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The Ciesla Foundation Inc

EIN 13-3098494 · Washington, DC

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak43 out of 100GovernanceWeak45 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • It reported loans to or from officers, directors or other insiders.

These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.

What it says it does

Production and distribution of films to educate the public on social issues of the past and present.

Income
$904,278
Spending
$1.1 million
Spent on programs
54%
Reserves
-0.6 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 96%
Employees
2
Volunteers
5
Highest pay
$244,362, executive dir.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Weak: 43 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 5% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 19% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 29% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    54% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Weak: 45 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    5 of 25

    1 of 3 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    12 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • No reported misuse

    0 of 10

    Reports at least one of: diversion of assets, excess benefits, loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (5)
  1. $357,343 spent. This year, we proudly commemorated the 25th anniversary of the award-winning documentary The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg with a theatrical re-release and a 4K remaster. The film received an enthusiastic response from audiences, with special screenings held in key cities such as Washington D.C., Detroit, New York, and Los Angeles. These events not only celebrated the films milestone anniversary but also honored the 90th anniversary of Hank Greenbergs historic decision to observe Yom Kippur during a crucial pennant race, reinforcing his lasting legacy and impact on sports and cultural history.
  2. $324,806 spent. In 2024, we continued production on a documentary about Ben Hecht, the prolific Hollywood screenwriter and passionate humanitarian who used his influence to advocate for Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. The film is scheduled for release in end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026, and aims to shed new light on his extraordinary legacy. We continue extensive research, gathering archival material and conducting interviews with individuals whose insights will be impactful to the film's storyline.
  3. $72,606 spent. We continued to promote and host screenings of Aviva's deeply personal film, A Pocketful of Miracles: A Tale of Two Siblings, at universities, Jewish film festivals, and educational venues across the country. At several of these screenings, Aviva attended in person, introducing the film and leading intimate, heartfelt Q&A sessions with the audience. The film was also featured in Moment Magazine, further highlighting its impact. These events have played a vital role in sharing the poignant stories of Holocaust survivors, fostering education, and preserving the legacy of remembrance.
  4. $23,322 spent. As we began working on digitizing our 1986 film Partisans of Vilna in 2023, we continue collaborating with the Shoah Foundation to complete this project. Our goal is to finalize and release the film in Blu-ray format, making it accessible to a broader audience while preserving its story
  5. $5,307 spent. The documentary Imagining the Indian: The Fight Against Native American Mascoting was made widely accessible through streaming on Apple TV and Amazon Video, allowing audiences across the country to engage with its powerful message at any time. In addition to its digital release, we continued to promote screenings at universities and schools, aiming to educate and inspire a younger audience on the critical issues surrounding Native American representation.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since March 1982.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

  7. Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.

    A much larger organization has a similar name: The Foundation (Houston, TX), EIN 92-0742101. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.