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The Ricardo Montalban Foundation Inc

EIN 31-1653371 · Hollywood, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair50 out of 100GovernanceWeak40 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

TO PROVIDE A PLACE DEDICATED TO PROMOTING EMPLOYMENT, PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, AND IMPROVING THE IMAGE OF LATINOS (AND ALL UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES) IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY.

Income
$1.6 million
Spending
$1.4 million
Spent on programs
78%
Reserves
-5.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
other income, 55%
Employees
37
Volunteers
3
Highest pay
$81,693, chairman

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

Fair: 50 out of 100. Higher than 20% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

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

  • Debt

    5 of 20

    It owes 56% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 14% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 35% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    78% of spending went to programs.

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: 40 out of 100. Higher than 3% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    3 of 5 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no 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

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    0 of 15

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

  • 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 (1)
  1. $1.1 million spent. The Ricardo Montalban Foundation (RMF) acquired the theatre at 1615 Vine Street in Hollywood in 1999, to support opportunities in the performing arts, one stage at a time (Our Mission).Our theatre has required major investment in retrofitting and modernization to enable it to become a valuable and viable venue within the local entertainment industry.RMF provides job opportunities, career development, and training in key roles and skilled positions for young adults who seek careers in live entertainment. In addition to supporting opportunities for playwrights, directors, and performers at our theatre, RMF trains young people in theatre management, contract development, stage management, scenic lighting, sound design, costuming, strategic marketing, ticketing, and audience support. We also provide training in the development andmanagement of social media branding and creative messaging through digital imagery and broadcast quality streams. We actively encourage local talent to bring in more podcasts, creative projects and films. And we assist community organizations with their messaging, fund-raising, and recruiting.Through hosting community events and podcasts, our staff learn to manage events, serve audience needs, broadcast live content, and effectively support industry leaders such as Netflix, Live Nation, A.E.G., and The Nederlander Organization. At the same time, we provide our audiences with access to a wide range of live entertainment and communications.After a Covid-related hiatus, we are again utilizing our rooftop on a nightly basis. Upcoming events include Nosotros Ya Tu Sabes, Hola Mexico Film Festival, One Night in Gotham, Hollywood Chamber Orchestra Concerts, Music and Comedy with Westbeth Entertainment.

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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 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 September 7, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since July 1999.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 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.