Quick charity verification for Lingle Foundation (EIN: 207159856)
Verdict: Lingle Foundation appears trustworthy
75/100Mission Score
$23KRevenue
$184KAssets
2Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Recurring expenses exceeding revenue in multiple periods (e.g., 2023, 2022, 2019, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011), potentially drawing down assets.
Lack of detailed program spending breakdown in the provided summary, making it difficult to assess direct impact.
Strengths
Consistent IRS 990 filing history, indicating good transparency.
0% officer compensation reported across all filings, demonstrating highly efficient leadership costs.
Very low liabilities ($1 reported consistently), indicating strong financial solvency and minimal debt.
Stable asset base (ranging from $140,483 to $227,943) relative to its operational size, providing a financial cushion.
Spending Breakdown
How Lingle 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 Lingle Foundation
Is Lingle Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Lingle Foundation (EIN: 207159856) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Lingle Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Lingle Foundation has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $23K. Assets: $184K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Lingle Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Lingle Foundation is 207159856. 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 Lingle Foundation spend its money?
Lingle Foundation allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Lingle Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Lingle Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 207159856 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 Lingle Foundation demonstrates consistent financial activity, operating with relatively stable assets around $150,000-$220,000 over the past decade. Revenue has fluctuated, with the latest reported revenue at $22,558, but expenses have often exceeded revenue, as seen in 2023 where expenses were $13,910 against $11,272 in revenue. This suggests the organization may be drawing from its asset base or relying on prior year surpluses to cover operational costs. The consistent reporting of $1 in liabilities across all filings indicates a very low debt burden, which is a positive sign of financial stability.
The organization's transparency is bolstered by its consistent filing of IRS Form 990s, with ten filings available. A key aspect of its financial health is the reported 0% officer compensation across all periods, indicating that executive leadership is either unpaid or compensated through other means not reported as officer compensation, which can be a sign of volunteer-driven leadership or a very lean operational structure. This practice, while potentially efficient, could also raise questions about the sustainability of leadership if not adequately supported.
Given the NTEE code T20 (Philanthropy, Voluntarism, and Grantmaking Foundations), the Lingle Foundation likely operates as a grantmaking entity rather than a direct service provider. Its financial health appears stable with a solid asset base relative to its annual revenue and expenses. The consistent low liabilities and absence of reported officer compensation suggest a focus on maximizing resources for its philanthropic mission, though the recurring deficit between revenue and expenses warrants attention to ensure long-term sustainability.