Quick charity verification for James Joseph Ford Foundation (EIN: 200511029)
Verdict: James Joseph Ford Foundation shows mixed signals
40/100Mission Score
$90KRevenue
$271KAssets
4Red Flags
2Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent operating deficits (e.g., $5,249 revenue vs. $32,550 expenses in 2023).
Declining asset base over the past decade (from $362,643 in 2011 to $293,582 in 2023).
Revenue significantly lower than expenses in most reported periods.
Negative revenue reported in 2011 (-$4,010).
Strengths
Zero officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating efficient use of funds at the leadership level.
Low liabilities ($1 in recent years, $0 in earlier years) suggests good debt management.
Spending Breakdown
How James Joseph Ford Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
75%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
15%
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 James Joseph Ford Foundation
Is James Joseph Ford Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, James Joseph Ford Foundation (EIN: 200511029) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 40/100. 4 red flags identified, 2 strengths noted.
Is James Joseph Ford Foundation a good charity to donate to?
James Joseph Ford Foundation has a Mission Score of 40/100. Revenue: $90K. Assets: $271K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for James Joseph Ford Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for James Joseph Ford Foundation is 200511029. 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 James Joseph Ford Foundation spend its money?
James Joseph Ford Foundation allocates 75% to programs, 15% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify James Joseph Ford Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify James Joseph Ford Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 200511029 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 James Joseph Ford Foundation exhibits a concerning financial trend, consistently spending significantly more than it generates in revenue. For instance, in 2023, it reported revenue of $5,249 against expenses of $32,550, and in 2022, revenue was $9,814 compared to expenses of $28,281. This persistent deficit spending has led to a gradual decline in its asset base, from $362,643 in 2011 to $293,582 in 2023. While the organization reports zero officer compensation, which is a positive for resource allocation, the overall financial sustainability is questionable given the consistent operating losses. The lack of detailed expense breakdowns in the provided data makes it difficult to assess spending efficiency beyond the top-line figures, but the consistent depletion of assets suggests that current operations are not sustainable without a significant increase in funding or reduction in expenses.
Transparency regarding executive compensation is excellent, with 0% reported. However, without a breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, a full assessment of spending efficiency is challenging. The consistent decline in assets over more than a decade, coupled with negative net income in most years, indicates a fundamental imbalance in its financial model. The organization's ability to continue its mission is at risk if this trend of spending significantly more than it earns persists.