Nonprofit · EIN 46-1710691
ENGAGING CREATIVE MINDS
Tax-exempt · CHARLESTON, SC 29417
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 31, 2025 | 990 | $1,098,366 | $1,417,111 | -$318,745 | $218,035 | $40,337 | $177,698 |
| August 31, 2024 | 990 | $4,342,049 | $4,113,526 | $228,523 | $534,339 | $37,897 | $496,442 |
| August 31, 2023 | 990 | $1,639,620 | $2,711,438 | -$1,071,818 | $340,541 | $72,622 | $267,919 |
Financial details: 990 for the year ended August 31, 2025
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $85,283
- Program service revenue
- $974,171
- Investment income
- $7,317
- Other revenue
- $31,595
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $0
- Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
- $197,154
- Other salaries and wages
- $733,149
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $1,055,538
- Professional fundraising fees
- $0
- Occupancy
- $24,620
- Travel
- $17,552
- Depreciation
- $1,425
- Program services (functional)
- $1,343,655
- Management and general (functional)
- $19,141
- Fundraising (functional)
- $54,315
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $534,339
- Total assets, end of year
- $218,035
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $40,337
- Net assets, end of year
- $177,698
- Land, buildings and equipment
- $1,059
- Net assets without donor restrictions
- $177,698
- Gross receipts
- $1,098,366
- Employees
- 324
- Volunteers
- 320
- Year formed
- 2012
- State of legal domicile
- SC
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 August 31, 2025, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROBIN BERLINSKY | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Officer | 40 | $197,154 |
| ALLISON VAN DIEST | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| DR ANTHONY DIXON | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| DR FRAN WELCH | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| HONORABLE REGGIE BURGESS | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| HONORABLE WILLIAM COGSWELL | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| KATHLEEN WRIGHT | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| ANITA HUGGINS | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| BARBARA NWOKIKE | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| DR DONALD GORDON | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| SCOTT SHANKLIN-PETERSON | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| CHAD DAUGHTERY | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| JOHN MISTRETTA | BOARD CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 |
| DR CLIFFORD FULMORE | BOARD SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 |
| CHRISTOPHER IBSEN | BOARD TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 |
1 more people on this return
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| TUI ALLEN | BOARD VICE-CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 |
990 for the year ended August 31, 2024: 15 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROBIN BERLINSKY | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Officer | 40 | $183,154 |
| ALLISON VAN DIEST | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| DR ANTHONY DIXON | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| DR FRAN WELCH | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| HONORABLE REGGIE BURGESS | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| HONORABLE WILLIAM COGSWELL | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| KATHLEEN WRIGHT | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| ANITA HUGGINS | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| BARBARA NWOKIKE | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| DR WILLIAM SHANE ROBBINS | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| SCOTT SHANKLIN-PETERSON | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| JOHN MISTRETTA | BOARD CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 |
| DR CLIFFORD FULMORE | BOARD SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 |
| CHRISTOPHER IBSEN | BOARD TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 |
| TUI ALLEN | BOARD VICE-CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 |
990 for the year ended August 31, 2023: 24 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROBIN BERLINSKY | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Officer | 40 | $190,673 |
| TUI ALLEN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| NELLA BARKLEY | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| CHRISTOPHER IBSEN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| BRANDY INCORVIA | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| DR ANTHONY DIXON | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| DOUGLAS KIRKMAN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| JOHN MISTRETTA | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| PERRY MORRISSETTE | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| BARBARA NWOKIKE | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| DR ERIC GALLIEN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| DR WILLIAM SHANE ROBBINS | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| SCOTT SHANKLIN-PETERSON | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| HONORABLE R KEITH SUMMEY | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| HONORABLE JOHN TECKLENBURG | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| STEVE SWANSON | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| TREY TEZZA | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| ALLISON VAN DIEST | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| DR FRAN WELCH | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| BRITTANY WESTBROOK | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| CATHY MARINO | BOARD CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 |
| DR DONALD GORDON | BOARD VICE-CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 |
| MIKELL RICHARDS | BOARD TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 |
| DR CLIFFORD FULMORE | BOARD SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- PO BOX 31875, CHARLESTON, SC 29417-1875
- In care of
- % SCOTT SHANKLIN-PETERSON
- Principal officer (990 for 2024)
- JOHN MISTRETTA, PO BOX 31875, CHARLESTON, SC 29417
- Signed the 990
- JOHN MISTRETTA, BOARD CHAIR
- Phone
- (843) 277-2016
- Return prepared by
- DAVIS & COMPANY CPAS
Mission
THE MISSION OF ENGAGING CREATIVE MINDS IS TO INSPIRE THE CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE POTENTIAL OF ALL STUDENTS TO ACHIEVE ACADEMICALLY AND BECOME IMAGINATIVE, ADAPTABLE, AND PRODUCTIVE ADULTS RESULTING IN STRONGER COMMUNITIES AND AN INCREASINGLY COMPETITIVE SOUTH CAROLINA WORKFORCE.
