Entertainment Services and Technology Association
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
ESTA'S MISSION IS TO INCREASE SAFETY THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS; EDUCATE MEMBERS AND PROVIDE BUSINESS RESOURCES TO INCREASE PROFITABILITY; REPRESENT THE INTERESTS OF THE INDUSTRY; AND RAISE THE BAR FOR ETHICAL AND PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR.
- Income
- $1.6 million
- Spending
- $1.7 million
- Employees
- 11
- Volunteers
- 350
- Highest pay
- $99,572, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This return does not answer enough of the governance questions to score.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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 (3)
- THE ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION IS A NON-PROFIT TRADE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES. OUR MEMBERS ARE THE INDUSTRY'S LEADING DEALERS, MANUFACTURERS, PRODUCTION COMPANIES, RENTAL COMPANIES AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE COMPANIES. ESTA'S MEMBERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CREATING SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PROGRAMS IN OUR INDUSTRY INCLUDING THE TECHNICAL STANDARDS PROGRAM, ENTERTAINMENT TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION PROGRAM AND RENTAL GUARD.
- THE ENTERTAINMENT TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (ETCP) IS AN INDUSTRY-WIDE PROGRAM THAT HAS BROUGHT TOGETHER AN UNPRECEDENTED GROUP OF INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS, BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS TO CREATE A PROGRAM OF RIGOROUS ASSESSMENTS FOR PROFESSIONAL TECHNICIANS. ETCP FOCUSES ON DISCIPLINES THAT DIRECTLY AFFECT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF CREWS, PERFORMERS, AND AUDIENCES. YOU MAY BECOME CERTIFIED THROUGH ETCP IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: RIGGER ARENA, RIGGER THEATRE, ENTERTAINMENT ELECTRICIAN AND PORTABLE POWER DISTRIBUTION TECHNICIAN.
- THE ESTA TECHNICAL STANDARDS PROGRAM IS THE ONLY ANSI-ACCREDITED STANDARDS PROGRAM DEDICATED TO THE NEEDS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY. THE STANDARDS CREATED UNDER THE TSP ARE USED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY EVERY DAY BY ALMOST EVERY MANUFACTURER, DEALER, INSTALLER, PRODUCTION COMPANY AND END USER. THESE STANDARDS PREVENT ACCIDENTS, PROTECT LIVES AND PROPERTY, SAVE TIME AND MONEY, SOLVE PROBLEMS, INFORM THE INDUSTRY, AND ENHANCE CREATIVITY.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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)(6) business league.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(6) business league as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
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.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since September 1988.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.