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133 CLARENDON ST UNIT 171376
Boston MA 02117-4160
Boston MA | IRS ruling year: 1975 | EIN: 04-2563054
ArtsBoston creates powerful relationships between arts organizations, the public, and every sector of civic life to build an arts sector that represents the true cha ... (More)
ArtsBoston creates powerful relationships between arts organizations, the public, and every sector of civic life to build an arts sector that represents the true character and diversity of our city. With our partners, we are expanding audiences, strengthening community, and advocating for the immense value that the arts, culture, and creativity bring to our sector. Our vision is a Greater Boston that thrives on arts and culture. A vibrant city that embraces arts and culture as an invaluable asset that powers ideas and creativity, fosters innovation and celebrates diversity. (Less)
Great
This charity's score is 100%, earning it a Four-Star rating. If this organization aligns with your passions and values, you can give with confidence.
This overall score is calculated from multiple beacon scores: 80% Accountability & Finance, 10% Leadership & Adaptability, 10% Culture & Community. Learn more about our criteria and methodology.
We recognize that not all metrics and beacons equally predict a charity’s success. The percentage each beacon contributes to the organization’s overall rating depends on the number of beacons an organization has earned.
Use the tool below to select different beacons to see how the weighting shifts when only one, two, or three beacons are earned.
Rating histories are available for a growing number of rated organizations. Check back later to see if this organization has a rating history!
The IRS is significantly delayed in processing nonprofits' annual tax filings (Forms 990). As a result, the Accountability & Finance score for Arts Boston Inc. is outdated and the overall rating may not be representative of its current operations. Please check with the charity directly for any questions you may have.
Arts Boston Inc. has earned a 100% for the Accountability & Finance beacon. See the metrics below for more information.
This beacon provides an assessment of a charity's financial health (financial efficiency, sustainability, and trustworthiness) and its commitment to governance practices and policies.
This Accountability & Finance score represents IRS Form 990 data up until FY 2020, which is the most recent Form 990 currently available to us.
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Full Credit
Partial Credit
No Credit
Not ApplicableBoard Composition - 8/8 - 25/25 ptsBoard Composition - 8/8 - 25/25 pts
Charity Navigator looks for at least 3 board members, with more than 50% of those members identified as independent (not salaried).
The presence of an independent governing body is strongly recommended by many industry professionals to allow for full deliberation and diversity of thinking on governance and other organizational matters.
Source: IRS Form 990
Independent Audit or Financial Review - Audited - 20/20 ptsIndependent Audit or Financial Review - Audited - 20/20 pts
An Audit, Review, or Compilation provides important information about financial accountability and accuracy. Organizations are scored based on their Total Revenue Amount:
| Total Revenue Amount | Expectation to Receive Credit |
|---|---|
| $1 million or higher | Expected to complete an audit |
| $500,000 - $1 million | Expected to complete an audit, review, or compilation |
| Less than $500,000 | No expectation (removed from scoring methodology) |
Source: IRS Form 990
Conflict of Interest Policy - Listed - 3/3 ptsConflict of Interest Policy - Listed - 3/3 pts
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a conflict of interest policy on the Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy protects the organization and by extension those it serves, when it is considering entering into a transaction that may benefit the private interest of an officer, director and/or key employee of the organization.
Source: IRS Form 990
Board Meeting Minutes - Documented - 3/3 ptsBoard Meeting Minutes - Documented - 3/3 pts
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990 that the organization has this process in place as an accountability and transparency measure.
An official record of the events that take place during a board meeting ensures that a contemporaneous document exists for future reference.
Source: IRS Form 990
Document Retention and Destruction - Listed - 3/3 ptsDocument Retention and Destruction - Listed - 3/3 pts
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a document retention and destruction policy per the Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy establishes guidelines for the handling, backing up, archiving and destruction of documents. These guidelines foster good record keeping procedures that promote data integrity.
Source: IRS Form 990
Whistleblower Policy - Listed - 3/3 ptsWhistleblower Policy - Listed - 3/3 pts
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a whistleblower policy per the Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy outlines procedures for handling employee complaints, as well as a confidential way for employees to report financial or other types of mismanagement.
