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African Professionals Network - Apnet

EIN 46-1528068 · Cincinnati, OH

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair55 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

APNET's mission is to empower youth, professionals, and the community through three foundational pillars: Networking, Business, and Community. Through the promotion of African culture, economic development initiatives, and educational programs, we aim to celebrate heritage, uplift communities, and drive inclusive, lasting impact.

Income
$83,870
Spending
$121,166
Spent on programs
80%
Reserves
4.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
2
Volunteers
350

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

Financial health

Fair: 55 out of 100. Higher than 25% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 4.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 44% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 44% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    80% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

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

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 89% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 6 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.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

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

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 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 (3)
  1. $76,737 spent. Community Pillar: AfriFest: Taste of Africa serves as a cultural cornerstone event for the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region. This free, family-friendly festival draws an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 attendees annually and hosts between 50 and 75 vendors and exhibitors. Through food, music, art, dance, and cultural showcases, AfriFest promotes community pride, visibility, and appreciation for African heritage. APNET's Youth Summer Program focuses on cultivating the next generation of leaders. Each year, the program engages approximately 60 to 80 youth, ages 12 to 16, in 4 to 5 Saturday sessions totaling 20 to 30 contact hours. Participants benefit from 10 to 12 skill-building workshops that emphasize leadership, creativity, career exploration, and cultural identity. These interactive experiences provide youth with the confidence and tools to lead in their communities and beyond.
  2. $852 spent. Business: Mixers that attract between 100 and 150 unique participants each year across 3 to 5 curated events. These mixers serve as incubators for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and professional development, helping attendees build valuable relationships and expand their networks. The Business Connect series adds a strategic, cross-continental dimension, bringing together 80 to 100 participants annually, including business leaders, students, and investors from both the U.S. and Africa. Held 2 to 3 times per year, these events foster dialogue on trade, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities, helping bridge the economic potential between African and American markets.
  3. $19,246 spent. Networking: The Symposium, APNET's flagship annual event, brings together an estimated 250 to 300 participants for a day of dialogue, learning, and celebration. In addition to panel discussions and networking sessions, the Symposium proudly awards approximately 8 to 10 scholarships to high school and college students each year, recognizing academic excellence and leadership potential. Furthermore, 3 to 5 community awards are presented during the event, honoring individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement in professional development, business innovation, and community engagement. The Entrepreneurship Workshop (AEW Series) further supports networking by offering 6-8 training sessions per year, reaching an estimated 60 to 80 aspiring entrepreneurs. These workshops provide guidance on business formation, marketing, intellectual property, and other critical topics, with a focus on supporting immigrants and new business owners.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 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 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 2025.

    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 May 2016.

    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.