irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2022
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $9KReadings, Workshops and Performance Series - The program offers book signings for authors, writers forums, literary readings and Write On, which offers memoir, novel, poetry and screen writing workshops.
- #2 $112KReel Sisters is the first Academy Qualifying Film Festival for narrative shorts devoted to women filmmakers. Reel Sisters is devoted to providing opportunities for women of color filmmakers. In addition to showcasing films, the festival offers cash awards, scholarships and fellowships to exceptionally talented women of color filmmakers. Reel Sisters celebrated its 25th Anniversary.
named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
African Voices Magazine
Print and digital literary magazine publishing fiction, poetry, and visual art by artists of the African diaspora, distributed nationally and internationally.
Get Your Read On!
Youth program training young people in storytelling, playwriting, quilt making, and architectural arts.
Readings, Workshops and Performance Series
Literary program featuring book signings, writers' forums, poetry readings, and "Write On" workshops in memoir, novel, poetry, and screenwriting.
Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series
Oscar-qualifying film festival showcasing narrative shorts by women of color filmmakers, offering cash awards, scholarships, and fellowships.
The Harvest Podcast
Limited podcast series featuring interviews with filmmakers, writers, museum curators, and cultural leaders from the African diaspora.
activities · 7 groups
What they do
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Curated Art Exhibitions and Public Displays 1 activity
- Hosts art exhibitions and gallery eventsOrganizes and hosts art exhibitions featuring visual artists from the African diaspora, including original artwork displays and opportunities for public viewing and purchase. Events include gallery openings and exhibit launch celebrations at AV Gallery and other venues.
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Literary Events & Workshops 1 activity
- Hosts literary readings, workshops, and writers forumsOrganizes literary events including readings, book signings, and writing workshops in memoir, novel, poetry, and screenwriting to support artist development. Offers specialized training such as a Master Scriptwriting Class and a 6-session hybrid scriptwriting class focused on developing strong characters and preparing scripts for studio pitching.
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Artist Residencies and Studio Programs 1 activity
- Offers fellowships and residencies for writersProvides fellowships and residencies to support emerging writers in developing screenplays, memoirs, and other literary works, fostering artistic growth and professional development.
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Emerging Filmmaker Support Programs 1 activity
- Produces Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film FestivalProduces an Academy (Oscar)-qualifying film festival that annually screens over 70 narrative short films created by women of color, and provides cash awards, scholarships, and fellowships. Includes a lecture series and supports filmmaker development.
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Podcast and Radio Production 1 activity
- Produces podcast series featuring cultural leadersProduces a limited podcast series titled “The Harvest” that features interviews with cultural leaders, amplifying voices from the African diaspora and promoting dialogue around art and culture.
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Youth Theater Arts Education 1 activity
- Provides arts education programs for youthOffers arts education workshops and programs such as “Get Your Read On!” that train young people in storytelling, playwriting, quilt making, architecture, and other artistic traditions to expand access to the arts and support cultural engagement.
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Literary and Cultural Publishing 1 activity
- Publishes African Voices literary magazinePublishes a literary magazine focused on fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and visual arts by artists of color, releasing two print issues and one digital issue annually, distributed in the United States and internationally. The magazine features stories, poems, art, and book reviews from emerging and established writers and artists of the African diaspora.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$166K
Contributions & grants$117K71%
Program service revenue$30K18%
Investment income$230%
Other revenue$801
expenses
Total expenses$204K
Program expenses81%
Admin / overhead14%
Fundraising5%
Salaries & benefits—
Grants paid out$2K
Largest expense lineProfessional Fees
balance sheet
Total assets$130K
Cash$176K
Investments$0
Liabilities$25K
Net assets$129K
Liquid reserves10.4 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -34.3%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 2
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carolyn A Butts | Executive Director | 40 | $43K |
| Pittershawn Palmer | Director | 1 | $300 |
board members · 3
- Angela Pruitt-Marriott - December 2 — Director
- Iman Childs — Director
- Vera Sims — Director
relationships · 30
Who they work with
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Government — Reel Sisters is an Academy Qualifying Film Festival, indicating a formal relationship with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
- Amazon Literary Partnerships – CLMP Funder — Provides funding support through a partnership with CLMP.
- BRIC Partner — Hosted the master class on writing strong female characters at BRIC's Media Lab.
- Chester Higgins Partner — Featured photographer whose work is reviewed in the magazine.
- Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation Funder — Provides financial support to African Voices.
- Council of Literary Magazines & Presses (CLMP) Partner — Supports African Voices through literary magazine advocacy and partnerships.
- Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts Partner — Partners with the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts, as evidenced by featured artist Watson Mere being a member of its Studio Program.
- Facebook Partner — Social media platform used for outreach and engagement
- Instagram Partner — Social media platform used for outreach and engagement
- International Association of Blacks in Dance Partner — Collaborated on coverage of the 35th Annual International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference.
- International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference Partner — Collaborates with the 35th Annual International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference, highlighting shared cultural programming.
- Keisha-Gaye Anderson Partner — Award-winning poet and guest editor who contributed poetry and readings at the magazine issue launch event.
- LinkedIn Partner — Social media platform used for outreach and engagement
- Marcia E. Wilson Partner — Presented the photography exhibition "This BE US: We Gon' Be Alright" by Marcia E. Wilson in August–September 2023.
- Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art (MoCADA) Partner — Features Amy Andrieux, executive director of MoCADA, in an episode of the "The Harvest" podcast series.
- NYC Council members Farah Louis and Crystal Hudson Government — Provide public office support to African Voices.
- NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Government — Supports African Voices’ programs and services.
- National Endowment for the Arts Government — Primary funder through the American Rescue Plan grant.
- New York Community Trust Funder — Provides financial support to African Voices.
- New York State Council on the Arts Government — Supports African Voices’ programs and services.
- Roy Wilkins Fund in New York Community Trust Funder — Provides financial support to African Voices.
- Spelman College Partner — Acquired African Voices' arts collection for preservation and access.
- Spelman College Partner — Acquired African Voices' arts collection.
- Spelman College Partner — Collaborates with Spelman College to preserve African Voices archives and match a National Endowment for the Arts grant.
- The Tom Detwiler Foundation Funder — Provides financial support to African Voices.
- Watson Mere Partner — Brooklyn artist whose work is featured on the cover and in the opening exhibition for the Summer/Fall 2025 issue launch.
- Watson Mere Partner — Collaborates with visual artist Watson Mere to feature his artwork on the Fall/Winter 2025 magazine cover and in exhibitions.
- West Harlem Development Corporation Funder — Provides financial support to African Voices.
- X Partner — Social media platform used for outreach and engagement
- YouTube Partner — Social media platform used for outreach and engagement
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Amplification of Marginalized Voices through Artistic Platformsmethodology: artist-amplification-through-publication-and-programmingBy publishing, programming, and promoting artists and writers of color through curated platforms, the organization advances racial equity in the arts, because sustained visibility creates opportunity, influence, and systemic change in cultural narratives.
- Art and Activism for Cultural Legacy and Social Changemethodology: art-and-activismBy integrating artistic practice with social activism, the organization honors and sustains cultural legacies, because art rooted in justice movements strengthens identity, memory, and intergenerational impact.
- Art as Healing and Cultural Transformationmethodology: cultural_healing_through_artBy using art and storytelling from the African diaspora, the organization fosters community healing and transformation, because creative expression enables cultural reclamation, emotional processing, and collective resilience.