Bronx Council On The Arts
Accredited Charity
Meets Standards
Accredited Charity
Meets Standards
Standards Legend
- Meets Standards
- Standards Not Met
- Did Not Disclose
- Review In Progress
- Unable to Verify
Standards For Charity Accountability
Governance
-
Board Oversight
Oversight of Operations and Staff: Standard 1
Description
Organizations shall have a board of directors that provides adequate oversight of the charity's operations and its staff. Indication of adequate oversight includes, but is not limited to, regularly scheduled appraisals of the CEO's performance, evidence of disbursement controls such as board approval of the budget, fundraising practices, establishment of a conflict of interest policy, and establishment of accounting procedures sufficient to safeguard charity finances.The organization meets this standard.
-
Board Size
Number of Board Members: Standard 2
Description
Soliciting organizations shall have a board of directors with a minimum of five voting members.The organization meets this standard.
-
Board Meetings
Frequency and Attendance of Board Meetings: Standard 3
Description
An organization shall have a minimum of three evenly spaced meetings per year of the full governing body with a majority in attendance, with face-to-face participation. A conference call of the full board can substitute for one of the three meetings of the governing body. For all meetings, alternative modes of participation are acceptable for those with physical disabilities.The organization meets this standard.
-
Board Compensation
Compensated Board Members: Standard 4
Description
Not more than one or 10% (whichever is greater) directly or indirectly compensated person(s) serving as voting member(s) of the board. Compensated members shall not serve as the board's chair or treasurer.The organization meets this standard.
-
Conflict of Interest
Conflict of Interest: Standard 5
Description
No transaction(s) in which any board or staff members have material conflicting interests with the charity resulting from any relationship or business affiliation. Factors that will be considered when concluding whether or not a related party transaction constitutes a conflict of interest and if such a conflict is material, include, but are not limited to: any arm's length procedures established by the charity; the size of the transaction relative to like expenses of the charity; whether the interested party participated in the board vote on the transaction; if competitive bids were sought and whether the transaction is one-time, recurring or ongoing.The organization meets this standard.
Measuring Effectiveness
-
Effectiveness Policy
Board Policy on Effectiveness: Standard 6
Description
Have a board policy of assessing, no less than every two years, the organization's performance and effectiveness and of determining future actions required to achieve its mission.The organization meets this standard.
-
Effectiveness Report
Board Approval of Written Report on Effectiveness: Standard 7
Description
Submit to the organization's governing body, for its approval, a written report that outlines the results of the aforementioned performance and effectiveness assessment and recommendations for future actions.The organization meets this standard.
Finances
-
Program Expenses
Program Service Expense Ratio: Standard 8
Description
Spend at least 65% of its total expenses on program activities.The organization meets this standard.
-
Fundraising Expenses
Fundraising Expense Ratio: Standard 9
Description
Spending should be no more than 35% of related contributions on fundraising. Related contributions include donations, legacies, and other gifts received as a result of fundraising efforts.The organization meets this standard.
-
Accumulating Funds
Ending Net Assets: Standard 10
Description
Avoid accumulating funds that could be used for current program activities. To meet this standard, the charity's unrestricted net assets available for use should not be more than three times the size of the past year's expenses or three times the size of the current year's budget, whichever is higher.The organization meets this standard.
-
Audit Report
Financial Statements: Standard 11
Description
Make available to all, on request, complete annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. When total annual gross income exceeds $1 million, these statements should be audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. For charities whose annual gross income is less than $1 million, a review by a certified public accountant is sufficient to meet this standard. For charities whose annual gross income is less than $250,000, an internally produced, complete financial statement is sufficient to meet this standard.The organization meets this standard.
-
Detailed Expense Breakdown
Detailed Functional Breakdown of Expenses: Standard 12
Description
Include in the financial statements a breakdown of expenses (e.g., salaries, travel, postage, etc.) that shows what portion of these expenses was allocated to program, fundraising, and administrative activities. If the charity has more than one major program category, the schedule should provide a breakdown for each category.The organization meets this standard.
-
Accurate Expense Reporting
Accuracy of Expenses in Financial Statements: Standard 13
Description
Accurately report the charity's expenses, including any joint cost allocations, in its financial statements. For example, audited or unaudited statements which inaccurately claim zero fundraising expenses or otherwise understate the amount a charity spends on fundraising, and/or overstate the amount it spends on programs will not meet this standard.The organization meets this standard.
