New York, NY

PHOTO START

EIN 81-2422666

Education & Youth Development Youth Arts & Creative Learning Children & youth Low-income

Mission

Photo Start provides applied learning experiences that give students the courage to reframe their stories, develop as leaders, and become agents of change in their communities by engaging, educating, and elevating young people in marginalized areas through the art and business of photography.

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity Contributions are tax-deductible

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About PHOTO START

Photo Start is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in New York that uses photography, visual storytelling, and digital literacy to equip under-resourced young people (ages 12–25) with technical and 21st-century life skills. The organization operates as a program partner network, delivering a modular 12-week curriculum through local nonprofits and schools.

Since its founding in 2016 Photo Start has expanded internationally (programming in multiple African and South American countries as well as the United States) and reports measurable outcomes including program cohorts in 2023 that led to peer-trainer roles and employment for graduates. The organization funds its work through cash and in-kind donations and maintains profiles on major nonprofit databases and evaluator platforms used by donors and grantmakers.

Notable achievements

Scale of service

Since 2016 Photo Start reports it has served over 1,700 students and delivered roughly 130,000 hours of theoretical and practical photography instruction through a network of program partners in multiple countries.

Local leadership development

Photo Start has graduated cohorts of students who progressed into a train‑the‑trainer pathway; the organization reports that dozens of alumni (reported as 91) became trainers and mentors to sustain local programming.

Program-to-employment outcomes

Recent cohorts (including 2023 programs) produced documented vocational outcomes: participants who completed Photo Start training have moved into paid roles or peer‑trainer positions with partner organizations, demonstrating the program's practical pathway to income and leadership opportunities.

At a glance

Total assets: $9K
Annual revenue: $124K
Tax status: 501(c)(3)Public charity
EIN: 81-2422666
Location: New York, NY
Website: photostart.org
On Mahalo since: May 2026

Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.

Recognition

Charity Navigator profile and rating: Photo Start is listed on Charity Navigator and is shown with a multi‑beacon assessment (reported as a Two‑Star/65% overall score under current metrics).

Major nonprofit database listings: Photo Start appears in ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer and Candid/GuideStar profiles and maintains public Form 990 filings accessible to donors and grantmakers.

Distinguished advisory support: the organization’s advisory and leadership rosters include notable photography and industry professionals (for example, a Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer and senior industry practitioners), providing sector credibility and guidance.

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