Quick charity verification for Durango Film Institute (EIN: 203395808)
Verdict: Durango Film Institute appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$225KRevenue
$41KAssets
2Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Limited financial reserves (e.g., assets of $17,223 in 202306 against expenses of $150,783) could pose challenges during unexpected downturns or for long-term strategic investments.
Occasional operating deficits (e.g., 202306: Revenue $135,645 vs. Expenses $150,783; 202006: Revenue $186,646 vs. Expenses $201,204) suggest a tight budget with little margin for error.
Strengths
Consistent 0% officer compensation across all filings demonstrates excellent financial stewardship and a strong commitment to mission over executive pay.
Regular and extensive IRS 990 filing history (12 filings) indicates strong transparency and compliance.
Lean operational model, with expenses closely aligned to revenue, suggesting efficient use of funds.
Low liabilities in most periods (e.g., $0 in 202306, 201706, 201606, 201506, 201406) indicate responsible debt management.
Spending Breakdown
How Durango Film Institute allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
15%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
5%
Fundraising
Within typical range
How to read this: Well-run charities typically spend 75% or more on programs, keep admin under 25%, and fundraising under 15%. A high program ratio means more of every dollar goes directly to the mission.
How to Interpret This Report
What Red Flags Mean
Red flags are potential warning signs identified by AI analysis of IRS 990 filings. They may indicate issues like declining revenue, high executive pay relative to program spending, lack of transparency, or governance concerns. A single red flag does not necessarily mean an organization is untrustworthy, but multiple flags warrant further investigation before donating.
What Mission Score Measures
The Mission Score (0-100) evaluates how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated purpose. It combines multiple factors: program spending efficiency (how much goes to programs vs. overhead), financial health and sustainability, governance quality, transparency in reporting, and consistency of operations over time. A score of 70+ indicates strong alignment with the organization’s mission.
Using This Data for Donation Decisions
Use this report as one input in your decision. Look at the overall Mission Score for a quick assessment, review red flags and strengths for specific concerns, check the spending breakdown to see where money goes, and compare executive compensation to the organization’s size. Consider viewing the full transparency report for deeper analysis, and always verify tax-exempt status with the IRS before making large donations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Durango Film Institute
Is Durango Film Institute a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Durango Film Institute (EIN: 203395808) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Durango Film Institute a good charity to donate to?
Durango Film Institute has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $225K. Assets: $41K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Durango Film Institute?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Durango Film Institute is 203395808. This is the unique tax ID assigned by the IRS.
What is a Mission Score?
The Mission Score is a 0-100 rating that measures how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated mission. It factors in program spending efficiency, financial transparency, governance practices, and outcome reporting. Scores above 70 indicate strong mission alignment, 40-69 suggest mixed performance, and below 40 signals potential concerns.
How does Durango Film Institute spend its money?
Durango Film Institute allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Durango Film Institute's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Durango Film Institute's tax-exempt status using EIN 203395808 on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. You can also request copies of their Form 990 directly from the organization, as they are required by law to provide them upon request.
AI Transparency Report
The Durango Film Institute demonstrates consistent financial activity, with revenues fluctuating between approximately $95,000 and $239,000 over the past decade. The organization generally operates near break-even, with expenses closely tracking revenues, as seen in the 202306 period where expenses of $150,783 slightly exceeded revenues of $135,645. This indicates a lean operational model, but also limited capacity for significant reserve building. Assets have remained relatively modest, peaking at $45,861 in 202206, suggesting a focus on immediate program delivery rather than accumulating substantial financial reserves.
The organization's transparency is commendable, particularly its consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings. This indicates that executive leadership is either volunteer-based or compensated through other means not classified as officer compensation, which is a strong positive for donor confidence. The consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over 12 periods further reinforces its commitment to public accountability. While specific breakdowns of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses are not provided in the summary data, the overall financial picture suggests a fiscally conservative approach.
Given the data, the Durango Film Institute appears to be a well-managed small nonprofit, prioritizing its mission with minimal overhead related to executive pay. Its financial health is stable but not robust, operating on a year-to-year basis with limited reserves. Donors can be reasonably confident in the organization's commitment to its mission, supported by its transparent compensation practices and consistent regulatory compliance.