Quick charity verification for Lumos Foundation (EIN: 208203226)
Verdict: Lumos Foundation appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$1.6MRevenue
$5.0MAssets
2Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Some years show expenses exceeding revenue, such as 2023 ($281,350 expenses vs. $227,019 revenue), which could indicate reliance on reserves or other funding sources.
Without detailed functional expense breakdowns (program, admin, fundraising), it's difficult to precisely assess spending efficiency beyond the lack of officer compensation.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating high efficiency and dedication to mission.
Healthy and growing asset base, increasing from $2,953,042 in 2011 to $4,353,933 in 2023, demonstrating financial stability.
Relatively low liabilities compared to assets, suggesting good financial management and low debt burden.
Long history of consistent IRS 990 filings (10 filings), indicating transparency and compliance.
Spending Breakdown
How Lumos Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
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 Lumos Foundation
Is Lumos Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Lumos Foundation (EIN: 208203226) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Lumos Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Lumos Foundation has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $1.6M. Assets: $5.0M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Lumos Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Lumos Foundation is 208203226. 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 Lumos Foundation spend its money?
Lumos Foundation allocates 80% to programs, 10% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Lumos Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Lumos Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 208203226 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
Lumos Foundation demonstrates consistent financial activity, with revenues generally covering expenses, though some years show a deficit. For instance, in 2023, expenses of $281,350 exceeded revenue of $227,019. The organization maintains a healthy asset base, growing from $2,953,042 in 2011 to $4,353,933 in 2023, indicating good financial stewardship and long-term stability. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings suggests a strong commitment to directing funds towards its mission rather than executive salaries, which is a positive indicator of efficiency and transparency. However, without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, a precise assessment of spending efficiency is challenging. The organization's liabilities have remained relatively low, peaking at $155,009 in 2023, which is manageable given its asset base.