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Mezcla Media Collective Ltd

EIN 83-1201956 · Chicago, IL

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood78 out of 100GovernanceWeak21 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Mezcla Media Collective seeks to empower the next generation of filmmakers. MMC levels the playing field for new creatives by providing resources for hyper-local connection, instruction, learning and career advancement. Through our programming, we ensure women and non-binary filmmakers of color can actively participate in Chicago's bustling media production scene.

Income
$350,404
Spending
$212,840
Spent on programs
59%
Reserves
5.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 94%
Employees
0
Highest pay
$38,400, executive dir.

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

Financial health

Good: 78 out of 100. Higher than 53% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 5.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 4% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 39% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 55% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    59% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 16 cents.

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

Governance

Weak: 21 out of 100. Higher than 1% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    5 of 25

    0 of 8 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

    0 of 5

    Reports that it does not keep minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give 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

    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 July 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 (9)
  1. $37,568 spent. Mezcla Convenings - Strategic planning sessions with members and facilitators providing input on Mezcla's programming
  2. $31,869 spent. Quarterly Workshops - Each quarter, Mezcla hosts workshops that provide a deep dive into a timely topic surrounding the film industry. These workshops are facilitated by individuals who are experienced in the topic and are local to Chicago. Topics range based on member needs.
  3. $20,490 spent. Partnerships - Mezcla Media Collective partners with organizations to provide a specialized curation of programs, including screenings and panels
  4. $13,277 spent. Professional Development Program - Supports the personal and professional growth of our members. These funds may be applied toward opportunities such as attending film festivals, conferences, or workshops, as well as conducting project research.
  5. $10,970 spent. Industry circles provide an engagement opportunity for members to casually connect, provide feedback on each other's projects, and network. Our Gear Access Program aims to increase accessibility to professional-level equipment and technical resources in our community, especially for BIPOC creatives that often lack these resources. Our annual retreat is a two-day production intesnive for up to 16 members. The retreat provides members with the opportunity to be in community and immerse themselves in a specific skill set, and features a high-profile keynote speaker.
  6. $10,065 spent. Screening Showcases - The showcases aim to present short, experimental work by diverse creators, highlighting their unique visions and approaches to media. This year, there were two showcases - a Spring Showcase and a Side Lot Showcase, screening experimental works from Illinois-based artists.
  7. $1,340 spent. Summer Youth Employment: Hiring youth ages 16-22 to gain experience in work with non-profit organization
  8. Employer Job Postings - Employers pay a fee to post job opportunities to a private platform hosted by Mezcla Media Collective to reach professional filmmakers.
  9. Mentorship Program - The mentorship program matches student filmmakers who are women and nonbinary people of color with Mezcla members who share their expertise and provide guidance. This program includes bi-weekly meetings between mentors and mentees over a 7-month period.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 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? Worth knowing.

    Status was revoked on December 15, 2020 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on December 15, 2020.

    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 July 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 November 2021.

    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.