Source: IRS Form 990
Website - Listed - 3/3 ptsWebsite - Listed - 3/3 pts
Charity Navigator looks for a website on the Form 990 as an accountability and transparency metric.
Nonprofits act in the public trust and reporting publicly on activities is an important component.
Source: IRS Form 990
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditNot ApplicableLiabilities to Assets Ratio - 35.33% - 15/15 ptsLiabilities to Assets Ratio - 35.33% - 15/15 pts
The Liabilities to Assets Ratio is determined by Total Liabilities divided by Total Assets (most recent 990). This ratio is an indicator of an organization’s solvency and/or long-term sustainability.
| Liabilities to Assets Ratio | Amount of Credit Received |
|---|---|
| Less than 50% | Full Credit |
| 50% - 59.9% | Partial Credit |
| 60% or more | No Credit |
Source: IRS Form 990
Program Expense Ratio - 82.95% - 25/25 ptsProgram Expense Ratio - 82.95% - 25/25 pts
The Program Expense Ratio is determined by Program Expenses divided by Total Expense (average of most recent three 990s). This measure reflects the percent of its total expenses a charity spends on the programs and services it exists to deliver.
| Program Expense Percentage | Amount of Credit Received |
|---|---|
| 70% or higher | Full Credit |
| 60% - 69.9% | Partial Credit |
| 50% - 59.9% | Zero Points for Program Expense Score |
| Below 50% | Zero Points for Both Program Expense AND Liabilities to Assets Scores |
Source: IRS Form 990
This chart displays the trend of revenue and expenses over the past several years for this organization, as reported on their IRS Form 990.
No Data Available
Key Persons data is currently unavailable for this organization. This data is only available if this charity has at least one year of electronically-filed Form 990 data filed within the last six years.
Below are some key data points from the Exempt Organization IRS Business Master File (BMF) for this organization. Learn more about the BMF on the IRS website
Activities:
Cultural performances (BMF activity code: 090)
Foundation Status:
Organization which receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or the general public 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (BMF foundation code: 15)
Affiliation:
Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations). (BMF affiliation code: 3)
The Form 990 is a document that nonprofit organizations file with the IRS annually. We leverage finance and accountability data from it to form Encompass ratings. Click here to search for this organization's Forms 990 on the IRS website (if any are available). Simply enter the organization's name (Arts Boston Inc.) or EIN (042563054) in the 'Search Term' field.
This organization was impacted by COVID-19 in a way that effected their financial health in 2020. This normally would have reduced their star rating. Due to the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, we give charities such as this one the opportunity to share the story of COVID's impact on them, and doing this pauses our revision of their rating. Charities may submit their own pandemic responses through their nonprofit portal.
Arts Boston Inc. reported being impacted by COVID-19 in the following ways:
Program Delivery
Fundraising Capacity
Revenue
Staffing
Administrative Capacity
Balance Sheet
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's operations financially:
ArtsBoston’s services have been critical both during the initial crisis of COVID-19 closures and in the complicated recovery since. We deemed the ArtsBoston Calendar, Audience Outlook Monitor, Network for Arts Administrators of Color, Boston, and member support to be essential services, even as we shouldered decreased revenue resulting from no in-person performances for 18 months, which impacted BosTix ticket sales and advertising significantly). With increased contributed revenue, ArtsBoston currently anticipates ending FY22 with a modest surplus, representing a turnaround after deficits incurred in FY20 and FY21. Our earned revenues in FY20 were 64% of FY19 (our pre-pandemic baseline) and in FY21 were 22% of FY19. They recovered partially in FY22, to 48% of FY19 earned revenues. As we look ahead, we are focused both on reimagining and reinvigorating BosTix as an earned revenue engine and on increasing contributed revenue so that we can meet the sector’s evolving needs.
