Is American Electric Power Foundation Legit?

Quick charity verification for American Electric Power Foundation (EIN: 203886453)

Verdict: American Electric Power Foundation appears trustworthy

90/100Mission Score
$71.3MRevenue
$65.2MAssets
1Red Flags
4Strengths

Red Flags

Strengths

Spending Breakdown

How American Electric Power Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

95%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
4%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
1%
Fundraising
Within typical range
How to read this: Well-run charities typically spend 75% or more on programs, keep admin under 25%, and fundraising under 15%. A high program ratio means more of every dollar goes directly to the mission.

How to Interpret This Report

What Red Flags Mean

Red flags are potential warning signs identified by AI analysis of IRS 990 filings. They may indicate issues like declining revenue, high executive pay relative to program spending, lack of transparency, or governance concerns. A single red flag does not necessarily mean an organization is untrustworthy, but multiple flags warrant further investigation before donating.

What Mission Score Measures

The Mission Score (0-100) evaluates how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated purpose. It combines multiple factors: program spending efficiency (how much goes to programs vs. overhead), financial health and sustainability, governance quality, transparency in reporting, and consistency of operations over time. A score of 70+ indicates strong alignment with the organization’s mission.

Using This Data for Donation Decisions

Use this report as one input in your decision. Look at the overall Mission Score for a quick assessment, review red flags and strengths for specific concerns, check the spending breakdown to see where money goes, and compare executive compensation to the organization’s size. Consider viewing the full transparency report for deeper analysis, and always verify tax-exempt status with the IRS before making large donations.

Frequently Asked Questions about American Electric Power Foundation

Is American Electric Power Foundation a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, American Electric Power Foundation (EIN: 203886453) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is American Electric Power Foundation a good charity to donate to?

American Electric Power Foundation has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $71.3M. Assets: $65.2M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for American Electric Power Foundation?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for American Electric Power Foundation is 203886453. This is the unique tax ID assigned by the IRS.

What is a Mission Score?

The Mission Score is a 0-100 rating that measures how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated mission. It factors in program spending efficiency, financial transparency, governance practices, and outcome reporting. Scores above 70 indicate strong mission alignment, 40-69 suggest mixed performance, and below 40 signals potential concerns.

How does American Electric Power Foundation spend its money?

American Electric Power Foundation allocates 95% to programs, 4% to administration, and 1% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify American Electric Power Foundation's tax-exempt status?

You can verify American Electric Power Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 203886453 on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. You can also request copies of their Form 990 directly from the organization, as they are required by law to provide them upon request.

AI Transparency Report

The American Electric Power Foundation demonstrates a consistent commitment to its programmatic mission, as evidenced by its high program spending ratio. In the 2023 fiscal year, the foundation reported expenses of $27,017,873, with a significant portion directed towards programs. The organization's financial health appears stable, with assets of $74,342,346 in 2023, comfortably exceeding its minimal liabilities of $1. However, the foundation has experienced considerable fluctuations in annual revenue, ranging from a low of $2,502,142 in 2015 to a high of $79,861,978 in 2022, indicating reliance on variable funding sources, likely corporate contributions. Despite these revenue swings, the foundation consistently disburses substantial amounts in grants and program services, often exceeding its annual revenue, drawing from its asset base. This suggests a strategic approach to grantmaking that is not solely dependent on current year income.

View Full Transparency Report →

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.

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