Is Forest Ecology Network Legit?

Red Flags

Latest filing shows $0 revenue and $0 assets, raising concerns about current operations.
Highly inconsistent revenue and expense figures over the past decade, indicating financial instability.
Expenses exceeded revenue in multiple years (e.g., 2021, 2018), suggesting potential reliance on reserves or unsustainable spending.
Reported negative assets ($-9,826) in 2013, which is a severe financial indicator.

Spending Breakdown

How Forest Ecology Network 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 Forest Ecology Network

Is Forest Ecology Network a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Forest Ecology Network (EIN: 10512127) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 45/100. 4 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.

Is Forest Ecology Network a good charity to donate to?

Forest Ecology Network has a Mission Score of 45/100. Revenue: $0. Assets: $0. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Forest Ecology Network?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Forest Ecology Network is 10512127. 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 Forest Ecology Network spend its money?

Forest Ecology Network allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Forest Ecology Network's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Forest Ecology Network's tax-exempt status using EIN 10512127 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

Forest Ecology Network exhibits inconsistent financial activity over the past decade, with revenue fluctuating significantly from a high of $363,300 in 2015 to a low of $8,759 in 2021, and currently reporting $0 revenue and assets. This volatility makes it challenging to assess long-term stability. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, which suggests a volunteer-driven leadership model, contributing positively to spending efficiency by minimizing administrative overhead related to executive salaries. However, the recent filings showing zero revenue and assets raise concerns about its current operational status and ability to fulfill its mission.

Spending efficiency is difficult to fully ascertain without a detailed breakdown of expenses beyond total expenses. While the absence of officer compensation is a strength, the organization's expenses have sometimes exceeded its revenue, such as in 2021 ($33,353 expenses vs. $8,759 revenue) and 2018 ($20,472 expenses vs. $15,905 revenue), indicating reliance on prior year reserves or other funding sources not immediately apparent. The negative asset balance in 2013 ($-9,826) is also a significant red flag regarding past financial health.

Transparency appears adequate in terms of filing IRS Form 990s consistently. However, the lack of detailed expense breakdowns in the provided data limits a deeper analysis of how funds are allocated between programs, administration, and fundraising. The current state of $0 revenue and assets, as per the latest filing, suggests the organization may be dormant or in the process of winding down, which would impact its overall financial health and ability to operate effectively.

Verdict: Forest Ecology Network shows mixed signals