From the Heart Productions Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
From the Heart is dedicated to helping independent filmmakers create and complete films that make a difference in the world. Through fiscal sponsorship, film grants, education, mentorship, and community support.
- Income
- $8.5 million
- Spending
- $7.6 million
- Spent on programs
- 97%
- Reserves
- 1.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 99%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 3
- Highest pay
- $36,381, director
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: 71 out of 100. Higher than 49% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 1.9 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 20% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 11% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 35% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1597% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 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 65% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 257 of 7 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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)
- $7.3 million spent. FISCAL SPONSORSHIP in 2024 continued to expand its service and impact within the filmmaking community to hundreds of independent film projects enabling filmmakers to raise millions of dollars through grants, crowdfunding, and private donations. These projects reflect diverse voices and socially relevant stories from around the world.
- $31,518 spent. FILMAKER GRANTS program awarded thousands of dollars in cash and in-kind services to emerging and established filmmakers committed to producing stories of social, cultural, and humanitarian value. Four grants were awarded to exceptional filmmakers whose work embodies stories that uplift and inspire. For a list of these awardees please visit this site: https://fromtheheartproductions.com/roy-w-dean-film-grants-and-awards/
- $32,000 spent. EDUCATAIONAL PROGRAMS, WORKSHOPS and PODCASTS These programs trained filmmakers in funding, producing, distribution, and media relations, empowering them to secure financing and successfully complete their films. Carole Dean taught 25 Film Funding Guidance Classes exclusively for their fiscally sponsored filmmakers, providing practical strategies to help them secure funding and bring their films to completion. 25 new podcast episodes in 2024, featuring filmmakers, producers, and industry professionals reaching thousands of listeners worldwide.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since October 1993.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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.