Is Bowman Family Foundation Legit? —…

Spending Breakdown

How Bowman Family Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

90%

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 Bowman Family Foundation

Is Bowman Family Foundation a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Bowman Family Foundation (EIN: 133801244) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Bowman Family Foundation a good charity to donate to?

Bowman Family Foundation has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $684K. Assets: $4.0M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Bowman Family Foundation?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Bowman Family Foundation is 133801244. 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 Bowman Family Foundation spend its money?

Bowman Family Foundation allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Bowman Family Foundation's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Bowman Family Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 133801244 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 Bowman Family Foundation appears to be a private foundation, as indicated by its NTEE code (T22J - Private Grantmaking Foundations) and consistent grantmaking activities. Its financial health shows some volatility in revenue, with a high of $1,234,299 in 2015 and a low of $85,197 in 2011. However, its asset base has remained relatively stable over the past decade, hovering around $4-5 million, suggesting a well-endowed foundation capable of sustained grantmaking. For instance, in 2023, assets were $4,442,412. The foundation consistently reports zero officer compensation, which is a strong indicator of efficient use of funds and a commitment to directing resources towards its mission rather than administrative overhead related to executive salaries. This practice enhances its spending efficiency significantly.

Regarding transparency, the foundation consistently files its IRS Form 990, providing public access to its financial data. The absence of officer compensation simplifies the analysis of its administrative costs, as a major component of potential overhead is eliminated. While specific program spending details would require deeper analysis of the 990-PF (which is typically filed by private foundations), the overall financial picture suggests a foundation focused on its grantmaking purpose. The consistent reporting of minimal liabilities (often $0 or $1) further indicates sound financial management and low financial risk.

Overall, the Bowman Family Foundation demonstrates good financial health with a stable asset base and a clear commitment to minimizing administrative costs by not paying officer compensation. Its consistent filing of IRS 990 forms ensures transparency, allowing the public to track its financial activities and impact. The primary function of a private foundation is to make grants, and the financial data supports its capacity to do so effectively.

Is Bowman Family Foundation Legit?

Verdict: Bowman Family Foundation appears trustworthy

Red Flags

Strengths