Destination Imagination Inc
Destination Imagination Inc: Declining Revenue, High Administrative Costs
EIN: 222415554 · Blackwood, NJ · Updated: 2026-04-04
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $5.4M |
| Total Expenses | $4.5M |
| Program Spending | 60% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $0 |
| Net Assets | $-103,245 |
| Transparency Score | 70/100 |
Is Destination Imagination Inc Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Destination Imagination Inc directs 60% of its spending to programs. This falls below the 65% benchmark. Donors may want to investigate further.
About Destination Imagination Inc
Destination Imagination Inc (EIN: 222415554) is a nonprofit organization based in Blackwood, NJ. The organization reported total revenue of $5.4M and total assets of $1.3M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Destination Imagination Inc's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Destination Imagination Inc is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 38 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -6.3%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $4.4M |
| Total Expenses | $4.5M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-118,054 |
| Total Assets | $440K |
| Total Liabilities | $543K |
| Net Assets | $-103,245 |
| Operating Margin | -2.7% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 123.5% |
| Months of Reserves | 1.2 months |
Financial Health Grade: D
In 2023, Destination Imagination Inc reported a deficit of $118K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 1.2 months of operating reserves (limited), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 123.5% (high leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Destination Imagination Inc's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -6.3%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -3.2% | -9.0% | -11.2% |
| 2022 | +143.1% | +63.1% | -66.4% |
| 2021 | -5.9% | -8.3% | -27.4% |
| 2020 | -76.9% | -58.4% | -36.4% |
| 2019 | -28.4% | -32.8% | +12.7% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1988 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Destination Imagination Inc with a Mission Score of 70 out of 100 (Good). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 25%
- programs: 60%
- fundraising: 15%
According to IRS 990 filings, Destination Imagination Inc allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 25%, programs: 60%, fundraising: 15%. Approximately 60% goes to programs, indicating moderate mission focus.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $118K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 123.5%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The filings consistently report $0 in compensation for officers, directors, trustees, and key employees, which is highly unusual for an organization of this size and suggests potential misreporting or alternative compensation structures not disclosed.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of Destination Imagination Inc's IRS 990 filings:
- Significant and consistent decline in revenue over the past 7 years, from $12,742,413 in 2016 to $4,405,585 in 2023.
- Reporting $0 for all executive compensation categories across multiple years raises a red flag regarding transparency and potential hidden compensation.
- Negative net assets in 2023 ($439,512 assets vs. $542,757 liabilities) indicate financial instability.
- Expenses frequently exceed revenue, leading to operating deficits in most reported years.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Destination Imagination Inc:
- Despite financial challenges, the organization continues to operate and file required documents.
- The mission of fostering creativity and problem-solving in youth is impactful.
Frequently Asked Questions about Destination Imagination Inc
Is Destination Imagination Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Destination Imagination Inc (EIN: 222415554) some concerns. Mission Score: 70/100. 4 red flags identified, 2 strengths noted.
How does Destination Imagination Inc spend its money?
Destination Imagination Inc directs 60% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Destination Imagination Inc tax-deductible?
Destination Imagination Inc is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 222415554). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the Destination Imagination Inc CEO make?
Destination Imagination Inc's highest-compensated officer earns $0 annually. The organization reported $5.4M in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
What percentage of Destination Imagination Inc's spending goes to programs?
Destination Imagination Inc directs 60% to programs, 15% to fundraising. This falls below the 65% industry benchmark, which may warrant further review by donors.
Where is Destination Imagination Inc located?
Destination Imagination Inc is headquartered in Blackwood, New Jersey and files with the IRS under EIN 222415554.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Destination Imagination Inc have?
Destination Imagination Inc has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record at NonprofitSpending. This extensive filing history provides a strong basis for evaluating long-term financial trends. The most recent filing shows $5.4M in total revenue.
What does Destination Imagination Inc do?
Destination Imagination Inc is a nonprofit organization in the Unknown sector, located in Blackwood, New Jersey. It is classified under NTEE code Unknown.
How much revenue does Destination Imagination Inc have?
Destination Imagination Inc reported total revenue of $5,388,886. Based on 13 IRS 990 filings on record.
What are Destination Imagination Inc's total assets?
Destination Imagination Inc holds total assets of $1,316,064 as reported in IRS 990 filings.
Where is Destination Imagination Inc located?
Destination Imagination Inc is based in Blackwood, New Jersey.
What is Destination Imagination Inc's EIN?
Destination Imagination Inc's Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 222415554. This is the unique tax ID assigned by the IRS for tax-exempt organizations.
What type of nonprofit is Destination Imagination Inc?
Destination Imagination Inc is classified under NTEE code Unknown (Unknown).
Is Destination Imagination Inc a registered 501(c)(3)?
Destination Imagination Inc appears in IRS records (EIN: 222415554). Check the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for the most current determination letter status.
Does Destination Imagination Inc file IRS Form 990?
Yes, Destination Imagination Inc has 13 IRS Form 990 filings on record. The most recent covers tax period 202309.
What was Destination Imagination Inc's revenue in 2023?
In the 202309 filing period, Destination Imagination Inc reported total revenue of $4,405,585, total expenses of $4,523,639, and net assets of $439,512.
