Consistent asset growth, increasing from $73,729,642 in 2014 to $86,515,822 in 2023.
Zero reported liabilities across all filing periods, indicating strong financial stability.
0% officer compensation reported, demonstrating high efficiency and transparency in executive pay.
Strong financial health with a robust asset base of nearly $100 million.
Clear focus on endowment management, supporting its mission through asset growth and preservation.
Spending Breakdown
How Houston Symphony Endowment allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
100%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
0%
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 Houston Symphony Endowment
Is Houston Symphony Endowment a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Houston Symphony Endowment (EIN: 208350227) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Houston Symphony Endowment a good charity to donate to?
Houston Symphony Endowment has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $28.8M. Assets: $99.7M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Houston Symphony Endowment?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Houston Symphony Endowment is 208350227. 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 Houston Symphony Endowment spend its money?
Houston Symphony Endowment allocates 100% to programs, 0% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Houston Symphony Endowment's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Houston Symphony Endowment's tax-exempt status using EIN 208350227 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 Houston Symphony Endowment demonstrates strong financial health, primarily functioning as an endowment to support the Houston Symphony. Its assets have shown consistent growth over the past decade, increasing from $73,729,642 in 2014 to $86,515,822 in 2023, indicating effective asset management. The organization consistently reports zero liabilities, which is a significant strength, suggesting a very low financial risk profile. While the endowment's primary function is to hold and grow assets, its spending efficiency is reflected in its ability to maintain and increase its principal while providing support. The absence of reported officer compensation further enhances its transparency and suggests that administrative costs are minimal or absorbed elsewhere, aligning with best practices for endowments.