Is Journeys In Film Legit?

Spending Breakdown

How Journeys In Film allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

80%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

15%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

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 Journeys In Film

Is Journeys In Film a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Journeys In Film (EIN: 200438447) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 70/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.

Is Journeys In Film a good charity to donate to?

Journeys In Film has a Mission Score of 70/100. Revenue: $164K. Assets: $77K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Journeys In Film?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Journeys In Film is 200438447. 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 Journeys In Film spend its money?

Journeys In Film allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Journeys In Film's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Journeys In Film's tax-exempt status using EIN 200438447 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

Journeys In Film demonstrates a mixed financial picture with fluctuating revenues and expenses over the past several years. While the organization has consistently filed its IRS Form 990, indicating a commitment to transparency, the financial stability appears somewhat volatile. For instance, in 2020, revenue plummeted to $534 while expenses remained high at $102,644, leading to a significant deficit. Conversely, 2022 saw strong revenue of $213,990 against expenses of $158,682, resulting in a surplus. The organization's assets have also varied considerably, from a high of $348,475 in 2017 to a low of $65,259 in 2021, suggesting inconsistent financial growth or significant asset utilization.

Spending efficiency is difficult to precisely determine without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses from the provided data. However, the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings is a positive indicator of efficient use of funds at the executive level. The organization's ability to operate with no reported officer compensation suggests a lean operational model or reliance on volunteer leadership, which can contribute to higher program spending ratios. However, the significant deficits in certain years (e.g., 2023, 2020, 2019) raise questions about long-term financial planning and sustainability.

Overall, Journeys In Film appears transparent through its consistent 990 filings and lack of officer compensation. However, the variability in its financial performance, particularly the large swings between surplus and deficit years, suggests a need for more stable revenue generation or tighter expense controls to ensure long-term financial health and consistent program delivery. The organization's relatively small asset base compared to its historical revenue peaks also indicates that it does not accumulate significant reserves, which could be a vulnerability during periods of low revenue.

Verdict: Journeys In Film appears trustworthy

Red Flags

Strengths