Is Ember Foundation Legit?

Strengths

Consistent asset growth, from $378,577 in 2014 to $1,228,721 currently.
Zero officer compensation reported across all 13 filings, indicating high efficiency.
Consistent operating surplus, with revenue exceeding expenses (e.g., $511,205 revenue vs. $352,218 expenses in 2023).
No reported liabilities in recent years (since 2016), indicating strong financial stability.
Long and consistent IRS 990 filing history (13 filings), demonstrating transparency.

Spending Breakdown

How Ember Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

90%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

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 Ember Foundation

Is Ember Foundation a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Ember Foundation (EIN: 208674232) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.

Is Ember Foundation a good charity to donate to?

Ember Foundation has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $575K. Assets: $1.2M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Ember Foundation?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Ember Foundation is 208674232. 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 Ember Foundation spend its money?

Ember Foundation allocates 90% to programs, 7% to administration, and 3% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Ember Foundation's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Ember Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 208674232 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

Ember Foundation demonstrates consistent financial health and growth over the past decade, with assets steadily increasing from $378,577 in 2014 to $1,228,721 currently. The organization consistently operates with a surplus, as seen in 2023 where revenue of $511,205 exceeded expenses of $352,218. This indicates sound financial management and an ability to build reserves. The absence of liabilities in recent years (since 2016) further strengthens its financial position, suggesting a low-risk operational model and effective cash flow management. The organization's transparency is high, as evidenced by 13 filings and consistent reporting of zero officer compensation, which is a positive indicator for donor confidence.

Spending efficiency appears strong, with expenses generally well below revenue, allowing for asset accumulation. For example, in 2023, only 68.9% of revenue ($352,218 / $511,205) was spent, leaving a significant portion for future programs or reserves. The consistent reporting of zero officer compensation across all available filings is a notable strength, indicating that a very high proportion of funds are directed towards the organization's mission rather than executive salaries. This commitment to minimizing administrative overhead, particularly in leadership compensation, suggests a highly efficient and mission-focused approach to resource allocation.

Overall, Ember Foundation presents as a financially stable and well-managed nonprofit. Its consistent asset growth, lack of liabilities, and commitment to zero officer compensation reflect a strong dedication to its mission and responsible stewardship of donor funds. The organization's long filing history and clear financial trends contribute to its transparency.

Verdict: Ember Foundation appears trustworthy