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Doug Pensinger Photography Fund

EIN 83-1480638 · Vienna, VA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood70 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Doug Pensinger Photography Fund (DPPF) supports emerging sports photographers by creating a community that develops their skill and vision. Each year, early professional sports photographers are encouraged to apply for career-supporting grants and mentorships. No application fee is charged to reduce barriers to participating. The DPPF also offers its grant recipients professional development seminars, educational events, and connections to key photography professionals. It is committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity and to providing merit-based access at no cost to participants.

Income
$62,952
Spending
$203,112
Spent on programs
83%
Reserves
119.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
investment income, 98%
Employees
0
Volunteers
29

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 70 out of 100. Higher than 43% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 119.2 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 223% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 87% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    83% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 92% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    5 of 5 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, 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 (3)
  1. $51,464 spent. GRANTS: In 2024 the DPPF supported nine additional young sports photographers with grants for career development. The application process was open to all, and the chosen recipients represented the top 2.2% of the competitive application field. The DPPF promoted the acceptance of entries for this fifth annual grants program with email recruitment and web/social media promotion. Industry leaders representing major sports photography wire services and publications provided the basis of the network for spreading the word. Grants were used by the recipients to further their emerging careers through purchases of critical equipment and defraying of career-related travel.
  2. $114,293 spent. PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION: The second biannual DPPF Sports Photography Gathering was held in Denver CO in September 2024, and photographers who won grants in 2023 and 2024 were invited to attend with expenses paid. Community is a core value of the DPPF, and the Gathering honors the legacy of Doug Pensinger and his talent for connecting people and freely sharing professional knowledge. Presentations were given by members of the DPPF Advisory Board, with seminar topics including the 2024 Olympics & Paralympics, Lighting & Portraiture, Building Your Brand, 30 Years of Tennis, and Work/Life Balance. Mentorship program participants who concluded their mentorships in 2023 and 2024 shared stories and photos from their experiences. Attendees also received valuable multiple portfolio reviews from the members of the DPPF Advisory Board. Ongoing education was also provided in the form of career-building webinars offered exclusively to the DPPF's former grant recipients.
  3. $2,000 spent. MENTORSHIPS: Three recipients of 2024 grants also received year-long mentorships with three members of the DPPF's Advisory Board. The 2023-2024 mentorships ended in September, and the 2024-2025 mentorships began in October. Mentors and mentees collaborate to form a personalized plan for the mentees. This plan includes but is not limited to: development of a personalized photo project or photo story; structuring a more efficient work flow; perfecting portfolio, website and resume; networking and introductions to other established professionals on the DPPF advisory board; instruction on equipment or technical photographic skills; assistance with the entrepreneurial aspects of the industry; advice on real work experience: assisting jobs, credentials, and live event coverage.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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? Worth knowing.

    The IRS does not require this organization to file annual returns.

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

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Worth knowing.

    Recognized by the IRS in March 2026. It is too new to have a track record.

    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.