLOWER AVE, CLARKSDALE, MS 38614-4221
In care of
% CYNTHIA NOLAND
Signed the 990
BEN LEWIS, DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Phone
(662) 799-1237
Return prepared by
BRC Advisors LLC

Mission

GRIOT ARTS IS DEDICATED TO EMPOWERING PEOPLE IN CLARKSDALE, MS, BY PROVIDING ACCESS TO ENRICHING ARTS EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES. OUR MISSION IS TO CULTIVATE CREATIVITY, COMPASSION, AND COMMUNITY TO ENHANCE THE WELL-BEING OF OUR STUDENTS AND THE BROADER COMMUNITY. WE BELIEVE IN THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF THE ARTS AND CREATIVE EXPRESSION IN FOSTERING PERSONAL GROWTH, COMMUNITY INTEGRATION, AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT. OUR APPROACH IS GROUNDED IN THE BELIEF THAT EACH INDIVIDUAL INHERENTLY POSSESSES UNIQUE CAPABILITIES FOR SUCCESS. BY NURTURING THESE TALENTS AND PERSPECTIVES, WE ENABLE OUR PARTICIPANTS TO BECOME AGENTS OF POSITIVE CHANGE IN THEIR LIVES AND COMMUNITIES. THIS IS ACHIEVED THROUGH DIVERSE PROGRAMS INCLUDING AFTER-SCHOOL ART EDUCATION, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES, AND COMMUNITY-BUILDING ACTIVITIES.WE OPERATE WITH A COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVITY AND RESPECT FOR A DIVERSITY OF BELIEFS, ENSURING AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE EVERYONE FEELS A DEEP SENSE OF BELONGING AN

990 for the year ended July 31, 2025

Program accomplishments

  • Through the following programs and achievements, Griot Arts steadfastly pursues its mission of empowering the people of Clarksdale, Mississippi, by providing access to arts, education, and workforce development opportunities, thereby enabling them to create positive change in their lives and in the community. This is accomplished though: i. Meraki Program: Specifically designed for young adults aged 16-24, this program focuses on nurturing soft skills essential for workforce development. By offering these opportunities, we empower participants to create positive changes in their lives, aligning with our commitment to workforce development and personal growth. ii. Griot Afterschool Arts: This diverse arts program, catering to children and adolescents aged 3-18, plays a crucial role in our mission. By providing access to a variety of artistic disciplines, we enable young individuals to explore and develop their creative talents, contributing to their overall educational and personal development. iii. Bridge Services: Offering a range of support services, including academic assistance and workforce readiness programs. This initiative reflects our dedication to education and workforce development, essential for fostering long-term positive change in our community. iv. Community Activities: Encompassing a variety of classes in dance, fitness, and other recreational activities. These activities are instrumental in promoting lifelong learning and engagement in the arts, reinforcing our mission of community empowerment through artistic opportunities.
    Expenses $724,493
  • Significant Achievements i.Impact on Students: In the last year, 108 students were served across all programs, indicating our impact on the community. A total of 295.5 hours through 13 unique weekly artistic classes were conducted in our afterschool program, providing extensive creative learning opportunities. were offered, showcasing the diversity of our programs. Engagement with 81 families, demonstrating our deep reach into the community. Through Bridge Services, 70 educational support offerings were provided, emphasizing our commitment to educational enrichment. Collaboration with 30 community partners, underscoring our role in fostering community-wide support and development. ii.Community Center Development: The revitalization of the historic Paramount Theater into a dynamic community hub embodies our vision of creating a space where the arts and community development intersect. This project is a testament to our dedication to preserving cultural heritage. while fostering opportunities for artistic expression and community engagement.

What it must file and when

IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in July, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.

Tax yearYear endedDueIRS public records
2025July 31, 2026December 15, 2026Not due yet
2024July 31, 2025December 15, 2025990 on file
2023July 31, 2024December 16, 2024990 on file

IRS record

EIN
45-1838783
Tax-exempt status
501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
Foundation status
Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))
Donations deductible (Pub 78)
Public charity, 50% deduction limit
Exempt since
2011
Accounting year ends
July
Files
Form 990 or 990-EZ
Assets (IRS master file)
$762,265
Income (IRS master file)
$1,133,383

Filing history

FormYear endedRevenueExpensesAssetsReturn
990July 2025$1,117,609$847,555$762,265IRS
990July 2024$802,172$694,484$500,462XML
990July 2023$666,060$749,764$349,418XML
990July 2022$724,637$652,762$431,917IRS
990July 2021–––IRS
990July 2020–––IRS

990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 45-1838783).

Questions about GRIOT ARTS INC

What is the EIN of GRIOT ARTS INC?
The employer identification number (EIN) of GRIOT ARTS INC is 45-1838783.
Is GRIOT ARTS INC tax-exempt?
Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 2011.
Are donations to GRIOT ARTS INC tax-deductible?
Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
Which annual return does GRIOT ARTS INC file?
Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
When is the next return of GRIOT ARTS INC due?
The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending July 31, 2026) is due December 15, 2026. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
When did GRIOT ARTS INC last file with the IRS?
The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended July 2025.
Who are the officers and directors of GRIOT ARTS INC?
The 990 for the year ended July 31, 2025 lists 12 people; 2 received compensation from the organization, the highest $70,000 (Rebekah Pleasant-Patterson, Executive Dir.).
How much revenue does GRIOT ARTS INC have?
On its 990 for the year ended July 31, 2025 it reported revenue of $1,117,609, expenses of $847,555 and total assets of $762,265 at year end.

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