Quick charity verification for Foundation For Sephardic Studies Inc (EIN: 112553513)
Verdict: Foundation For Sephardic Studies Inc shows mixed signals
65/100Mission Score
$3.0MRevenue
$3.8MAssets
3Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent 0% officer compensation reported, which is unusual for an organization of this size and could indicate a lack of transparency in executive remuneration.
NTEE code is 'Unknown', making it difficult to benchmark financial performance and programmatic focus against peer organizations.
Gradual decline in total assets over the past decade, from $4,903,005 in 2014 to $3,912,421 in 2023.
Strengths
Consistent financial stability with assets significantly exceeding liabilities.
Strong recent revenue growth, increasing from $1,095,709 in 2020 to $2,221,688 in 2023.
Generally operates with a surplus or manageable deficit, indicating prudent expense management (e.g., 2023 revenue of $2,221,688 vs. expenses of $2,162,409).
Spending Breakdown
How Foundation For Sephardic Studies Inc 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 Foundation For Sephardic Studies Inc
Is Foundation For Sephardic Studies Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Foundation For Sephardic Studies Inc (EIN: 112553513) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 65/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Foundation For Sephardic Studies Inc a good charity to donate to?
Foundation For Sephardic Studies Inc has a Mission Score of 65/100. Revenue: $3.0M. Assets: $3.8M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Foundation For Sephardic Studies Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Foundation For Sephardic Studies Inc is 112553513. 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 Foundation For Sephardic Studies Inc spend its money?
Foundation For Sephardic Studies Inc allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Foundation For Sephardic Studies Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Foundation For Sephardic Studies Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 112553513 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 Foundation For Sephardic Studies Inc demonstrates a generally stable financial position, with assets consistently exceeding liabilities over the past decade. While revenue has fluctuated, there's a notable upward trend in recent years, reaching $2,221,688 in 2023, up from $1,095,709 in 2020. The organization has managed its expenses relatively well, often operating with a slight surplus or manageable deficit, indicating prudent financial management. For instance, in 2023, revenue of $2,221,688 slightly exceeded expenses of $2,162,409.
However, a significant area for improvement in transparency is the lack of reported officer compensation across all available filings. While this could indicate a volunteer-led board, without further detail, it raises questions about the full picture of operational costs and potential related-party transactions. The NTEE code being 'Unknown' also limits the ability to benchmark against similar organizations, impacting a comprehensive assessment of spending efficiency. The organization's assets have seen a gradual decline from a peak of $4,903,005 in 2014 to $3,912,421 in 2023, though they remain substantial relative to annual expenses.
Overall, the Foundation appears to be financially sound with a growing revenue base. However, enhanced disclosure regarding executive compensation and a clearer classification of its programmatic focus would significantly improve its transparency and allow for a more detailed evaluation of its spending efficiency and impact.