Is Destination Imagination Inc's revenue growing or declining?
Destination Imagination Inc's revenue is relatively stable. Revenue went from $4,550,607 (202209) to $4,405,585 (202309), a -3.2% change. Based on 13 filings on record.
What is Destination Imagination Inc's most recent 990 filing?
The most recent IRS Form 990 filing for Destination Imagination Inc covers tax period 202309. It shows revenue of $4,405,585, expenses of $4,523,639, total assets of $439,512, and liabilities of $542,757.
How much does Destination Imagination Inc spend on programs vs administration?
Based on IRS 990 analysis, Destination Imagination Inc allocates approximately 60% of expenses to program services, 25% to administrative costs, and 15% to fundraising. Program spending is moderate relative to overhead.
Is Destination Imagination Inc a trustworthy charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 data, Destination Imagination Inc appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 70/100 (Good). 4 red flags identified. 2 strengths noted.
What are the red flags for Destination Imagination Inc?
The following concerns were identified: Significant and consistent decline in revenue over the past 7 years, from $12,742,413 in 2016 to $4,405,585 in 2023.. Reporting $0 for all executive compensation categories across multiple years raises a red flag regarding transparency and potential hidden compensation.. Negative net assets in 2023 ($439,512 assets vs. $542,757 liabilities) indicate financial instability.. Expenses frequently exceed revenue, leading to operating deficits in most reported years.. These flags are based on automated analysis of IRS 990 public filings and should be verified independently.
What are Destination Imagination Inc's strengths?
Positive indicators for Destination Imagination Inc include: Despite financial challenges, the organization continues to operate and file required documents.. The mission of fostering creativity and problem-solving in youth is impactful.. These findings are derived from AI analysis of the organization's financial filings.
How does Destination Imagination Inc compensate executives?
The filings consistently report $0 in compensation for officers, directors, trustees, and key employees, which is highly unusual for an organization of this size and suggests potential misreporting or alternative compensation structures not disclosed. Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require disclosure of officer, director, and key employee pay.
Given the consistent reporting of $0 for executive compensation, how does Destination Imagination Inc. attract and retain leadership, and what are the actual costs associated with their leadership structure?
The consistent $0 executive compensation reported in filings is highly unusual and suggests that leadership may be compensated through other means (e.g., through related entities, as contractors, or through non-monetary benefits) that are not transparently disclosed in the standard compensation sections of the 990 forms. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess the true administrative overhead and potential conflicts of interest.
What strategies are being implemented to address the significant and prolonged decline in revenue, and how effective have they been in reversing this trend?
The filings do not provide specific details on revenue recovery strategies. The continuous decline from over $12 million in 2016 to under $4.5 million in 2023 indicates that any strategies implemented have either been ineffective or insufficient to counteract the downward trend. This suggests a need for a comprehensive review of fundraising, program reach, and operational efficiency.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Destination Imagination Inc showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Destination Imagination Inc's revenue has declined by 54.4%, moving from $9.7M to $4.4M. Total assets decreased by 87.4% over the same period, from $3.5M to $440K. Total functional expenses fell by 52.1%, from $9.4M to $4.5M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Destination Imagination Inc reported a deficit of $118K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $543K in liabilities against $440K in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 123.5%), resulting in net assets of $-103,245.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $4.4M | $4.5M | $440K | $543K | — | — |
| 2022 | $4.6M | $5.0M | $495K | $486K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $1.9M | $3.0M | $1.5M | $1.0M | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $2.0M | $3.3M | $2.0M | $569K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $8.6M | $8.0M | $3.2M | $346K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $12.0M | $11.9M | $2.8M | $616K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $12.2M | $12.6M | $3.5M | $1.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $12.7M | $12.5M | $3.5M | $1.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $12.2M | $12.2M | $3.1M | $973K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $11.3M | $11.1M | $2.8M | $756K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $10.0M | $9.9M | $3.5M | $1.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $9.8M | $9.5M | $3.2M | $1.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $9.7M | $9.4M | $3.5M | $2.0M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $4.4M, expenses of $4.5M, and assets of $440K (revenue -3.2% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $4.6M, expenses of $5.0M, and assets of $495K (revenue +143.1% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $1.9M, expenses of $3.0M, and assets of $1.5M (revenue -5.9% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $2.0M, expenses of $3.3M, and assets of $2.0M (revenue -76.9% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $8.6M, expenses of $8.0M, and assets of $3.2M (revenue -28.4% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $12.0M, expenses of $11.9M, and assets of $2.8M (revenue -1.5% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $12.2M, expenses of $12.6M, and assets of $3.5M (revenue -4.2% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $12.7M, expenses of $12.5M, and assets of $3.5M (revenue +4.5% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $12.2M, expenses of $12.2M, and assets of $3.1M (revenue +8.4% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $11.3M, expenses of $11.1M, and assets of $2.8M (revenue +12.3% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $10.0M, expenses of $9.9M, and assets of $3.5M (revenue +2.5% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $9.8M, expenses of $9.5M, and assets of $3.2M (revenue +1.2% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $9.7M, expenses of $9.4M, and assets of $3.5M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Destination Imagination Inc:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Destination Imagination Inc is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.