Stable, albeit small, asset base relative to its operational size
Spending Breakdown
How Benson Lions Foundation 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 Benson Lions Foundation
Is Benson Lions Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Benson Lions Foundation (EIN: 208549851) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 3 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Benson Lions Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Benson Lions Foundation has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $8K. Assets: $2K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Benson Lions Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Benson Lions Foundation is 208549851. 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 Benson Lions Foundation spend its money?
Benson Lions Foundation allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Benson Lions Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Benson Lions Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 208549851 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 Benson Lions Foundation appears to be a very small, community-focused organization with limited financial activity. In its latest filing (201806), the organization reported revenue of $8,246 and expenses of $8,511, resulting in a slight deficit. Its assets stand at $2,119 with no liabilities, indicating a stable but very modest financial position. Over the past several years, the foundation has consistently operated with low revenue and expenses, often spending more than it brings in, as seen in 201806, 201706, 201606, 201406, and 201306. This pattern suggests a reliance on accumulated assets or periodic fundraising to cover operational costs.
Given its small scale, the organization's spending efficiency is difficult to fully assess without a detailed breakdown of expenses, which is not provided in the summary data. However, the consistent reporting of zero officer compensation indicates that leadership is likely volunteer-based, which is a positive sign for minimizing administrative overhead. The lack of liabilities also points to responsible financial management within its small operational scope. Transparency is generally good, with consistent IRS 990 filings available, although the NTEE code is unknown, which can sometimes make it harder to categorize its specific mission.
Overall, the Benson Lions Foundation seems to be a lean operation, likely run by volunteers, focused on its local community. Its financial health is stable for its size, but its consistent operating deficits suggest it may be drawing down on its small asset base over time. The absence of officer compensation is a significant strength, indicating that funds are not being diverted to executive salaries.