New York, NY

URBANWORLD FOUNDATION INC

EIN 31-1595881

Arts, Culture & Heritage Film & Media Arts Women & girls Communities of color

Mission

To redefine and advance the presence and impact of multicultural creators in cinema and cross-platform media by producing the Urbanworld Film Festival, industry programming, and initiatives that connect underrepresented filmmakers with industry partners and audiences.

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) private non-operating foundation Contributions are tax-deductible

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About URBANWORLD FOUNDATION INC

Urbanworld Foundation Inc. is the nonprofit organizer of the Urbanworld Film Festival, a five-day festival based in New York City that showcases narrative and documentary features, short films, web originals, music videos, spotlight screenings, screenplay readings and industry conversations. Founded in 1997 by Stacy Spikes, the Foundation positions itself as one of the largest internationally competitive festivals dedicated to nurturing Women and BIPOC filmmakers and operates year-round programming including an Innovation Summit, juried awards, and industry networking events. The organization remains active and donor-facing: recent festival recaps (2023 and 2024), an annual Innovation Summit, jury and industry partnerships, and an active donations page and sponsorship program on its official website demonstrate continued operations and impact over the past 2–3 years.

Notable achievements

Established, enduring film festival

Since 1997 the Foundation has produced the annual Urbanworld Film Festival, a five-day festival that has become a major platform for multicultural filmmakers and a launchpad for films and talent that go on to broader distribution and recognition.

Consistent annual programming and awards

The Foundation ran full festival programs and juried awards in both 2023 and 2024 (including winners across documentary, narrative, short and feature categories) and convened its Innovation Summit to connect creators with industry leaders.

Industry partnerships and talent engagement

Urbanworld engages major industry partners and high-profile ambassadors (for example, named festival ambassadors and jurors from across studios, production and creative leadership) and lists long-term partners on its site, strengthening distribution and networking opportunities for participating filmmakers.

At a glance

Total assets: $74K
Tax status: 501(c)(3)Private non-operating foundation
EIN: 31-1595881
Location: New York, NY
Website: urbanworld.org
On Mahalo since: May 2026

Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.

Recognition

The Foundation and festival are widely recognized in the film community as a leading festival for Women and BIPOC filmmakers, positioning Urbanworld as a key industry pipeline in New York City.

Founder Stacy Spikes is publicly noted for his influence in technology and film; the organization highlights his profile and leadership as part of its public-facing materials.

Urbanworld Foundation maintains public nonprofit filings and is listed in nonprofit databases (the organization files annual Form 990-PF returns), supporting transparency about its legal and financial status.

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