Is Chansoo & Elisabeth Bittner Joung Foundation Legit?
Quick charity verification for Chansoo & Elisabeth Bittner Joung Foundation (EIN: 134091397)
Verdict: Chansoo & Elisabeth Bittner Joung Foundation shows mixed signals
65/100Mission Score
$4KRevenue
$281KAssets
3Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Inconsistent revenue generation with significant year-over-year fluctuations.
Consistent operating deficits in multiple years (e.g., 2022, 2019, 2014, 2012) where expenses exceed revenue.
Lack of detailed expense breakdown (program, admin, fundraising) in the provided summary makes full efficiency assessment difficult.
Strengths
Zero officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating efficient executive cost management.
Strong asset base ($280,922 in 2022) relative to annual revenue and expenses, providing financial stability.
Minimal liabilities ($1 across all filings) indicates a very healthy balance sheet with no significant debt.
Spending Breakdown
How Chansoo & Elisabeth Bittner Joung 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 Chansoo & Elisabeth Bittner Joung Foundation
Is Chansoo & Elisabeth Bittner Joung Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Chansoo & Elisabeth Bittner Joung Foundation (EIN: 134091397) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 65/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Chansoo & Elisabeth Bittner Joung Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Chansoo & Elisabeth Bittner Joung Foundation has a Mission Score of 65/100. Revenue: $4K. Assets: $281K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Chansoo & Elisabeth Bittner Joung Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Chansoo & Elisabeth Bittner Joung Foundation is 134091397. 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 Chansoo & Elisabeth Bittner Joung Foundation spend its money?
Chansoo & Elisabeth Bittner Joung Foundation allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Chansoo & Elisabeth Bittner Joung Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Chansoo & Elisabeth Bittner Joung Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 134091397 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 Chansoo & Elisabeth Bittner Joung Foundation exhibits inconsistent financial activity, with revenue fluctuating significantly over the years, from a high of $376,178 in 2021 to a low of $3,591 in 2022. In the latest period (2022), the organization reported expenses of $30,981 against only $3,591 in revenue, indicating a substantial operating deficit. While the foundation maintains a healthy asset base of $280,922 with minimal liabilities ($1), the consistent pattern of expenses often exceeding revenue in multiple years (e.g., 2022, 2019, 2014, 2012) raises questions about its long-term financial sustainability without significant external support or endowment drawdowns. The NTEE code T20 suggests a focus on grantmaking foundations, which typically distribute funds rather than incur high program expenses directly. Without a detailed breakdown of expenses (program, administrative, fundraising) from the provided data, it's challenging to fully assess spending efficiency. However, the absence of officer compensation reported across all filings is a positive indicator of cost control at the executive level.