Some People Understand Differently Spud Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
SPUD, Inc. is a nonprofit organization organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The primary exempt purpose of SPUD, Inc. is to educate, empower, and uplift underserved youth and adults through creative arts education, workforce development, media literacy, and personal growth programming. SPUD, Inc. exists to provide access to knowledge, resources, and mentorship for individuals who may lack traditional pathways into the creative, entertainment, and media industries. Through structured educational programs, workshops, and hands-on training, the organization teaches participants practical skills in music recording, audio engineering, content creation, podcasting, broadcasting, and digital media production. These programs are designed to increase technical competence, creative confidence, and employability while fostering positive self-expression.
- Income
- $68,059
- Spending
- $59,200
- Reserves
- 2.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 100%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 64 out of 100. Higher than 36% of charities in its peer group (youth development, under $250k).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 2.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 13% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ 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)
- $38,800 spent. SPUD, Inc. carried out its exempt charitable and educational purposes by developing and delivering accessible, skills-based programs designed to educate, train, and prepare individuals for careers in the creative, media, and entertainment industries. Through educational workshops, mentorship initiatives, hands-on training programs, and community-based learning experiences, SPUD, Inc. served and supported thousands of individuals by providing practical instruction in music recording, audio engineering, digital media production, podcasting, broadcasting, and content creation. These programs increased participants' technical proficiency, creative confidence, and understanding of industry standards, particularly for individuals from underserved or underrepresented communities. In addition to technical education, SPUD, Inc. implemented workforce readiness and personal development programming. Participants received instruction in public speaking, communication skills, professionalism, creative entrepreneurship, and career navigation. These efforts strengthened participants' employability by equipping them with transferable skills necessary for entry-level employment, freelance work, and long-term career advancement. SPUD, Inc. established pathways from education to employment by connecting participants with industry professionals, collaborative projects, and real-world learning environments that mirrored professional workflows. Participants were provided opportunities to build portfolios, gain practical experience, and develop professional networks. As a result of these activities, many participants obtained freelance engagements, internships, independent contracts, or employment within music studios, media platforms, production companies, and related creative fields. Notably, SPUD, Inc. contracted qualified program participants who successfully completed training and demonstrated leadership and technical proficiency. These individuals were contracted to assist with instruction, mentorship, and program delivery, including teaching workshops, supporting studio sessions, and helping facilitate educational activities. This practice reinforced skill mastery, created paid employment opportunities, and allowed participants to reinvest their knowledge into the communities they served. The organization also assisted participants in securing external employment by offering career placement support, portfolio and resume development, interview preparation, and referrals to employers and collaborators within its professional network. These efforts helped bridge the gap between training and employment, increasing economic stability and job readiness among program participants. SPUD, Inc.'s activities produced measurable charitable outcomes, including increased workforce participation, improved technical and creative skill sets, expanded access to professional networks, and higher levels of employment and self-employment among individuals who completed its programs. The organization's programs reduced barriers to entry within creative and media industries and contributed to economic empowerment within the communities it served. Through these completed activities, SPUD, Inc. advanced its exempt purposes by delivering educational programming, workforce development, and employment opportunities that provided a clear and substantial public benefit.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 November 2016.
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.