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Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Inc

EIN 84-1701381 · Metairie, LA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak15 out of 100GovernanceFair58 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • It reported loans to or from officers, directors or other insiders.
  • It owes more than it owns.

These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.

What it says it does

TALES OF THE COCKTAIL FOUNDATION IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT EDUCATES, ADVANCES, AND SUPPORTS THE GLOBAL HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY AND CREATES LASTING IMPACT IN HOST COMMUNITIES.

Income
$3.9 million
Spending
$4.7 million
Spent on programs
94%
Reserves
-6.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 91%
Employees
27
Volunteers
50

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

Weak: 15 out of 100. Higher than 0% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    0 of 20

    It owes 537% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 22% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 27% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    94% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 21 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

Fair: 58 out of 100. Higher than 11% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 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

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    0 of 10

    Reports at least one of: diversion of assets, excess benefits, 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 (1)
  1. $4.4 million spent. Tales of the Cocktail: Tales of the Cocktail is equal parts cocktail conference and family reunion, featuring a schedule of educational seminars, tastings, competitions, and networking events representing the latest the global drinks industry has to offer. Supported by the Education Committee and Cocktail Apprentice Program (recruiting and training and executing thousands of drinks for the conference), this annual event provides education, training and resources (including mental health and wellness activations through Beyond the Bar) to the drinks community.Singapore X Tales: In July 2022, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation announced a partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board to highlight the culture and talent within the island nation. Featuring two activations at Tales of the Cocktail in 2022, Singapore bars and talent were integrated across multiple Foundation programs in 2023 including the announcement of the Spirited Awards nomination period and Regional Honorees, a digital marketing campaign, and a residency at Tales of the Cocktail 2023.Education: Guided by the Education Committee, the Foundation provides world class education through seminars. Moderators and panelists are convened at Tales of the Cocktail to present ideas, trends, best practices to the global drinks industry.Grants: Through the Foundations grant-making program, the Foundation supports emerging and existing programs and organizations that demonstrate a vision, determination, and ability to make meaningful change in the global drinks industry across a spectrum of diverse topics. Grants are evaluated and selected by the Philanthropy and Development Committee.Policy: The Foundation continued its work researching and advocating for better support of U.S. based hospitality workers within the drinks industry, with supporting funds from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.Partnership Programs: The Foundation partners with brands to provide brand awareness, support campaigns and/or competitions that are aligned with the Foundations mission and offer opportunities to the global drinks industry.Cocktail Apprentice Program: The Cocktail Apprentice Program is an exclusive mentorship program for up-and-coming bartenders to learn alongside some of the biggest names in the business during five days of Tales of the Cocktail. Since 2008, nearly 500 apprentices have gained extensive experience working and managing large-scale, high-volume events while providing an invaluable service to Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and the industry as a whole. The Foundation continues to support the growing fraternity of past apprentices by offering exclusive opportunities for scholarships and financial aid to further support their growth within the industry.

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 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 December 2024.

    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 January 2007.

    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.