Quick charity verification for Helen Hay Whitney Foundation (EIN: 131677403)
Verdict: Helen Hay Whitney Foundation appears trustworthy
95/100Mission Score
$10.6MRevenue
$88.4MAssets
2Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent 0% officer compensation may warrant further investigation to understand the leadership compensation structure, as it is highly unusual for an organization of this size.
Revenue fluctuations, such as the drop from $7.2 million in 2022 to $2.2 million in 2023, could impact future grant-making capacity if not offset by investment returns.
Strengths
Strong asset growth, from $48.9 million in 2011 to $88.4 million in 2023, demonstrates robust financial management.
Consistent 0% officer compensation indicates a strong commitment to directing funds towards the mission.
Low liabilities relative to assets, with liabilities at $1.6 million against $88.4 million in assets in 2023, signifies financial health.
Likely high program spending ratio, given the nature of a grant-making foundation and minimal reported overhead.
Long history of consistent IRS 990 filings, indicating transparency and compliance.
Spending Breakdown
How Helen Hay Whitney Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
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 Helen Hay Whitney Foundation
Is Helen Hay Whitney Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Helen Hay Whitney Foundation (EIN: 131677403) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 2 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Helen Hay Whitney Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Helen Hay Whitney Foundation has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $10.6M. Assets: $88.4M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Helen Hay Whitney Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Helen Hay Whitney Foundation is 131677403. 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 Helen Hay Whitney Foundation spend its money?
Helen Hay Whitney Foundation allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Helen Hay Whitney Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Helen Hay Whitney Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 131677403 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 Helen Hay Whitney Foundation demonstrates a strong commitment to its program services, consistently allocating a significant portion of its expenses to its core mission. Over the past decade, the organization has maintained a healthy asset base, growing from $48.9 million in 2011 to $88.4 million in 2023, indicating sound financial management and investment strategies. While revenue has fluctuated, as is common for foundations relying on investment returns, the foundation has generally managed its expenses effectively, often spending less than its revenue in most years, contributing to asset growth. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings suggests a high degree of financial transparency and a focus on directing resources towards programmatic activities rather than executive salaries. The foundation's financial health appears robust, supported by substantial assets and a clear dedication to its stated purpose.