Is Bucket Foundation Legit?

Quick charity verification for Bucket Foundation (EIN: 200292424)

Verdict: Bucket Foundation shows mixed signals

65/100Mission Score

$330KRevenue

$9KAssets

3Red Flags

3Strengths

Red Flags

Frequent operating deficits (e.g., 2023, 2021, 2013, 2011 where expenses exceeded revenue)
Significant year-over-year fluctuations in revenue and assets, indicating financial instability
Low current assets ($9,277) relative to past performance and operational scale

Strengths

Consistent 0% officer compensation, indicating efficient use of funds at the executive level
Long and consistent IRS 990 filing history, demonstrating transparency
Very low liabilities (consistently $1), suggesting minimal debt burden

Spending Breakdown

How Bucket 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 Bucket Foundation

Is Bucket Foundation a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Bucket Foundation (EIN: 200292424) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 65/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.

Is Bucket Foundation a good charity to donate to?

Bucket Foundation has a Mission Score of 65/100. Revenue: $330K. Assets: $9K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Bucket Foundation?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Bucket Foundation is 200292424. 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 Bucket Foundation spend its money?

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

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

You can verify Bucket Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 200292424 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

Bucket Foundation demonstrates inconsistent financial performance over the past decade, with significant fluctuations in revenue and expenses. For instance, revenue peaked at $497,800 in 2022 but dropped to $271,595 in 2023, while expenses often exceeded revenue, as seen in 2023 where expenses were $348,938 against $271,595 in revenue. This pattern of operating at a deficit in several years (e.g., 2023, 2021, 2013, 2011) suggests potential challenges in maintaining financial stability. The organization's assets have also varied widely, from a high of $135,136 in 2020 to a low of $4,112 in 2013, and currently stand at a modest $9,277. This volatility, combined with very low liabilities (consistently $1), indicates a lean operational structure but also a lack of substantial reserves.

Regarding spending efficiency, without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, it's difficult to fully assess. However, the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings is a positive indicator of efficient use of funds at the executive level. The organization's transparency is generally good, with a consistent filing history over the past decade. However, the significant year-over-year swings in financial metrics warrant closer examination to understand the underlying operational dynamics and sustainability.

Overall, Bucket Foundation appears to be a small, volunteer-led organization given the lack of officer compensation and fluctuating financial scale. While transparent in its filings, its financial health shows signs of instability due to inconsistent revenue generation and frequent operating deficits. Its ability to sustain its mission long-term would benefit from more predictable funding streams and a strategy to build stronger financial reserves.

View Full Transparency Report →

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.