Quick charity verification for Lacewing Foundation (EIN: 201891949)
Verdict: Lacewing Foundation shows mixed signals
60/100Mission Score
$230KRevenue
$209KAssets
2Red Flags
2Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent deficit spending (expenses exceeding revenue) for over a decade, leading to asset depletion.
Significant decline in total assets over time, from $660,049 in 2011 to $336,961 in 2023.
Strengths
Consistently reports 0% officer compensation, indicating no executive salaries.
Maintains very low liabilities ($1 across all reported periods), suggesting good financial management of debt.
Spending Breakdown
How Lacewing 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 Lacewing Foundation
Is Lacewing Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Lacewing Foundation (EIN: 201891949) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 60/100. 2 red flags identified, 2 strengths noted.
Is Lacewing Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Lacewing Foundation has a Mission Score of 60/100. Revenue: $230K. Assets: $209K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Lacewing Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Lacewing Foundation is 201891949. 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 Lacewing Foundation spend its money?
Lacewing Foundation allocates 75% to programs, 15% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Lacewing Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Lacewing Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 201891949 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 Lacewing Foundation appears to be a small grant-making organization, as indicated by its NTEE code T20. A review of its financial history reveals a consistent pattern of expenses exceeding revenue for at least the past decade. For example, in 2023, expenses were $118,327 against revenues of $87,857, and this trend is visible across all reported periods. This consistent deficit spending has led to a significant decline in assets, from $660,049 in 2011 to $336,961 in 2023. While the organization consistently reports zero officer compensation, which is a positive for donor confidence regarding executive pay, the long-term financial sustainability is a concern given the ongoing depletion of assets. The organization's transparency is good, with consistent filings and clear reporting of no liabilities.