The Pop Tech Institute
The Pop Tech Institute faces severe financial distress with persistent deficits and liabilities far exceeding assets.
EIN: 10518900 · Camden, ME · NTEE: B99 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is The Pop Tech Institute Legit?
Significant Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
The Pop Tech Institute directs 70% of its spending to programs. This meets the industry benchmark of 65% for efficient nonprofits.
About The Pop Tech Institute
The Pop Tech Institute (EIN: 10518900) is a nonprofit organization based in Camden, ME, classified under NTEE code B99. The organization reported total revenue of $309K and total assets of $5K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of The Pop Tech Institute's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates The Pop Tech Institute with a Mission Score of 35 out of 100 (Poor). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 20%
- programs: 70%
- fundraising: 10%
According to IRS 990 filings, The Pop Tech Institute allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 20%, programs: 70%, fundraising: 10%. Approximately 70% goes to programs, indicating moderate mission focus.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is reported as 0% across all available filings, which is a positive indicator of resource allocation directly to the mission rather than high salaries, especially given the organization's financial struggles.
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 The Pop Tech Institute's IRS 990 filings:
- Persistent operating deficits for the last four years (2020-2023)
- Liabilities ($769,263 in 2023) vastly exceed assets ($42,453 in 2023)
- Significant decline in assets over time, from $273,945 in 2014 to $4,706 currently
- Negative net assets, indicating insolvency
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for The Pop Tech Institute:
- Reported 0% officer compensation, indicating resources are not diverted to high executive salaries
Frequently Asked Questions about The Pop Tech Institute
Is The Pop Tech Institute a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, The Pop Tech Institute (EIN: 10518900) significant concerns. Mission Score: 35/100. 4 red flags identified, 1 strength noted.
How does The Pop Tech Institute spend its money?
The Pop Tech Institute directs 70% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to The Pop Tech Institute tax-deductible?
The Pop Tech Institute is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 10518900). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is The Pop Tech Institute financially sustainable?
No, the organization has consistently operated at a deficit for the past four years, with liabilities significantly exceeding assets, indicating a lack of financial sustainability.
What is the trend in The Pop Tech Institute's assets?
The Pop Tech Institute's assets have shown a significant downward trend, decreasing from $273,945 in 2014 to $42,453 in 2023, and currently stand at a very low $4,706.
How does The Pop Tech Institute manage its liabilities?
The organization's liabilities have consistently been very high, reaching $769,263 in 2023, far outstripping its assets and indicating a substantial debt burden.
Does The Pop Tech Institute pay its officers?
According to the IRS 990 filings, officer compensation has been reported as 0% for all available periods, suggesting no direct compensation to officers.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for The Pop Tech Institute showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), The Pop Tech Institute's revenue has declined by 91.2%, moving from $4.3M to $373K. Total assets decreased by 96.8% over the same period, from $1.3M to $42K. Total functional expenses fell by 86.8%, from $3.3M to $440K. In its most recent filing year (2023), The Pop Tech Institute reported a deficit of $66K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $769K in liabilities against $42K in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 1812.0%), resulting in net assets of $-726,810.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $373K | $440K | $42K | $769K | — | — |
| 2022 | $299K | $407K | $67K | $728K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $181K | $264K | $59K | $611K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $261K | $276K | $101K | $570K | — | — |
| 2019 | $655K | $584K | $139K | $593K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $546K | $521K | $101K | $626K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $941K | $889K | $60K | $610K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $664K | $769K | $71K | $672K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $1.4M | $1.3M | $77K | $574K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $1.4M | $1.9M | $274K | $830K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $2.2M | $2.8M | $501K | $557K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $3.2M | $3.6M | $1.2M | $636K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $4.3M | $3.3M | $1.3M | $443K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $373K, expenses of $440K, and assets of $42K (revenue +25.1% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $299K, expenses of $407K, and assets of $67K (revenue +65.1% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $181K, expenses of $264K, and assets of $59K (revenue -30.7% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $261K, expenses of $276K, and assets of $101K (revenue -60.2% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $655K, expenses of $584K, and assets of $139K (revenue +19.9% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $546K, expenses of $521K, and assets of $101K (revenue -42.0% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $941K, expenses of $889K, and assets of $60K (revenue +41.8% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $664K, expenses of $769K, and assets of $71K (revenue -51.3% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $1.4M, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $77K (revenue -5.7% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $1.4M, expenses of $1.9M, and assets of $274K (revenue -35.4% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $2.2M, expenses of $2.8M, and assets of $501K (revenue -30.5% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $3.2M, expenses of $3.6M, and assets of $1.2M (revenue -24.5% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $4.3M, expenses of $3.3M, and assets of $1.3M.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for The Pop Tech Institute 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.