-
Budget Plan
Budget: Standard 14
Description
Have a board-approved annual budget for its current fiscal year, outlining projected expenses for major program activities, fundraising, and administration.The organization meets this standard.
Fundraising & Info
-
Truthful Materials
Misleading Appeals: Standard 15
Description
Have solicitations and informational materials, distributed by any means, that are accurate, truthful and not misleading, both in whole and in part. Appeals that omit a clear description of program(s) for which contributions are sought will not meet this standard. A charity should also be able to substantiate that the timing and nature of its expenditures are in accordance with what is stated, expressed, or implied in the charity's solicitations.The organization meets this standard.
-
Annual Report
Annual Report: Standard 16
Description
Have an annual report available to all, on request, that includes: (a) the organization's mission statement, (b) a summary of the past year's program service accomplishments, (c) a roster of the officers and members of the board of directors, (d) financial information that includes (i) total income in the past fiscal year, (ii) expenses in the same program, fundraising and administrative categories as in the financial statements, and (iii) ending net assets.The organization meets this standard.
-
Website Disclosures
Web Site Disclosures: Standard 17
Description
Include on any charity websites that solicit contributions, the same information that is recommended for annual reports, as well as the mailing address of the charity and electronic access to its most recent IRS Form 990.The organization meets this standard.
-
Donor Privacy
Privacy for Written Appeals & Internet Privacy: Standard 18
Description
Address privacy concerns of donors by (a) providing in written appeals, at least annually, a means (e.g., such as a check off box) for both new and continuing donors to inform the charity if they do not want their name and address shared outside the organization, (b) providing a clear, prominent and easily accessible privacy policy on any of its websites that tells visitors (i) what information, if any, is being collected about them by the charity and how this information will be used, (ii) how to contact the charity to review personal information collected and request corrections, (iii) how to inform the charity (e.g., a check off box) that the visitor does not wish his/her personal information to be shared outside the organization, and (iv) what security measures the charity has in place to protect personal information.The organization meets this standard.
-
Cause Marketing Disclosures
Cause Related Marketing: Standard 19
Description
Clearly disclose how the charity benefits from the sale of products or services (i.e., cause-related marketing) that state or imply that a charity will benefit from a consumer sale or transaction. Such promotions should disclose, at the point of solicitation: (a) the actual or anticipated portion of the purchase price that will benefit the charity (e.g., 5 cents will be contributed to abc charity for every xyz company product sold), (b) the duration of the campaign (e.g., the month of October), (c) any maximum or guaranteed minimum contribution amount (e.g., up to a maximum of $200,000).The organization meets this standard.
-
Complaints
Complaints: Standard 20
Description
Respond promptly to and act on complaints brought to its attention by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and/or local Better Business Bureaus about fundraising practices, privacy policy violations and/or other issues.The organization meets this standard.
Conclusion
Bronx Council On The Arts meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Purpose
-
Year, State Incorporated
1962, NY
-
Stated Purpose
Founded by visionary community leaders in 1962, BCA’s historic mission is to promote cultural equity in and for The Bronx. Equal parts grassroots agency and designated arts council, we nurture the borough’s diverse creative ecosystem by focusing support on independent artists and small cultural groups from underrepresented communities. Our public programs target general audiences from these same communities.
