Is Aperture Foundation Inc Legit?

Strengths

Strong and consistent revenue growth, reaching $8,656,032 in 2023.
Significant asset accumulation, growing to $17,355,144 in 2023, indicating financial stability.
Consistent positive net income in recent years (e.g., $1,126,521 in 2023), demonstrating financial sustainability.
Long history of IRS 990 filings, indicating transparency and compliance.
Implied high program spending efficiency given the lack of reported officer compensation.

Spending Breakdown

How Aperture Foundation Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

85%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

10%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

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 Aperture Foundation Inc

Is Aperture Foundation Inc a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Aperture Foundation Inc (EIN: 133120824) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 88/100. 2 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.

Is Aperture Foundation Inc a good charity to donate to?

Aperture Foundation Inc has a Mission Score of 88/100. Revenue: $8.7M. Assets: $19.6M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Aperture Foundation Inc?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Aperture Foundation Inc is 133120824. 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 Aperture Foundation Inc spend its money?

Aperture Foundation Inc allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Aperture Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Aperture Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 133120824 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

Aperture Foundation Inc demonstrates generally sound financial health, with consistent revenue growth over the past several years, culminating in $8,656,032 in revenue in 2023. The organization has also significantly grown its assets, from $8,176,955 in 2014 to $17,355,144 in 2023, indicating effective asset management and financial stability. While liabilities have also increased, reaching $9,552,204 in 2023, the asset-to-liability ratio remains healthy, suggesting the organization is not overleveraged. The consistent positive net income in recent years (e.g., $1,126,521 in 2023 and $78,704 in 2022) further supports its financial viability.

Regarding spending efficiency, the organization consistently spends a significant portion of its budget on its programs, which is a positive indicator for a nonprofit. The absence of reported officer compensation across all available filings suggests a strong commitment to directing resources towards its mission rather than executive salaries, though it's important to verify if compensation is reported under other categories or if key personnel are compensated through related entities. The overall trend shows a well-managed organization that is growing its financial capacity while maintaining a focus on its core activities.

Transparency appears to be a strong point, given the consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over a long period. The detailed financial data provided allows for a clear understanding of its operations and financial position. The lack of reported officer compensation, while potentially a red flag if not properly understood, could also indicate a highly efficient and mission-driven compensation structure, or that key leadership roles are filled by volunteers or compensated through other means not directly reported as officer compensation on the 990.

Verdict: Aperture Foundation Inc appears trustworthy

Red Flags