Is Earle Brown Music Foundation Legit? —…

Quick charity verification for Earle Brown Music Foundation (EIN: 133921924)

Spending Breakdown

How Earle Brown Music 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 Earle Brown Music Foundation

Is Earle Brown Music Foundation a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Earle Brown Music Foundation (EIN: 133921924) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 3 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Earle Brown Music Foundation a good charity to donate to?

Earle Brown Music Foundation has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $1.7M. Assets: $22.6M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Earle Brown Music Foundation?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Earle Brown Music Foundation is 133921924. 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 Earle Brown Music Foundation spend its money?

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

How can I verify Earle Brown Music Foundation's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Earle Brown Music Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 133921924 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 Earle Brown Music Foundation exhibits a fluctuating financial performance over the past decade, with significant swings in revenue and expenses. While the organization has maintained substantial assets, reaching $22,579,829 in its latest filing, it has experienced periods where expenses exceeded revenue, notably in 202309 ($1,769,768 expenses vs. $861,615 revenue) and 202209 ($2,069,137 expenses vs. $1,245,993 revenue). This suggests reliance on prior year surpluses or investment income to cover operational costs in some periods. The consistent reporting of $1 or minimal liabilities across most recent filings indicates a strong balance sheet with minimal debt, which is a positive sign of financial stability.

The foundation's transparency is bolstered by its consistent filing of IRS Form 990s, providing a clear historical record of its financial activities. A notable aspect is the reported 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which suggests either a volunteer-led executive team or that compensation is not reported in this specific field, warranting further investigation for a complete picture of administrative costs. The NTEE code A50I (Performing Arts, Music) aligns with its mission, and the substantial asset base provides a strong foundation for its long-term sustainability, despite recent operational deficits.

Overall, the foundation appears financially stable due to its significant asset base, but its operational efficiency, particularly in managing expenses relative to revenue, shows variability. The lack of reported officer compensation is a key transparency point that could be further clarified to fully understand administrative overhead.

Is Earle Brown Music Foundation Legit?

Verdict: Earle Brown Music Foundation appears trustworthy

Red Flags

Strengths