Is Ghetto Film School Inc Legit?

Quick charity verification for Ghetto Film School Inc (EIN: 134127229)

Verdict: Ghetto Film School Inc appears trustworthy

75/100Mission Score

$9.4MRevenue

$6.9MAssets

4Red Flags

4Strengths

Red Flags

Expenses exceeded revenue in 2022 and 2023, indicating deficit spending.
Significant increase in liabilities from $33,556 in 2021 to $1,632,131 in 2023.
Declining asset base from $4,789,477 in 2021 to $3,927,119 in 2023.
Lack of detailed spending breakdown (programs, admin, fundraising) in provided data makes full efficiency assessment difficult.

Strengths

Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating strong commitment to mission-focused spending.
Demonstrated ability to generate substantial revenue, with a peak of $7,574,668 in 2021.
Long operating history with 13 IRS 990 filings, suggesting established presence and experience.
Overall asset growth over the long term, from $1,976,037 in 2014 to $3,927,119 in 2023.

Spending Breakdown

How Ghetto Film School Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

80%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

10%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

10%

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 Ghetto Film School Inc

Is Ghetto Film School Inc a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Ghetto Film School Inc (EIN: 134127229) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 4 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Ghetto Film School Inc a good charity to donate to?

Ghetto Film School Inc has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $9.4M. Assets: $6.9M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Ghetto Film School Inc?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Ghetto Film School Inc is 134127229. 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 Ghetto Film School Inc spend its money?

Ghetto Film School Inc allocates 80% to programs, 10% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Ghetto Film School Inc's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Ghetto Film School Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 134127229 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

Ghetto Film School Inc. demonstrates a fluctuating financial performance over the past decade. While the organization has seen significant revenue growth, peaking at $7,574,668 in 2021, it has also experienced periods where expenses exceeded revenue, notably in 2023 ($5,974,131 expenses vs. $5,293,277 revenue) and 2022 ($7,506,156 expenses vs. $5,726,077 revenue). This indicates a need for careful financial management to ensure long-term sustainability. The organization's assets have generally grown, reaching $4,789,477 in 2021, but have since declined to $3,927,119 in 2023, while liabilities have increased significantly in recent years, from $33,556 in 2021 to $1,632,131 in 2023, which warrants further investigation.

Regarding spending efficiency, without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, it's challenging to fully assess. However, the consistent reporting of 0% for officer compensation across all available filings suggests a strong commitment to directing funds towards the mission rather than executive salaries, which is a positive indicator of efficiency and transparency. The increase in liabilities in the most recent filings, however, could impact future financial flexibility.

Overall, Ghetto Film School Inc. appears to be transparent in its executive compensation reporting. The financial health shows some volatility, with recent years indicating expenses outpacing revenue and a notable increase in liabilities. While the lack of officer compensation is a strength, the organization should focus on stabilizing its financial position and managing its liabilities to ensure continued program delivery.

View Full Transparency Report →

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.