Quick charity verification for Frances W Burton Foundation (EIN: 204214804)
Verdict: Frances W Burton Foundation appears trustworthy
75/100Mission Score
$3.6MRevenue
$4.9MAssets
2Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent annual deficits (expenses exceeding revenue) in multiple periods, such as $329,671 expenses vs. $183,608 revenue in 2023.
Significant decline in total assets from $5,532,345 in 2014 to $3,865,877 in 2023 without clear explanation in provided data.
Strengths
Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, indicating efficient use of funds at the executive level.
Very low liabilities ($1 across all periods) demonstrating strong financial management and no significant debt.
Consistent IRS 990 filing history (10 filings), indicating good transparency and compliance.
Substantial asset base ($3,865,877 in 2023) provides long-term financial stability.
Spending Breakdown
How Frances W Burton 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
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 Frances W Burton Foundation
Is Frances W Burton Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Frances W Burton Foundation (EIN: 204214804) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Frances W Burton Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Frances W Burton Foundation has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $3.6M. Assets: $4.9M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Frances W Burton Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Frances W Burton Foundation is 204214804. 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 Frances W Burton Foundation spend its money?
Frances W Burton Foundation allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Frances W Burton Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Frances W Burton Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 204214804 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 Frances W Burton Foundation demonstrates consistent financial stability with substantial assets, though it has experienced fluctuating revenues and expenses over the past decade. In 2023, the organization reported $183,608 in revenue against $329,671 in expenses, indicating a deficit for the year. This trend of expenses exceeding revenue is common across several years, suggesting the foundation primarily operates by drawing from its endowment rather than relying solely on annual contributions. The foundation's assets have generally remained robust, with the latest reported assets at $3,865,877 in 2023, down from a peak of $5,532,345 in 2014, but still significant relative to its annual spending.
The foundation's spending efficiency is difficult to fully assess without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, which are not provided in the summary data. However, the consistent reporting of zero officer compensation across all filings is a positive indicator of efficient use of funds at the executive level. The very low liabilities ($1 across all periods) suggest strong financial management and a lack of debt, contributing to overall financial health. The foundation's transparency is good in terms of consistent filing, but more granular expense data would enhance understanding of its operational efficiency and program impact.