Quick charity verification for Google Foundation (EIN: 201548253)
Verdict: Google Foundation appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$0Revenue
$0Assets
2Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Lack of detailed expense breakdown in provided data prevents precise program efficiency analysis
Significant revenue volatility across years (e.g., $9M in 2014 vs. $104M in 2015)
Strengths
Consistent 0% officer compensation across all reported years
Substantial asset growth, reaching $171,926,644 in 2015
Strong revenue generation in certain periods, such as $104,363,890 in 2015
Healthy financial position with assets significantly exceeding liabilities
Spending Breakdown
How Google Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
10%
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 Google Foundation
Is Google Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Google Foundation (EIN: 201548253) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Google Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Google Foundation has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $0. Assets: $0. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Google Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Google Foundation is 201548253. 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 Google Foundation spend its money?
Google Foundation allocates 80% to programs, 10% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Google Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Google Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 201548253 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 Google Foundation exhibits fluctuating financial activity over the past five years. In 2015, it reported substantial revenue of $104,363,890, significantly outpacing its expenses of $15,858,012, leading to a healthy asset base of $171,926,644. However, prior years show more varied performance, such as 2014 where expenses ($30,204,724) exceeded revenue ($9,190,572). The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, which is a positive indicator for donor confidence regarding executive pay. The lack of detailed expense breakdowns in the provided data makes a precise assessment of spending efficiency challenging, but the overall trend in asset growth suggests sound financial management.
The foundation's financial health appears robust, particularly with the significant revenue and asset growth observed in 2015. The consistent reporting of zero officer compensation across all provided periods indicates a commitment to directing funds towards its mission rather than executive salaries. While the NTEE code is unknown and specific program spending percentages are not provided, the substantial assets and revenue in recent years suggest a capacity for significant programmatic impact. Further transparency on program-specific expenditures would enhance a full financial assessment.