Quick charity verification for Isidore Stern Foundation (EIN: 136113256)
Verdict: Isidore Stern Foundation appears trustworthy
75/100Mission Score
$649KRevenue
$1.1MAssets
2Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent net operating losses, with expenses frequently exceeding revenue (e.g., 2023: $118,265 expenses vs. $72,519 revenue).
Declining asset base over the past decade, from $1,136,148 in 2011 to $853,009 in 2023.
Strengths
Zero officer compensation, indicating highly efficient use of funds for leadership.
Minimal liabilities, consistently reported as $0 or $1, showing strong financial stability and no significant debt.
Consistent filing of IRS Form 990, demonstrating transparency in financial reporting.
Spending Breakdown
How Isidore Stern 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 Isidore Stern Foundation
Is Isidore Stern Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Isidore Stern Foundation (EIN: 136113256) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Isidore Stern Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Isidore Stern Foundation has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $649K. Assets: $1.1M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Isidore Stern Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Isidore Stern Foundation is 136113256. 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 Isidore Stern Foundation spend its money?
Isidore Stern Foundation allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Isidore Stern Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Isidore Stern Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 136113256 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 Isidore Stern Foundation appears to be a private foundation, as indicated by its consistent revenue and expense patterns, and the absence of officer compensation. Its financial health shows a trend of declining assets over the past decade, from $1,136,148 in 2011 to $853,009 in 2023, suggesting that its expenses frequently exceed its revenue. For instance, in 2023, expenses were $118,265 against revenues of $72,519, resulting in a deficit. This pattern of spending down assets is common for private foundations fulfilling their philanthropic mission.
Regarding spending efficiency, without a detailed breakdown of expenses into program, administrative, and fundraising categories, it's challenging to fully assess. However, the consistent lack of officer compensation is a positive indicator of efficient use of funds, as no portion of the budget is allocated to executive salaries. The foundation's liabilities have remained minimal, often $0 or $1, which points to sound financial management and a lack of significant debt.
Transparency is generally good given the availability of 990 filings. The consistent reporting of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses allows for a clear overview of the foundation's financial activities. The absence of officer compensation also simplifies the analysis, as there are no complex executive pay structures to scrutinize. The primary area for further transparency would be a more detailed breakdown of expenses to understand the allocation between program services and administrative overhead.