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Gray Matter Experience

EIN 81-1936438 · Chicago, IL

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair56 out of 100GovernanceFair59 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

THE GRAY MATTER EXPERIENCE INSPIRES, EDUCATES, AND EMPOWERS THE NEXT GENERATION OF BLACK CHANGEMAKERS BY BRIDGING ENTREPRENEURIAL KNOWLEDGE GAP AND DRIVING POSITIVE COMMUNITY CHANGE.

Income
$271,863
Spending
$452,753
Spent on programs
54%
Reserves
9.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 97%
Employees
0
Volunteers
4

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

Financial health

Fair: 56 out of 100. Higher than 22% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 9.3 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 67% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 65% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    54% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 29 cents.

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

Governance

Fair: 59 out of 100. Higher than 32% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    4 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.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 August 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 (1)
  1. $243,426 spent. THE GRAY MATTER EXPERIENCE EMPOWERS YOUNG BLACK PEOPLE, AGES 12-24, TO DISRUPT THE STATUS QUO, MOBILIZE INNOVATIVE IDEAS, AND CHAMPION THEIR COMMUNITIES. FOR THE GRAY MATTER EXPERIENCE, ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS NOT JUST A CAREER. SINCE 2016, THEY'VE SUPPORTED MORE THAN 2,000 YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, BUSINESS EDUCATION, AND NURTURING THEIR COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL IMPACT. THEIR PROGRAMS OFFER A NATIONALLY-RECOGNIZED CURRICULUM, DESIGNED BY BLACK LEADERS, THAT CULTIVATES THE ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET - AN APPROACH THAT EMBRACES INNOVATION, AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP, AND A PROACTIVE DRIVE TO SOLVE CHALLENGES ACROSS ALL CAREER PATHS.THE GRAY MATTER EXPERIENCE'S ENGAGING TUITION-FREE PROGRAMS, NATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS, AND COMMUNITY OF ALLIES ENSURE THAT CURIOUS CREATORS AND BUDDING VISIONARIES ARE EQUIPPED WITH ESSENTIAL SKILLS, RELATIONSHIPS, AND RESOURCES TO BECOME AGENTS OF CHANGE AND THRIVE IN A GLOBAL ECONOMY.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 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 November 6, 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 August 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 June 2016.

    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 November 4, 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.