Is Brooks Foundation Legit?

Spending Breakdown

How Brooks 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

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 Brooks Foundation

Is Brooks Foundation a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Brooks Foundation (EIN: 208593004) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Brooks Foundation a good charity to donate to?

Brooks Foundation has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $44K. Assets: $83K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Brooks Foundation?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Brooks Foundation is 208593004. 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 Brooks Foundation spend its money?

Brooks Foundation allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

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

You can verify Brooks Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 208593004 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 Brooks Foundation demonstrates a mixed financial picture with fluctuating revenues and expenses over its filing history. While the organization consistently reports zero liabilities and no officer compensation, indicating good financial hygiene and a volunteer-driven model, its financial stability appears somewhat inconsistent. For example, in 2023, expenses ($26,726) significantly outstripped revenue ($18,761), leading to a decrease in assets from $79,631 in 2022 to $71,665. Conversely, in 2022, revenue ($37,312) substantially exceeded expenses ($14,186), contributing to asset growth.

The organization's transparency is high given the consistent filing of IRS Form 990s and the clear reporting of zero liabilities and officer compensation. However, without a detailed breakdown of expenses into program, administrative, and fundraising categories, it's challenging to fully assess spending efficiency. The NTEE code I20 (Voluntarism Promotion) suggests a focus on supporting volunteer efforts, which often entails lower overheads, but specific program spending data would provide a clearer picture of how effectively funds are being utilized towards its mission. The lack of officer compensation is a strong positive indicator of resources being directed away from executive salaries.

Verdict: Brooks Foundation appears trustworthy

Red Flags

Strengths