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's delivery of programs:
In addition to suspending our BosTix discount ticket program for 18 months and pivoting the ArtsBoston Calendar to promote a broad range of digital and behind-the-scenes events to help arts organizations keep audiences engaged, ArtsBoston invested in data collection and support to help keep arts workers informed and connected. Supporting BIPOC arts workers, who were disproportionately impacted by both the pandemic and the simultaneous racial justice reckoning that followed the death of George Floyd, was a top priority. Via the Network for Arts Administrators of Color, Boston (NAACBoston), we offered a series of virtual gatherings, maintained NAACBoston’s active listserv, and convened a hybrid cohort for NAACBoston’s Mentorship & Sponsorship Program. In complement, our leadership of a Boston cohort for the Audience Outlook Monitor (AOM) helped us provide actionable data on audience attitudes towards reopening that helped guide decision making across the sector.
How this organization adapted to changing conditions caused by COVID-19:
Since the spring of 2020, arts organizations have navigated major disruptions to business models, unprecedented earned revenue losses, shifting attitudes about public gatherings, and a host of related challenges. ArtsBoston adapted by leveraging digital opportunities for connection: our staff converted to a remote (and now hybrid) model, convenings that had previously been in-person converted to digital (and are now a mix of in-person and digital), and we leaned into marketing a wide array of digital events (which we have retained even as in-person events have returned). All of this helped us stay focused on providing timely data and opportunities for arts professionals to connect and collaborate, at a time when arts organizations and arts workers across the spectrum were encountering major challenges. The Audience Outlook Monitor, NAACBoston events and services, and ArtsBoston’s convenings on public health and reopening best practices were all in service of these goals.
Innovations the organization intends to continue permanently after the pandemic:
Offering ArtsBoston knowledge sharing and professional development events digitally broadened their reach and made them more accessible. Our convenings on public health best practices, front-of-house reopening protocols, and the Audience Outlook Monitor drew record attendance, while converting our NAACBoston Mentorship & Sponsorship Program to a hybrid model made it possible for us to bypass what might have been prohibitive travel times and attract a broader array of mentors and sponsors. We anticipate offering a mix of digital, hybrid, and in-person events going forward. In addition, the major challenges to the cultural sector’s business models prompted ArtsBoston to build out our qualitative data gathering practices, to enable us to gather more nuance and listen more deeply to the sector’s needs. We intend to carry this deeper, more analytic practice of listening forward as we plan for a future in which the need for data-informed adaptation will only grow.
Not Currently Scored
Arts Boston Inc. cannot currently be evaluated by our Impact & Results methodology because either (A) it is eligible, but we have not yet received data; (B) we have not yet developed an algorithm to estimate its programmatic impact; (C) its programs are not direct services; or (D) it is not heavily reliant on contributions from individual donors.
Note: The absence of a score does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, it only indicates that we have not yet evaluated the organization.
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Arts Boston Inc. reported its three largest programs on its FY 2020 Form 990 as:
Spent in most recent FY
Percent of program expenses
TICKETING: ARTSBOSTON'S BOSTIX DISCOUNT TICKETING PROGRAM OFFERS DISCOUNTED TICKETS TO PERFORMANCES AND CULTURAL EVENTS ONLINE THROUGH THE ARTSBOSTON CALENDAR AND AT CULTURAL INFORMATION BOOTHS LOCATE ... (More)
TICKETING: ARTSBOSTON'S BOSTIX DISCOUNT TICKETING PROGRAM OFFERS DISCOUNTED TICKETS TO PERFORMANCES AND CULTURAL EVENTS ONLINE THROUGH THE ARTSBOSTON CALENDAR AND AT CULTURAL INFORMATION BOOTHS LOCATED AT FANEUIL HALL MARKETPLACE AND COPLEY SQUARE IN DOWNTOWN BOSTON. (Less)
Spent in most recent FY
Percent of program expenses
ADVERTISING: ARTSBOSTON PROVIDES PLATFORMS FOR AFFORDABLE ADVERTISING THAT ARTS GROUPS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS CAN USE TO PROMOTE THEIR EVENTS. THIS INCLUDES SOCIAL MEDIA, CO-OPERATIVE PRINT ADVERTISI ... (More)
ADVERTISING: ARTSBOSTON PROVIDES PLATFORMS FOR AFFORDABLE ADVERTISING THAT ARTS GROUPS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS CAN USE TO PROMOTE THEIR EVENTS. THIS INCLUDES SOCIAL MEDIA, CO-OPERATIVE PRINT ADVERTISING, ONLINE PLATFORMS SUCH AS THE ARTSBOSTON CALENDAR AND (Less)
