Benchwarmers Media
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To produce entertainment that supports and strengthens communities and ignites the good in others. We are dedicated to shining a spotlight on those who educate, inspire and uplift their peers - ultimately making our communities stronger.
- Income
- $40,500
- Spending
- $41,660
- Reserves
- 3.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 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)
- $41,660 spent. There are two podcast series produced. The first is a series of podcasts with Father Don Talafous, an iconic monk at St. John's Abbey in Collegeville, MN. The topics of discussion revolve around Father Don's journey, and a variety of life's challenges. They are intended to help the listeners reflect on and learn from these challenges. The program is delivered to an audience distribution list of over 5000 people across the globe. To date there have been 73 episodes produced, over 35,000 downloads across 6 continents, 74 countries, and 2434 cities. Finalist for the People's Choice Podcast of the Year Award 2024.The second podcast series involves interviews with former players, coaches and staff members at St. John's that chronicle the 51 year coaching career of Jim Smith. The program has evolved into also including current coaches, players, staff, and parents - engaging a broad audience of Johnnie Basketball supporters. The overall theme may be basketball, but the lessons learned from listening to the podcasts are universal and touch on a variety of themes related to the human condition, character, and the development of solid citizens after the playing days are over. To date there have been 80 episodes produced, over 10,000 downloads across 6 continents, 68 countries, and 821 cities. Finalist for the People's Choice Podcast of the Year Award 2023 and 2024.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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 2025.
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 February 2024.
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.