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Fargo Theatre Management Corporation

EIN 45-0373698 · Fargo, ND

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair64 out of 100GovernanceStrong95 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To preserve the historic integrity of the Fargo Theatre while expanding the Theatre's ability to meet the artistic and entertainment needs of increasingly diverse audiences, performers and filmmakers.(Continued on Schedule O)To effectively maintain a state of the art screen and stage for critically acclaimed film and classic film, live theatre, special events and tours. To ensure a home for the mighty Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ. To serve as an anchor for a vital downtown. To honor our past providing an unbroken thread of common entertainment and educational experience for generations of Fargo-Moorhead residents and visitors.

Income
$1.2 million
Spending
$861,253
Spent on programs
53%
Reserves
1.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 60%
Employees
31
Volunteers
245
Highest pay
$70,327, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 64 out of 100. Higher than 38% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 1.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 18% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 29% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 82% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    53% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 29 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 95 out of 100. Higher than 62% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    15 of 15 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a 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

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 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 (2)
  1. $403,758 spent. One of the missions of the Fargo Theatre is to meet the artists and entertainment needs of increasingly diverse audiences, performers, and filmmakers. A diverse slate of film and live events provides the community with a wide selection of arts programming. In Fiscal Year 24-25, the Fargo Theatre screened 41 new-release films, 12 classic films, and 24 specialty film festivals/series including the FM LGBT Film Festival and Kids' Flicks. The Theatre also hosted 58 live events including performances by local arts organizations and professional touring artists.The Theatre is open a minimum of six days a week, offering a variety of motion pictures and performances in a historic setting. The Theatre typically averages more than 67,000 audience members a year. A variety of free or low-cost programming is also offered. These opportunities include the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration and Holiday Pipes concerts (free admission) and the Kids' Flicks movie series ($3 admission). The Theatre also hosts a free monthly Film Club to build community and foster conversation. The Fargo Theatre's long-term objective is to continue to meet the artistic and entertain needs of the community as the city's population grows. Theatre programming staff and volunteer teams ensure that the slate of programming is inclusive and offers diverse artistic voices and representation.
  2. $48,975 spent. The annual Fargo Film Festival receives films submissions from around the world to be juried by community volunteers. The goal of the festival is to celebrate film artistry while connecting local audiences to innovative, independent cinema and the artists responsible for creating it. The 2025 festival received 337 submissions from 36 countries. The juries selected 102 films to play in competition. Festival leaders programmed 4 films to play as invited selections and an additional 53 very short films played as a part of the festival's 2 Minute Movie Contest. Approximately 2,700 patrons attended throughout the festival's 5 days of screenings and events. Forty-five film artists traveled to Fargo to attend their screenings and interact with audiences. These appearances also enabled formal educational opportunities including moderated interviews, panel discussions, and guest academic lectures. There were also many informal opportunities for audience members and local filmmakers to socialize with visiting artists or ask them questions during Q&A sessions.The Fargo Film Festival's long-term objective is to continue providing an exhibition platform for independent filmmakers while giving local audiences educational opportunities and the change to see unique, original, and artistically relevant motion pictures.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending May 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since May 1984.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.