A new report by Museum Hue highlights the severe staffing challenges faced by arts nonprofits led by people of color in the Northeast. Over a third of these institutions lack full-time staff, with some surviving on less than $100,000 annually.

Despite financial constraints, these centers are vital stewards of underrepresented arts and histories. With 91% devoting their collections to marginalized groups, they share untold stories, but struggle due to a lack of resources and staff capacity for funding and paperwork.

“We had to find a way to be self-sufficient,” said Yvonne Smart from the Cape Verdean Museum in Rhode Island. This self-reliance is key, as smaller-budget institutions often rely on community donations rather than grants.

The report also reveals that financial sustainability is a top priority for all nonprofits, even those with higher budgets. Institutional funding has been volatile, dropping significantly from 25% to just 4%. Yet, accessibility remains a priority: many offer free admission to their events to keep the community engaged and involved.