Is Margaret Sterling Cook Foundation Legit?

Quick charity verification for Margaret Sterling Cook Foundation (EIN: 202604143)

Verdict: Margaret Sterling Cook Foundation has notable concerns

20/100Mission Score
$0Revenue
$0Assets
2Red Flags
1Strengths

Red Flags

Strengths

Spending Breakdown

How Margaret Sterling Cook Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

0%
Program Spending
Concerning — less than half to programs
0%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
0%
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 Margaret Sterling Cook Foundation

Is Margaret Sterling Cook Foundation a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Margaret Sterling Cook Foundation (EIN: 202604143) has notable concerns. Mission Score: 20/100. 2 red flags identified, 1 strength noted.

Is Margaret Sterling Cook Foundation a good charity to donate to?

Margaret Sterling Cook Foundation has a Mission Score of 20/100. Revenue: $0. Assets: $0. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Margaret Sterling Cook Foundation?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Margaret Sterling Cook Foundation is 202604143. 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 Margaret Sterling Cook Foundation spend its money?

Margaret Sterling Cook Foundation allocates 0% to programs, 0% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Margaret Sterling Cook Foundation's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Margaret Sterling Cook Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 202604143 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 Margaret Sterling Cook Foundation appears to be a non-operating private foundation based on the provided data. With $0 in both latest revenue and assets, it suggests the foundation may be dormant, in the process of winding down, or has not yet begun significant financial activity. This lack of financial movement makes it difficult to assess traditional metrics of financial health or spending efficiency. Transparency is limited by the absence of financial transactions to report, though the filing itself indicates compliance with reporting requirements for its status. Without program expenses or administrative costs, there's no basis to evaluate how effectively funds are being utilized towards a mission.

View Full Transparency Report →

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.

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