Quick charity verification for John R Lindahl Foundation (EIN: 205845969)
Verdict: John R Lindahl Foundation shows mixed signals
60/100Mission Score
$841KRevenue
$551KAssets
3Red Flags
2Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent operating deficits (expenses exceeding revenue) in multiple years (e.g., 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2015, 2012).
Significant decline in assets from $2,572,797 in 2014 to $1,994,936 in 2023, indicating unsustainable spending relative to income.
Unusual and consistent reporting of $1 in liabilities across many years, which may obscure actual financial obligations.
Strengths
No reported officer compensation, indicating efficient use of funds at the executive level.
Long filing history (10 filings), suggesting consistent compliance with IRS reporting requirements.
Spending Breakdown
How John R Lindahl Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
15%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
5%
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 John R Lindahl Foundation
Is John R Lindahl Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, John R Lindahl Foundation (EIN: 205845969) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 60/100. 3 red flags identified, 2 strengths noted.
Is John R Lindahl Foundation a good charity to donate to?
John R Lindahl Foundation has a Mission Score of 60/100. Revenue: $841K. Assets: $551K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for John R Lindahl Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for John R Lindahl Foundation is 205845969. 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 John R Lindahl Foundation spend its money?
John R Lindahl Foundation allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify John R Lindahl Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify John R Lindahl Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 205845969 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 John R Lindahl Foundation exhibits a concerning trend of declining assets and consistent operating deficits over the past several years. While the foundation reported $841,498 in latest revenue, its expenses have frequently outpaced revenue, as seen in 2023 ($272,129 revenue vs. $284,069 expenses) and 2022 ($58,180 revenue vs. $310,989 expenses). This pattern suggests a reliance on drawing down existing assets rather than sustainable operational funding. The foundation's assets have significantly decreased from a peak of $2,572,797 in 2014 to $1,994,936 in 2023, indicating a substantial reduction in its financial reserves. The consistent reporting of $1 in liabilities across multiple years is unusual and warrants further investigation into the foundation's financial reporting practices, as it may not fully reflect its financial obligations or could be a data anomaly. The absence of reported officer compensation is a positive indicator for donor confidence regarding executive pay.