Rochester Finger Lakes Film & Video Office Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To augment the economy of Rochester, Monroe County, and the Finger Lakes Region by attracting film and video production that shoot on location. (Continued on Schedule O)The organizations' management and administration are provided by Greater Rochester Visitors Association, Inc. a related non-profit.
- Income
- $217,204
- Spending
- $212,775
- Spent on programs
- 100%
- Reserves
- 2.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 100%
- Employees
- 2
- Volunteers
- 5
- Highest pay
- $322,193, president/ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 71 out of 100. Higher than 46% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 2.2 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 27% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 5% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 15100% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 92% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Independent board
25 of 255 of 5 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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 (1)
- $212,775 spent. Direct sales, mail, and advertising are used to promote and publicize the extensive film and video production community, competitive pricing, and scenic beauty found in the Rochester, Monroe County, and Finger Lakes Regions to film and video producers. Film and video producers are offered location scouting crew, location coordination, and assistance in obtaining permits.(Continued on Schedule O)Direct Sales:In-person and virtual attendance at motion picture industry events.In 2025 The Film Office established the FLX Lounge at Sundance Film Festival. 7 days including in person virtual FAM tours.Anomaly Film Festival - attended and connected with content creators for 3 days.Virtual attendance - Slamdance FF, Panic Fest 7 days, Chattanooga Film Festival 7 days, Popcorn Frights 7 days - follow up with content creators with virtual FAM tours.Research - Identify and pursue leads through trade publications to connect with content creators.Total Direct Sales connections 120+ Promotions:Hosted 8 in person FAM tours, with various producers, directors, production designers and locations professionals - provided welcome bags with Film Office promotional items.FLX Film Festival - This event is organized and curated by Film Office staff in cooperation with Geneva Business Improvement District. The Film Office also provided welcome bags with Film Office promotional Items and conducted FAM tours.Strengthen Regional Infrastructure:Partnering with regional guilds and organizations to strengthen infrastructure.Initiate MBE/WBE enrollment and Sustainable Production PracticesAdvertising:Website, Social Media posts (ongoing year round), Mail Chimp Newsletter (6 newsletters/year)
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
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.
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.
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.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since May 1994.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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.
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.