Spent in most recent FY
Percent of program expenses
CAPACITY BUILDING / MEMBER SERVICES: ARTSBOSTON OFFERS AN ARRAY OF PROGRAMS THAT BUILD THE CAPACITY OF ARTS ORGANIZATIONS, WITH A PARTICULAR FOCUS ON EQUITY AND INCLUSION; SUPPORTS THE PROFESSIONAL DE ... (More)
CAPACITY BUILDING / MEMBER SERVICES: ARTSBOSTON OFFERS AN ARRAY OF PROGRAMS THAT BUILD THE CAPACITY OF ARTS ORGANIZATIONS, WITH A PARTICULAR FOCUS ON EQUITY AND INCLUSION; SUPPORTS THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THOSE WORKING IN THE CULTURAL FIELD; AND IN (Less)
Arts Boston Inc. has earned a 100% for the Culture & Community beacon. See the metrics below for more information.
This beacon provides an assessment of the organization's culture and connectedness to the community it serves.
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Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditNot ApplicableConstituent Feedback - No Data Available - UnscoredConstituent Feedback - No Data Available - Unscored
Constituent Feedback and Listening Practice data are not available for this organization. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations that engage in inclusive practices, such as collecting feedback from the people and communities they serve, may be more effective.
Equity Practices - Data Available - 100/100 ptsEquity Practices - Data Available - 100/100 pts
100% of beacon score
This organization's score of 100 is a passing score. The organization reported that it is implementing 12 Equity Practices. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations implementing effective equity policies and practices can enhance a nonprofit's decision-making, staff motivation, innovation, and effectiveness.
Equity Practices (6/7) | |
|---|---|
We review compensation data across the organization (and by staff levels) to identify disparities by race. | |
We ask team members to identify racial disparities in their programs and/or portfolios. | |
We analyze disaggregated data and root causes of race disparities that impact the organization/'s programs, portfolios, and the populations served. | |
We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support. | |
We employ non-traditional ways of gathering feedback on programs and trainings, which may include interviews, roundtables, and external reviews with/by community stakeholders. | |
We disaggregate data by demographics, including race, in every policy and program measured | |
We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization. | |
Equity Policies and Procedures (6/7) | |
|---|---|
We use a vetting process to identify vendors and partners that share our commitment to race equity. | |
We have a promotion process that anticipates and mitigates implicit and explicit biases about people of color serving in leadership positions. | |
We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization. | |
We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board. | |
We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability. | |
We measure and then disaggregate job satisfaction and retention data by race, function, level, and/or team. | |
We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization. | |
Arts Boston Inc. has earned a 100% for the Leadership & Adaptability beacon. See the metrics below for more information.
This beacon provides an assessment of the organization's leadership capacity, strategic thinking and planning, and ability to innovate or respond to changes in constituent demand/need or other relevant social and economic conditions to achieve the organization's mission.
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Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditNot ApplicableMission - 10/10 ptsMission - 10/10 pts
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization's mission
ArtsBoston creates powerful relationships between arts organizations, the public, and every sector of our civic life to build an arts sector that represents the true character and diversity of our city. With our partners, we are expanding audiences, strengthening our community, and advocating for the immense value that the arts, culture, and creativity bring to Greater Boston.
Vision - 10/10 ptsVision - 10/10 pts
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
Our vision is a Greater Boston that thrives on arts and culture. A vibrant city that embraces arts and culture as an invaluable asset that powers ideas and creativity, fosters innovation and celebrates diversity.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Goals - 20/20 ptsGoals - 20/20 pts
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking and goal setting through sharing their most important strategic goals.
