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Griot Arts Inc

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 451838783 ✦ Clarksdale, MS ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Griot Arts Inc?

Griot Arts Inc, located in Clarksdale, Mississippi, is a dedicated nonprofit organization that primarily focuses on empowering underprivileged children through its Griot Youth Program and MINT Program. The organization operates Monday through Thursday, offering a blend of arts classes, academic tutoring, and a mentoring program. Its mission is to foster creativity among students, teachers, and volunteers, aiming to positively impact lives, neighborhoods, and communities. Griot Arts achieves its mission through three programs: MINT, SAGE, and Meraki. MINT and SAGE make up the afterschool arts program, catering to students from third to twelfth grade. MINT serves students in grades three through six, while SAGE serves those in seventh through twelfth grade. These programs provide a diverse range of visual and performing arts classes, such as dance, piano, guitar, rock band, and fine arts. In addition to these art classes, academic mentorship and Bible study sessions are held each week, along with guest speakers and educational trips. Meraki, a coffee roasting company and job training program, was introduced in 2017. Meraki offers an opportunity for youth in Clarksdale to learn the value of work and contribute to their community using their creative talents. The term "Meraki" is Greek, meaning to put soul, creativity, and a part of oneself into one's work. At Meraki, students learn to apply these ideals, recognizing that a job is not just for personal gain but also an avenue to contribute to their community. Griot Arts Inc employs a total of 37 individuals, dedicated to enriching the lives of underprivileged children in Clarksdale.


Official website here: www.griotarts.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 93%, Four-Star out of Four Star rating.

Griot Arts Inc has achieved an impressive 93% rating, reflecting strong performance in accountability and financial practices. With a perfect score for independent board members and financial statement reviews, the organization demonstrates a commitment to transparency and governance. Their low liabilities to assets ratio further indicates a solid financial foundation, allowing them to focus resources on their mission.

The organization also excels in community engagement, boasting a high score in culture and community metrics. They received perfect scores in constituent feedback collection and usage, highlighting their responsiveness to the needs and experiences of those they serve. This strong engagement suggests that Griot Arts Inc prioritizes the voices of its community, fostering an inclusive environment.

While the organization demonstrates significant strengths, particularly in financial management and community engagement, there are no noted limitations in the data available. Overall, Griot Arts Inc appears to be a well-managed nonprofit dedicated to its mission and community.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

What do the Facebook reviews say about Griot Arts Inc?

82% of 27 reviewers on Facebook recommend Griot Arts Inc. Here is a summary of their reviews:

Many supporters highlight the nonprofit's commitment to empowering youth in Clarksdale while providing a welcoming atmosphere. The mention of "wonderful coffee" reflects a positive user experience in their café setting, which also serves as a platform for supporting local talent and initiatives.

Overall, those who shared their thoughts appreciate the combination of quality service and impactful community support. The nonprofit seems to resonate well with its mission, creating a positive environment that encourages both enjoyment and community engagement.


This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.

Is Griot Arts Inc legitimate?

Griot Arts Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Griot Arts Inc submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $0
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $224,093

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.griotarts.org

What is the mission statement of Griot Arts Inc?

Griot Arts Inc's mission is centered around fostering a community of students, teachers, and volunteers who encourage creativity to positively impact lives, neighborhoods, and communities. They achieve this mission through three programs: MINT, SAGE, and Meraki. MINT and SAGE are their after-school arts programs, catering to students from grades three to twelve. These programs offer a range of visual and performing arts classes, including dance, piano, guitar, rock band, and fine arts. In addition to these art classes, the programs incorporate academic mentorship, Bible study, guest speakers, and educational trips each week.

Their third program, Meraki, was established in 2017. Meraki is a coffee roasting company and a job training program for opportunity youth in Clarksdale. The term "Meraki" is a Greek word, signifying the act of putting soul, creativity, and a piece of oneself into one's work. Through Meraki, students learn about the importance of approaching work with these Meraki ideals and understand that a job is not merely a means of livelihood but also an opportunity to contribute creatively to their community.


Official website here: www.griotarts.org

Who is the CEO of Griot Arts Inc?

Benjamin Lewis is the President of Griot Arts Inc.


Official website here: www.griotarts.org

What is the revenue of Griot Arts Inc?

Griot Arts Inc's revenue in 2022 was $724,637.


Official website here: www.griotarts.org

Who are the executives of Griot Arts Inc and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Griot Arts Inc during 2022 was $6,057. There are 37 employees and 18 volunteers at Griot Arts Inc.


Here are 11 key members and their salaries:


Cali Noland (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Julian Gallo (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Brenda Luckett (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mary Martha Bobo (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Leonette Henderson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Liberty Lee (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Hattie Shivers (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Erica Clayton (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bill Gresham (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Rebekah Pleasant-Patterson (Executive Di)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Benjamin Lewis (Deputy Direc)
  • Compensation: $60,000
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.griotarts.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Griot Arts Inc?

Griot Arts Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.griotarts.org

Learn more at the official website: www.griotarts.org

Mission Statement of Griot Arts Inc

Griot Arts Inc, a nonprofit organization, is committed to fostering a community of students, teachers, and volunteers who collaborate to encourage creativity. Their mission is twofold: to enrich lives, neighborhoods, and communities, and to enhance these aspects through artistic expression. The organization achieves this goal through three programs: MINT, SAGE, and Meraki.

MINT and SAGE, the afterschool arts programs, cater to students in grades three through twelve. MINT serves third through sixth graders, while SAGE is designed for students in seventh through twelfth grade. These programs offer a diverse range of visual and performing arts classes, such as dance, piano, guitar, rock band, and fine arts. To complement these artistic pursuits, Griot Arts Inc incorporates academic mentorship and Bible study sessions each week, as well as guest speakers and educational trips.

In addition to the MINT and SAGE programs, Griot Arts Inc introduced Meraki in 2017. This third program is a coffee roasting company and job training program for opportunity youth in Clarksdale. Meraki is a Greek word meaning to put soul, creativity, and a part of oneself into one's work. At Meraki, students learn the significance of working with these Meraki ideals, understanding that a job is not just a means of providing for oneself, but also an opportunity to contribute to one's community through creative talents.

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Impact




July, 2024

Griot Arts Inc, through its programs MINT, SAGE, and MERAKI, is making a significant impact in Clarksdale, MS. By offering afterschool arts programs, academic tutoring, mentorship, and job training opportunities, Griot Arts is not only enriching the lives of underprivileged children but also enhancing the entire community. The organization's focus on creativity and education is providing students with the tools they need to succeed academically and personally, while also instilling in them the importance of giving back and contributing to their surroundings. Griot Arts' dedication to empowering youth through the arts is creating a positive ripple effect that is felt far beyond the classroom.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Griot Arts Inc. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$724,637 (2022)
Expenses
$652,762 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $10,130
  • Program Service Revenue: $201,413
  • Gross Receipts: $729,436

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $431,917
  • Total Liabilities: $19,214
  • Net Assets: $412,703

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

MERAKI INCOME

Revenue

$201,413

Organization Details

Founding Year

2011

Principal Officer

Benjamin Lewis

Main Address

278 SUNFLOWER AVE, CLARKSDALE, MS, 38614

NTEE Category

Code: A25 - Arts

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