Programs
I. PUBLIC PROGRAMSLONGWOOD ARTS PROJECT: Founded by artists in 1981, the Longwood Arts Project was created to support and exhibit visual artists from underrepresented groups whose traditions and cultural practices have been historically excluded from mainstream galleries and museums. The gallery, accessibly located on the Hostos Community College campus, hosts four professional exhibitions each year. Shows often highlight the work of emerging artists, with themes that explore Bronx history and intersectional Bronx cultures. The gallery offers public programs for community members and for youth, both of which encourage dialogue and explore exhibition themes in greater depth. Longwood’s 2024 season theme will be “Against the Grain,” which seeks to challenge hegemonic narratives and advocate for the restitution of overlooked stories to build up a more inclusive historical account. In 2024 we are also launching the first edition of Longwood @ Governors Island, a residency program that presents Bronx-based visual artists with a free studio space to explore, create, and develop new work. BRONX MEMOIR PROJECT (BMP): Since 2013, this popular community-based writing project has encouraged Bronx residents from all walks of life to tell their stories in written form. The program begins with a series of writing workshops, led by professional writers and held at community sites across the borough. Each year’s workshops culminate in a published anthology of participants’ work, along with a book launch party in which they share their work with the community. As one recent participant wrote, “We’ve grown so used to other folks talking about us, defining who we are and how we’re living. It’s time we tell our own stories, and define ourselves.” In calendar year 2024, BMP will offer 20 workshops and serve at least 100 individuals. COMMUNITY RESIDENCIES: For the past five years our community residency program has been placing professional artists at community sites throughout The Bronx, bringing the joy of creative expression to elderly, disabled, homeless, and other at-risk populations. Community residencies generally take place over the course of 12 weeks, with activities ranging from memoir writing and crafting workshops to dance- and theater-making. In 2024, partners will include BronxConnect, The Door’s Bronx Youth Center, The Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment Services (CASES), and Morris Park Library.II. ARTIST SUPPORT PROGRAMS GRANTS AND AWARDS: Since 1989, as the borough’s designated arts council, BCA has administered a comprehensive suite of grants and award programs that provide direct support to local artists and small Bronx-based cultural organizations. The grant corpus is now close to $900,000, representing 20% growth over the past two years. Programs include the Arts Fund and BRIO Awards, supported by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA); the Bronx Cultural Visions Fund (BCVF) for performing artists, supported by the Howard Gilman Foundation; three funds supported by the NYS Council on the Arts (NYSCA); and the Bronx Dance Fund (BDF) for dance artists, supported by the Mertz Gilmore Foundation and Amazon. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS: A suite of professional development and skill-building workshops that help artists grow creatively and create sustainable careers. Networking events and topical convenings also take place throughout the year. In 2024 we will offer 4 workshop series of 3 workshops each. WEB-BASED SERVICES: BCA’s enhanced website includes program archives, interactive event calendars, resource and opportunity lists for artists, a Cultural Assets Map (see below), and an Artist Registry that connects 100 artists with commissioners and venues through an easy interface. The Registry is free for users and serves as a website for many artists who can’t afford their own. FACILITIES @2700: Our headquarters, located at 2700 East Tremont Avenue in Westchester Square, is equipped to provide networking, event, and program space for 80 people. We will also be making it available to the community for low-cost rental. III. ADVOCACY PROGRAMSCULTURAL ASSETS MAPPING (CAM): Inspired by the needs and issues outlined in NYC’s Cultural Plan, the CAM collates multiple data sets for overlay on an interactive online GIS-based map of the borough’s cultural assets and history, along with key information on demographics, development plans, community portraits, and oral histories. CONVENINGS AND PARTNERSHIPS: BCA is widely acknowledged for its capacity to bring multiple sectors together, providing opportunities to share information, address issues, and devise strategies. Convenings have connected members from business, technology, civil service, and philanthropy; from across the performing, visual, and literary arts; and from social service, health, education, and environmental groups to discuss areas of concern to our shared community. Our two-pronged approach embraces information technology while maintaining authentic forums for discussion and an ongoing presence in the community.
For the year ended June 30, 2023, Bronx Council On The Arts program expenses were:
| Programs | $1,976,528 |
| Program Expenses | $1,976,528 |
Governance & Staff
-
Board Size
9
-
Paid Staff Size
12
Fundraising
Method(s) Used:
Invitations to fundraising events, Grant proposals, Appeals via Social Media (Facebook, etc.).
% of Related Contributions on Fundraising: 11.93%
Tax Status
This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
Financial
The following information is based on Bronx Council On The Arts's Audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023
| Source of Funds | |
|---|---|
| Government Contracts | $1,341,883 |
| Government Grants | $552,806 |
| Foundation and trust grants | $525,000 |
| Individual and corporate contributions | $106,319 |
| In-kind contribution - building improvements | $38,241 |
| In-kind contributions | $30,000 |
| Miscellaneous | $15,538 |
| Total Income | $2,609,787 |
Breakdown of Expenses
| Total Income | $2,609,787 |
| Total Expenses: | $2,406,005 |
| Program Expenses | $1,976,528 |
| Fundraising Expenses | $149,441 |
| Administrative Expenses | $280,036 |
| Other Expenses | $0 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses | $203,782 |
| Beginning Net Assets | $7,563,071 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets | $0 |
| Ending Net Assets | $7,766,853 |
| Total Liabilities | $357,365 |
| Total Assets | $8,124,219 |
An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau ® is a registered service mark of International Association of Better Business Bureaus.
This report is not to be used for fundraising or promotional purposes.