Goal One: Lead dialogues and action to create a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse arts sector
Goal Type: This goal reflects our commitment to further our advocacy work for our organization and or cause area.
Goal Two: Develop new audiences and increase equity in arts participation
Goal Type: New program(s) based on observed changes in needs among our constituencies/communities served.
Goal Three: Use the power of arts and culture to help make Greater Boston a vibrant and welcoming place to live, work, and visit
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Leadership Development - 15/15 ptsLeadership Development - 15/15 pts
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
From December, 2021 through May, 2022, ArtsBoston anchored the second cycle of the Mentorship & Sponsorship Program of the Network for Arts Administrators of Color, Boston (NAACBoston). Created as an initiative of ArtsBoston in 2016 to address the lack of representation of people of color in decision-making roles and dispel false narratives regarding the absence of qualified candidates, NAACBoston provides platforms for connection and learning, fosters professional growth, and widens the leadership pipeline. The Mentorship & Sponsorship Program pairs early-career professionals with Mentors for individual support, guidance, and role modeling, and mid-career professionals with Sponsors who can tap into resources of power and open doors. Each pair met at least twice a month, while the full cohort convened virtually on a monthly basis. Professional development sessions for the cohort were also offered to NAACBoston’s full membership. A third cycle is planned for 2022-23.
Mobilizing for Mission - 15/15 ptsMobilizing for Mission - 15/15 pts
The nonprofit provides evidence of leadership through focusing externally and mobilizing resources for the mission.
Strategic Partnerships
Networks of Collective Impact Efforts
Thought Leadership
Raising Awareness
Community Building
Policy Advocacy
ArtsBoston’s role as a nexus of marketing, research, convening, and advocacy has been of particular importance during the COVID-19 crisis and the concurrent national reckoning with racial injustice. This has included investing in public relations to amplify learnings and outcomes for programs such as the Audience Outlook Monitor, a longitudinal study that assessed audience attitudes and informed organizations’ reopening strategies and the Mentorship & Sponsorship program of the Network for Arts Administrators of Color, Boston (which pairs emerging, mid-career, and established BIPOC arts leaders for shared learning and network building). ArtsBoston also collaborates with national arts service organization colleagues, the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture of the City of Boston, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and other funders and cultural advocates to raise up the societal, economic, and individual value of the arts.
Adaptability Story - 30/30 ptsAdaptability Story - 30/30 pts
The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
From 2020-2022, Audience Outlook Monitor cohort calls and ArtsBoston’s larger webinars on reopening became important ways for us to listen and gather information on the sector’s needs. At a time when all were navigating greater uncertainty than many had faced in their careers, the collegiality these calls provided was important. In a similar way, the NAACBoston listserv, virtual member conversations, and in-person gatherings helped keep ArtsBoston apprised of BIPOC arts workers’ needs. All of this information gathering shaped our advocacy and collaboration with local, regional, and national partners whose pandemic research, relief programming, and strategic work with regard to equity in the cultural sector have complemented our own. We also shared our learnings in the press, including such Boston Globe articles as “At ArtsBoston, a pandemic pivot” (November 11, 2021), “Mask mandate may be lifted, but arts venues will keep up safety protocols” (March 7, 2022), and “After two years of upheaval, the arts need audiences to get into the act” (March 10, 2022). In the summer of 2022, ArtsBoston launched a new round of qualitative research. Leveraging pro bono evaluation expertise from our board chair Sarah Lee, we designed a survey with open-ended questions that we posed to 22 leaders from a cross-section of current, lapsed, and prospective ArtsBoston member organizations, who collectively represent diversity of genre, race, gender, ability, and organizational budget size. This research identified key themes and areas of need in attracting and retaining audiences, funding, staffing, research, and racial justice, with a core overarching through line of people’s need to connect and reconnect with each other. "ArtsBoston is essential to us as we move forward to a different way of engaging with audiences, working together to solve common challenges, and building community in our sector." - Catherine Carr Kelly, Central Square Theater
Impact & Results
Accountability & Finance
Culture & Community
Leadership & Adaptability
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