Is Elizabeth Sprague Stout Foundation Inc Legit?

Quick charity verification for Elizabeth Sprague Stout Foundation Inc (EIN: 136161366)

Verdict: Elizabeth Sprague Stout Foundation Inc shows mixed signals

45/100Mission Score
$105KRevenue
$202KAssets
4Red Flags
2Strengths

Red Flags

Strengths

Spending Breakdown

How Elizabeth Sprague Stout Foundation Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

70%
Program Spending
Below average — room for improvement
25%
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 Elizabeth Sprague Stout Foundation Inc

Is Elizabeth Sprague Stout Foundation Inc a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Elizabeth Sprague Stout Foundation Inc (EIN: 136161366) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 45/100. 4 red flags identified, 2 strengths noted.

Is Elizabeth Sprague Stout Foundation Inc a good charity to donate to?

Elizabeth Sprague Stout Foundation Inc has a Mission Score of 45/100. Revenue: $105K. Assets: $202K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Elizabeth Sprague Stout Foundation Inc?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Elizabeth Sprague Stout Foundation Inc is 136161366. 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 Elizabeth Sprague Stout Foundation Inc spend its money?

Elizabeth Sprague Stout Foundation Inc allocates 70% to programs, 25% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Elizabeth Sprague Stout Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Elizabeth Sprague Stout Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 136161366 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 Elizabeth Sprague Stout Foundation Inc appears to be a small private foundation with a consistent pattern of operating at a deficit, spending more than it brings in through revenue. For example, in 2023, it reported revenue of $8,402 against expenses of $28,948, and in 2021, revenue of $9,132 against expenses of $27,761. This trend has led to a gradual decline in its asset base, from $280,926 in 2012 to $201,627 in 2023. While the organization consistently reports zero officer compensation, which is a positive for efficiency, the sustained operational deficits raise questions about its long-term financial sustainability and the source of funding for its program activities. Without a detailed breakdown of expenses into program, administrative, and fundraising categories, it's challenging to fully assess spending efficiency. However, the consistent net losses suggest that the foundation is drawing down its principal to cover expenses. The lack of information regarding its NTEE code or specific program activities makes it difficult to evaluate its programmatic impact or mission alignment. The organization's transparency is limited by the available data, as the filings do not provide granular detail on how its expenses are allocated. Overall, the foundation exhibits characteristics of a small, perhaps family-run, entity that is slowly liquidating its assets to fund its operations. While it avoids executive compensation, the persistent spending exceeding revenue is a significant financial concern. A more comprehensive understanding would require access to its full Form 990 filings to analyze expense allocation and program service accomplishments.

View Full Transparency Report →

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.

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