Program accomplishments
- IN-SCHOOL ENGAGED LEARNING EXPERIENCES (ELES):ENGAGING CREATIVE MINDS PROVIDES TRAINING AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS TO COLLABORATE AND INTEGRATE THE ARTS INTO THE EXISTING K-8TH GRADE CURRICULUM DURING THE SCHOOL DAY.THE GOAL IS TO CLOSE THE OPPORTUNITY GAP FOR ALL STUDENTS WHICH ULTIMATELY CLOSES THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP. ELES ENGAGE AND MOTIVATE STUDENTS THUS SEEING IMPROVED BEHAVIOR, INCREASED ATTENDANCE IN SCHOOL, AND MORE ENGAGED STUDENTS. TEACHERS BECOME MORE SKILLED AND CONFIDENT AT USING THE ARTS AS BOTH A TOOL AND AN APPRECIATION FOR THE ARTS.Expenses $441,005 · revenue $350,176
- SUMMER STEAM INSTITUTE:DESIGNED FOR CREATIVE AND ENERGETIC STUDENTS IN GRADES K-8 WHO WANT TO SPEND THEIR SUMMER ENGAGED IN SIX WEEKS OF UNIQUE LEARNING EXPERIENCES THAT FOSTER CREATIVITY TO SOLVE REAL-WORLD CHALLENGES ALONGSIDE LOCAL ARTISTS, CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS, AND PROFESSIONALS IN THE FIELDS OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ARTS, AND MATHEMATICS. SUMMER STEAM INSTITUTE'S TWO MAIN OBJECTIVES ARE TO PREVENT SUMMER LEARNING LOSS AND PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR LOCAL CERTIFIED TEACHERS. IN ADDITION TO THE K-8 ARTS INTEGRATION STEAM PROGRAMS, ECM ALSO PROVIDES A HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR 9-12TH GRADE STUDENTS IN FINANCIAL LITERACY, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS WHILE THEY ARE ATTENDING SIX WEEKS OF SUMMER STEAM INSTITUTE SERVING AS JUNIOR COUNSELORS.Expenses $699,155 · revenue $600,805
- YESCAROLINA ENTREPRENEURSHIP:DESIGNED FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES GRADES 6-12, YESCAROLINA PROVIDES CERTIFICATION FOR TEACHERS TO TEACH ENTREPRENEURSHIP. THIS CURRICULUM, CREATED BY TEACHERS FOR TEACHERS, IS A COURSE THATSUPPORTS STUDENTS WHO ARE AT THE BEGINNING OF THEIR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY AND PREPARES THEM TO COMPETE IN YESCAROLINA'S ANNUAL STATE BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION. THE EXPERIENTIAL CURRICULUM INCLUDES HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES AND LESSON PLANS THAT MOTIVATE AND ENGAGE THE LEARNER. IT IS A CURRICULUM DESIGNED TO STRATEGICALLY GIVE THE LEARNER THE NECESSARY BUILDING BLOCKS TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE A STEP-BY-STEP BUSINESS PLAN FOR IN-CLASS AND STATE BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION.Expenses $196,170 · revenue $23,190
- Expenses $7,325
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 August, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 31, 2026 | January 15, 2027 | Not due yet |
| 2024 | August 31, 2025 | January 15, 2026 | 990 on file |
| 2023 | August 31, 2024 | January 15, 2025 | 990 on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 46-1710691
- 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
- 2014
- Accounting year ends
- August
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Category (NTEE)
- Education (B90)
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $218,035
- Income (IRS master file)
- $1,098,366
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | August 2025 | $1,098,366 | $1,417,111 | $218,035 | XML |
| 990 | August 2024 | $4,342,049 | $4,113,526 | $534,339 | XML |
| 990 | August 2023 | $1,639,620 | $2,711,438 | $340,541 | XML |
| 990 | August 2022 | $2,458,924 | $1,577,086 | $1,375,210 | IRS |
| 990 | August 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | August 2020 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | August 2019 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | August 2018 | – | – | – | 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 46-1710691).
Questions about ENGAGING CREATIVE MINDS
- What is the EIN of ENGAGING CREATIVE MINDS?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of ENGAGING CREATIVE MINDS is 46-1710691.
- Is ENGAGING CREATIVE MINDS tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 2014.
- Are donations to ENGAGING CREATIVE MINDS tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does ENGAGING CREATIVE MINDS 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 ENGAGING CREATIVE MINDS due?
- The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending August 31, 2026) is due January 15, 2027. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did ENGAGING CREATIVE MINDS last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended August 2025.
- Who is the principal officer of ENGAGING CREATIVE MINDS?
- The 990 for the year ended August 31, 2025 names JOHN MISTRETTA.
- Who are the officers and directors of ENGAGING CREATIVE MINDS?
- The 990 for the year ended August 31, 2025 lists 16 people; 1 received compensation from the organization, the highest $197,154 (ROBIN BERLINSKY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR).
- How much revenue does ENGAGING CREATIVE MINDS have?
- On its 990 for the year ended August 31, 2025 it reported revenue of $1,098,366, expenses of $1,417,111 and total assets of $218,035 at year end.
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