Is Lusk Family Foundation Legit?

Red Flags

Consistent operating deficits, with expenses frequently exceeding revenue (e.g., 2023: $46,481 expenses vs. $28,331 revenue).
Declining asset base over the past decade, from $1,184,452 in 2011 to $856,197 in 2023, indicating a draw on principal.
Negative revenue reported in 2021 ($-11,617), which is an unusual and concerning financial event.
Long-term financial sustainability is questionable given the persistent spending beyond income.

Spending Breakdown

How Lusk Family 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

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 Lusk Family Foundation

Is Lusk Family Foundation a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Lusk Family Foundation (EIN: 202011334) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 55/100. 4 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.

Is Lusk Family Foundation a good charity to donate to?

Lusk Family Foundation has a Mission Score of 55/100. Revenue: $30K. Assets: $841K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Lusk Family Foundation?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Lusk Family Foundation is 202011334. 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 Lusk Family Foundation spend its money?

Lusk Family Foundation allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Lusk Family Foundation's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Lusk Family Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 202011334 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 Lusk Family Foundation, a private foundation, exhibits a concerning trend of consistent operating deficits over the past several years. For instance, in 2023, the organization reported revenue of $28,331 against expenses of $46,481, resulting in a deficit. This pattern is not isolated, with expenses frequently exceeding revenue, leading to a gradual decline in assets from $1,184,452 in 2011 to $856,197 in 2023. While the foundation consistently reports 0% officer compensation, which is a positive indicator of resource allocation away from executive pay, the sustained spending beyond its income raises questions about its long-term financial sustainability and the source of funds covering these deficits. The NTEE code T20 suggests it's a private grantmaking foundation, meaning its primary activity is distributing grants, and its financial health is crucial for its mission fulfillment.

The foundation's transparency is generally good, with 10 filings available, indicating consistent reporting. However, the persistent negative net income, particularly the negative revenue reported in 2021 ($-11,617), warrants closer examination to understand the underlying financial activities. The consistent liabilities of $5,400 in recent years, after periods of zero liabilities, also suggest a stable, albeit small, financial obligation. The lack of officer compensation is a strong point for efficiency in that specific area, but the overall financial trend points to a need for improved revenue generation or expense management to ensure the foundation's ability to continue its grantmaking activities effectively.

Given the nature of a private foundation, the 'spending efficiency' is less about program delivery costs and more about the efficiency of its grantmaking operations and asset management. The consistent decline in assets, despite no officer compensation, suggests that the foundation is drawing down its principal to cover operational costs or grant disbursements, which is not sustainable indefinitely. A deeper dive into the specific expense categories would be necessary to fully assess the efficiency of its grantmaking process and administrative overhead.

Verdict: Lusk Family Foundation shows mixed signals