Cinestudio Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The mission of Hartford's Cinestudio is to celebrate film as art and to provide diverse audiences an eclectic mix of the world's best cinema experiences, presented at the highest technical level in a classic movie palace-like setting.
- Income
- $255,893
- Spending
- $236,256
- Spent on programs
- 69%
- Reserves
- 16.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 40%
- Employees
- 5
- Volunteers
- 50
- Highest pay
- $84,175, executive dir.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 88% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 16.9 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 1% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 8% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 41% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1569% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Fair: 66 out of 100. Higher than 42% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 2513 of 13 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
0 of 5Reports that it does not keep 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
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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)
- $163,640 spent. Cinestudio, Inc., the independent nonprofit cinema located on the campus of Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, continued to advance its mission of delivering a rich and inclusive cinematic experience to the Greater Hartford community. Over the past fiscal year, Cinestudio remained a cornerstone of the region's cultural landscape, presenting international films, independent features, repertory classics, and timely documentaries, while also deepening community engagement through special events and educational initiatives.Film programming remained at the heart of Cinestudios work. During the year, the theater presented more than 150 titles across 354 lit nights, offering a wide range of cinematic experiencesfrom critically acclaimed new releases to curated retrospectives and filmmaker tributes. Our annual Oscar-Palooza series once again drew strong attendance and served as a community highlight. Partnerships with organizations such as The Hartford Boys and Girls Club, along with area colleges and nonprofits, enabled Cinestudio to host impactful documentary screenings paired with panel discussions, talkbacks, and community dialogues. The Queer Thursdays series continued to uplift LGBTQ+ voices and stories, while offerings such as Great Art on Screen, National Theatre Live, and the Met Opera series brought world-class arts programming to local audiences.Cinestudios role extends beyond film exhibition; it serves as a welcoming gathering place where art, community, and conversation intersect. As we look back on the accomplishments of the past year, Cinestudio remains committed to celebrating the power of cinema, strengthening community connections, and preserving a vital space for independent film and cultural expression in Hartford.Expenses $149,019.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 November 6, 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 June 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 March 2002.
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 November 4, 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.