Quick charity verification for Carl A Nelson Charitable Foundation (EIN: 201713123)
Verdict: Carl A Nelson Charitable Foundation appears trustworthy
95/100Mission Score
$31KRevenue
$140KAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Consistent asset growth (from $65,669 in 2011 to $126,958 in 2023)
Zero officer compensation reported across all filings
Minimal liabilities (often $1)
Expenses consistently lower than revenue, allowing for asset accumulation
Strong financial stability and fiscal responsibility
Spending Breakdown
How Carl A Nelson Charitable 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
0%
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 Carl A Nelson Charitable Foundation
Is Carl A Nelson Charitable Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Carl A Nelson Charitable Foundation (EIN: 201713123) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Carl A Nelson Charitable Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Carl A Nelson Charitable Foundation has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $31K. Assets: $140K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Carl A Nelson Charitable Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Carl A Nelson Charitable Foundation is 201713123. 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 Carl A Nelson Charitable Foundation spend its money?
Carl A Nelson Charitable Foundation allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Carl A Nelson Charitable Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Carl A Nelson Charitable Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 201713123 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 Carl A Nelson Charitable Foundation demonstrates consistent financial health, with assets growing from $65,669 in 2011 to $126,958 in 2023. The organization consistently spends less than its revenue, as seen in 2023 where revenue was $42,387 and expenses were $19,136, indicating sound financial management and an ability to build reserves. The foundation's liabilities have remained minimal, often $1, which suggests strong fiscal responsibility and low financial risk. The absence of officer compensation further enhances its transparency and efficiency, as all funds appear to be directed towards its charitable purpose rather than administrative salaries.
Spending efficiency is high, particularly given the zero officer compensation reported across all filings. This indicates that a very high percentage of its expenses are likely directed towards program services, though specific program spending ratios are not detailed in the provided data. The consistent growth in assets, despite fluctuating annual revenues, points to effective long-term financial planning and investment. The foundation's transparency is excellent, with readily available 990 filings and clear financial reporting, especially regarding the lack of executive compensation.
Overall, the Carl A Nelson Charitable Foundation appears to be a well-managed and financially stable organization. Its consistent asset growth, minimal liabilities, and zero officer compensation are strong indicators of a commitment to its mission and efficient use of resources. The foundation's financial practices suggest a focus on long-term sustainability and direct impact.