Quick charity verification for Cedar Tree Foundation Inc (EIN: 133601934)
Verdict: Cedar Tree Foundation Inc appears trustworthy
92/100Mission Score
$28.7MRevenue
$85.9MAssets
0Red Flags
4Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Consistent zero officer compensation across all reported periods, indicating high efficiency and mission focus.
Substantial and stable asset base, consistently above $85 million, providing long-term financial security for its mission.
Consistent filing of IRS Form 990s, demonstrating transparency.
As a grant-making foundation (NTEE T22), a significant portion of expenses are inherently programmatic.
Spending Breakdown
How Cedar Tree Foundation Inc 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 Cedar Tree Foundation Inc
Is Cedar Tree Foundation Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Cedar Tree Foundation Inc (EIN: 133601934) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 0 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Cedar Tree Foundation Inc a good charity to donate to?
Cedar Tree Foundation Inc has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $28.7M. Assets: $85.9M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Cedar Tree Foundation Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Cedar Tree Foundation Inc is 133601934. 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 Cedar Tree Foundation Inc spend its money?
Cedar Tree Foundation Inc allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Cedar Tree Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Cedar Tree Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 133601934 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
Cedar Tree Foundation Inc. demonstrates a consistent commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its substantial asset base, which has generally remained above $85 million over the past decade, peaking at nearly $120 million in 2021. The organization's revenue streams have fluctuated, with a notable high of $12.5 million in 2021, but expenses have often exceeded revenue in recent years, such as in 2023 where expenses were $15.3 million against $2.0 million in revenue. This suggests the foundation is primarily spending down its endowment or relying on investment returns not fully captured in the 'Revenue' line item, which is common for grant-making foundations.
Spending efficiency, while not explicitly detailed in terms of program vs. administrative costs in the provided data, can be inferred from the nature of a foundation. As a grant-making entity (NTEE Code T22), a significant portion of its expenses would typically be direct grants (programmatic). The absence of officer compensation across all reported periods indicates a high level of financial stewardship and a focus on directing resources towards the mission rather than executive salaries. This practice significantly enhances its spending efficiency and transparency.
Transparency is strong given the consistent filing of IRS Form 990s and the clear indication of zero officer compensation. The organization's financial health appears stable due to its substantial assets, even with periods of negative net income from operations. The consistent asset base provides a strong foundation for future grant-making activities, ensuring long-term impact.