Detroit Techno Foundation
Detroit Techno Foundation shows inconsistent revenue but maintains zero liabilities and no officer compensation.
EIN: 204735521 · Ferndale, MI · NTEE: A68 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $472K |
| Total Expenses | $3K |
| Program Spending | 80% |
| Net Assets | $24K |
| Transparency Score | 75/100 |
Is Detroit Techno Foundation Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Detroit Techno Foundation directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Detroit Techno Foundation
Detroit Techno Foundation (EIN: 204735521) is a nonprofit organization based in Ferndale, MI, classified under NTEE code A68. The organization reported total revenue of $472K and total assets of $47K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Detroit Techno Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Detroit Techno Foundation is a small nonprofit that has been operating for 17 years, with 4 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2013–2016). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -61.3%.
Key Financial Metrics (2016)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $2K |
| Total Expenses | $3K |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-1,401 |
| Total Assets | $24K |
| Net Assets | $24K |
| Operating Margin | -70.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 84.2 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2016, Detroit Techno Foundation reported a deficit of $1K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 84.2 months of operating reserves (strong position).
Financial Trends
Over 4 years of filings (2013–2016), Detroit Techno Foundation's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -61.3%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | -100.0% | -100.0% | +0.0% |
| 2014 | +30.8% | +28.6% | +131.3% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2009 |
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 Detroit Techno Foundation with a Mission Score of 75 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: 10%
- programs: 80%
- fundraising: 10%
According to IRS 990 filings, Detroit Techno Foundation allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 80%, fundraising: 10%. With 80% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2016)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $1K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation has consistently been reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that no officers or key employees received compensation, which is highly unusual for an organization with revenue fluctuations and growth, suggesting a volunteer-led structure or that compensation is not reported in this section.
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 Detroit Techno Foundation's IRS 990 filings:
- Highly inconsistent revenue history, including a year with $0 revenue and another with only $2,000, which can hinder long-term planning.
- Lack of detailed expense breakdown in the provided data makes it difficult to fully assess spending efficiency across categories.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Detroit Techno Foundation:
- Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating a strong commitment to mission-focused spending.
- Maintained zero liabilities across all reported periods, demonstrating sound financial management and avoidance of debt.
- Significant increase in latest reported revenue to $471,923, suggesting recent growth or successful fundraising efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Detroit Techno Foundation
Is Detroit Techno Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Detroit Techno Foundation (EIN: 204735521) some concerns. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
How does Detroit Techno Foundation spend its money?
Detroit Techno Foundation directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Detroit Techno Foundation tax-deductible?
Detroit Techno Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 204735521). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Detroit Techno Foundation's spending goes to programs?
Detroit Techno Foundation directs 80% to programs, 10% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Detroit Techno Foundation compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 75/100 (Good), Detroit Techno Foundation is above average for NTEE category A68 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Detroit Techno Foundation located?
Detroit Techno Foundation is headquartered in Ferndale, Michigan and files with the IRS under EIN 204735521. It is classified under NTEE code A68.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Detroit Techno Foundation have?
Detroit Techno Foundation has 4 years of IRS 990 filings on record at NonprofitSpending. Additional filing years may become available as the IRS releases new data. The most recent filing shows $472K in total revenue.
How does the Detroit Techno Foundation sustain its operations with such volatile revenue, including a year with $0 revenue?
The organization's ability to maintain operations despite periods of zero or very low revenue (e.g., $0 in 2015, $2,000 in 2016) suggests reliance on reserves, volunteer efforts, or significant in-kind contributions not reflected in revenue figures. The consistent zero liabilities also indicates careful financial management.
What is the breakdown of expenses for the latest period to understand program efficiency?
Without detailed expense breakdowns for the latest period, it's difficult to precisely determine the percentage allocated to programs, administration, and fundraising. However, based on the consistent zero officer compensation, it's likely a significant portion is directed towards programs.
Given the NTEE code A68 (Performing Arts, Music), how does the foundation measure its programmatic impact?
The NTEE code suggests a focus on promoting music. To assess impact, one would need to review program descriptions, participant numbers, event reach, and outcomes, which are not available in the provided financial data.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Detroit Techno Foundation showing financial trends over 4 years of public records:
Over 4 years of IRS 990 filings (2013–2016), Detroit Techno Foundation's revenue has declined by 94.2%, moving from $34K to $2K. Total assets increased by 118.5% over the same period, from $11K to $24K. Total functional expenses fell by 85.7%, from $24K to $3K. In its most recent filing year (2016), Detroit Techno Foundation reported a deficit of $1K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $2K | $3K | $24K | $0 | — | — |
| 2015 | $0 | $0 | $25K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $45K | $31K | $25K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $34K | $24K | $11K | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2016: Revenue of $2K, expenses of $3K, and assets of $24K.
- 2015: Revenue of $0, expenses of $0, and assets of $25K (revenue -100.0% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $45K, expenses of $31K, and assets of $25K (revenue +30.8% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $34K, expenses of $24K, and assets of $11K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Detroit Techno Foundation:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Detroit Techno Foundation 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.