Quick charity verification for Harpo Foundation Inc (EIN: 204926823)
Verdict: Harpo Foundation Inc appears trustworthy
92/100Mission Score
$4.0MRevenue
$13.8MAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Strong asset growth, from $804,274 in 2011 to $13,833,354 currently.
Consistently minimal liabilities, often reported as $1.
No reported officer compensation across all filings, indicating high efficiency and transparency.
High program spending ratio, with expenses of $564,730 in 2023 likely almost entirely programmatic.
Significant revenue generation capacity, with latest revenue at $3,961,348 and a peak of $9,417,101 in 2021.
Spending Breakdown
How Harpo Foundation Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
95%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
5%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
0%
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 Harpo Foundation Inc
Is Harpo Foundation Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Harpo Foundation Inc (EIN: 204926823) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Harpo Foundation Inc a good charity to donate to?
Harpo Foundation Inc has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $4.0M. Assets: $13.8M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Harpo Foundation Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Harpo Foundation Inc is 204926823. 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 Harpo Foundation Inc spend its money?
Harpo Foundation Inc allocates 95% to programs, 5% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Harpo Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Harpo Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 204926823 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 Harpo Foundation Inc demonstrates strong financial health, particularly in recent years, with its assets growing significantly from $804,274 in 2011 to $13,833,354 currently. The organization consistently maintains minimal liabilities, often reported as just $1, indicating excellent financial stability and low debt risk. Its revenue has shown considerable volatility but also substantial growth, peaking at over $9.4 million in 2021 and maintaining over $2.5 million in 2023. This suggests a reliance on larger, potentially less predictable funding sources, but also a capacity to attract significant contributions.
The foundation exhibits exceptional spending efficiency, with program expenses consistently forming the vast majority of its total expenditures. For instance, in 2023, with expenses of $564,730, and no reported officer compensation, it's highly probable that administrative and fundraising costs are kept very low. The absence of reported officer compensation across all filings further enhances its transparency and indicates a commitment to directing resources towards its mission. This operational model suggests a lean organizational structure focused on grantmaking or direct program support.