Quick charity verification for Argus Fund (EIN: 205045447)
Verdict: Argus Fund appears trustworthy
75/100Mission Score
$5.5MRevenue
$17.5MAssets
3Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Frequent operational deficits (7 out of 10 periods)
Unusually low revenue relative to substantial assets in recent years
0% officer compensation reported, which may obscure true administrative costs
Strengths
Strong financial stability with substantial assets ($17,456,148) and very low liabilities ($727 in 2023)
Consistent IRS 990 filing history, indicating transparency in reporting
No reported officer compensation, suggesting low executive overhead if accurate
Spending Breakdown
How Argus Fund allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
15%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
5%
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 Argus Fund
Is Argus Fund a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Argus Fund (EIN: 205045447) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Argus Fund a good charity to donate to?
Argus Fund has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $5.5M. Assets: $17.5M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Argus Fund?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Argus Fund is 205045447. 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 Argus Fund spend its money?
Argus Fund allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Argus Fund's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Argus Fund's tax-exempt status using EIN 205045447 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
Argus Fund demonstrates a consistent financial position with substantial assets, averaging over $17 million in recent years, against very low liabilities, indicating strong financial stability. However, the organization has frequently operated at a deficit, with expenses exceeding revenue in 7 out of the last 10 reported periods. For example, in 2023, expenses were $1,098,025 against revenues of $542,402, representing a significant operational deficit. This trend suggests that the organization may be drawing down on its substantial asset base to cover operational costs, which is a sustainability concern if not managed strategically.
The organization's transparency is bolstered by its consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over the past decade. A notable aspect is the reported 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which suggests either a volunteer-led executive team or that compensation is structured in a way not reported as officer compensation on the 990, warranting further investigation for a complete picture of administrative costs. Without a detailed breakdown of expenses into program, administrative, and fundraising categories, it's challenging to fully assess spending efficiency, but the lack of reported officer compensation is a positive indicator for minimizing overhead.