Iconoclast Artists

What it reported doing in 2024

Iconoclast Artists is a writing and arts program in Houston and Galveston, Texas that builds relationships with students in underserved schools and juvenile detention centers through core competencies, creative writing, performance and visual arts. Our Program Consists of: Iconoclast Writing Program - The Iconoclast Writing Program is working with students in-school, after-school, and during summer school, in partnership within various Houston, Spring Branch, Aldine, and Galveston school districts. Classes typically meet weekly and provide educational and artistic instruction, using original writing exercises and close readings of both classic and contemporary poets. Iconoclast Sessions - The Iconoclast Sessions are quarterly performance gatherings free and open to the public that pair an academic poet with a spoken word poet. In addition to introducing our students to a wide variety of literary expressions, Iconoclast Sessions create a context where communities that would not otherwise meet can begin to build freindships. Iconoclast Sessions 2 - Iconoclast Sessions 2 are gatherings totally devoted to student performances. Our students take the stage and deliver their poetry to a live audience. Iconoclast Curriculums - The two Iconoclast Curriculums are innovative guides and writing exercises: one developed for the school systems and the other created for the broader community. Iconoclast Curriculum: HISD meets requirements for public school testing prep and other lesson-planning checklists, while Iconoclast Curriculum: Community is designed to be immediately accessible to students and mentors who are hungry for independent study. Iconoclast Anthology - Each year, Iconoclast publishes an anthology of poetry written by the students in our program. As published authors, these students not only have the opportunity to enhance their collegiate applications, but also to express their vision through a voice rooted in their own experience to a wide audience. Proceeds of the anthology go to the educational fund for Iconoclast students. Core compentencies - Iconoclast Artists has integrated core compentencies within our writing curriculum, which is based on understanding brain function and creating new neural pathways for coping with emotions. Using mindfulness practices and exercises, our experienced professional work with our staff, students, teachers, and student leaders, both individually and within various specialized groups, in order to create social and emotional awareness, enhance psychological well-being, and promote academic success. Iconoclast students also participate in TEDxYouth and in workshops at local colleges and universities.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 93.5%; rating input score 93
• Program expense ratio: 93%; rating input score 93
• Fundraising efficiency: $18.8 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 56; 56th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 64th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 92.9%; rating input score 93; 25th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 6 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 75
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Fail
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Fail

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -0.5%; rating input score 38; 38th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 0.18; rating input score 10; 10th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.04; rating input score 35; 35th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 15.4%; rating input score 24; 24th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 15.4% per year; rating input score 100; 79th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 6.5% per year; rating input score 100; 60th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: -12.7% per year; rating input score 0; 5th percentile among comparable filings