Quick charity verification for Fred And Sandy Mesch Foundation (EIN: 204363777)
Verdict: Fred And Sandy Mesch Foundation appears trustworthy
80/100Mission Score
$1.8MRevenue
$731KAssets
2Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Lack of detailed expense breakdown in provided data makes program efficiency hard to fully assess.
Consistent 0% officer compensation for an organization with growing revenue and assets is unusual and could indicate compensation is reported in other categories or that the foundation is entirely volunteer-run at the executive level, which might not be sustainable for larger operations.
Strengths
Consistent revenue growth, from $301,392 in 2019 to $698,667 in 2023.
Significant asset growth, from $143,827 in 2019 to $545,051 in 2023.
Positive net income trend, with revenue consistently exceeding expenses in recent years (e.g., $698,667 revenue vs. $550,192 expenses in 2023).
No reported officer compensation, suggesting a lean operational structure and potentially high percentage of funds directly to mission.
Spending Breakdown
How Fred And Sandy Mesch Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
85%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
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 Fred And Sandy Mesch Foundation
Is Fred And Sandy Mesch Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Fred And Sandy Mesch Foundation (EIN: 204363777) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 80/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Fred And Sandy Mesch Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Fred And Sandy Mesch Foundation has a Mission Score of 80/100. Revenue: $1.8M. Assets: $731K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Fred And Sandy Mesch Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Fred And Sandy Mesch Foundation is 204363777. 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 Fred And Sandy Mesch Foundation spend its money?
Fred And Sandy Mesch Foundation allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Fred And Sandy Mesch Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Fred And Sandy Mesch Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 204363777 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 Fred And Sandy Mesch Foundation demonstrates a consistent pattern of growth in revenue and assets over its recent filing history, particularly from 2019 to 2023. In the latest period (202312), the organization reported revenue of $698,667 against expenses of $550,192, indicating a healthy surplus. Its assets have also grown significantly, reaching $545,051 in 2023, up from $143,827 in 2019. The foundation's financial health appears robust, with a positive net income trend and increasing asset base.
Regarding spending efficiency, the provided data does not break down expenses into program, administrative, and fundraising categories, making a precise assessment challenging. However, the consistent surplus suggests that expenses are managed within the organization's means. The absence of reported officer compensation across all filings indicates a lean operational structure, which is generally positive for efficiency.
Transparency is generally good given the availability of 10 years of IRS 990 filings. The consistent reporting of zero officer compensation is a notable aspect of its financial transparency. However, without a detailed breakdown of expenses, it's difficult to fully evaluate how efficiently funds are allocated to direct program services versus overhead.