Quick charity verification for Cascade Foundation (EIN: 204956488)
Verdict: Cascade Foundation shows mixed signals
45/100Mission Score
$6.9MRevenue
$12.9MAssets
4Red Flags
2Strengths
Red Flags
Persistent negative operating revenue in recent years (e.g., $-87,362 in 2023, $-223,693 in 2022).
Consistent decline in total assets over the past decade, from $20.4 million in 2011 to $13.5 million in 2023.
Expenses consistently exceeding reported revenue, indicating reliance on asset drawdowns.
Significant discrepancy between 'Latest Revenue' ($6,852,077) and recent 990 reported revenues, requiring clarification.
Strengths
Zero officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating no direct salary burden from executive pay.
Relatively low liabilities compared to assets in most years, suggesting good debt management.
Spending Breakdown
How Cascade 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 Cascade Foundation
Is Cascade Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Cascade Foundation (EIN: 204956488) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 45/100. 4 red flags identified, 2 strengths noted.
Is Cascade Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Cascade Foundation has a Mission Score of 45/100. Revenue: $6.9M. Assets: $12.9M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Cascade Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Cascade Foundation is 204956488. 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 Cascade Foundation spend its money?
Cascade Foundation allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Cascade Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Cascade Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 204956488 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 Cascade Foundation exhibits a concerning financial trend, with negative revenues reported in multiple recent years (e.g., -$87,362 in 2023 and -$223,693 in 2022). This suggests a significant reliance on asset drawdowns or other non-operating income sources to cover expenses, which consistently exceed revenue. For instance, in 2023, expenses were $1,181,262 against negative revenue. The organization's assets have also been in a steady decline, from over $20 million in 2011 to $13.5 million in 2023, indicating a depletion of its financial reserves. While officer compensation is consistently reported as 0%, which is a positive for direct program funding, the overall financial sustainability is questionable given the persistent operating deficits and shrinking asset base. The latest reported revenue of $6,852,077 seems to be an anomaly compared to the historical trend of much lower or negative revenues, and without further context, it's difficult to reconcile with the recent negative figures. This discrepancy warrants further investigation to understand the true financial picture.