Quick charity verification for Meredith A Cowden Foundation Inc (EIN: 208666402)
Verdict: Meredith A Cowden Foundation Inc appears trustworthy
92/100Mission Score
$352KRevenue
$409KAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Zero officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating high efficiency.
Consistent growth in assets, reaching $365,561 in 2023, demonstrating financial health.
No reported liabilities, indicating strong financial management and stability.
Significant increase in revenue in recent years, showing growing support.
Consistent filing of IRS 990 forms, demonstrating transparency.
Spending Breakdown
How Meredith A Cowden Foundation Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
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 Meredith A Cowden Foundation Inc
Is Meredith A Cowden Foundation Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Meredith A Cowden Foundation Inc (EIN: 208666402) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Meredith A Cowden Foundation Inc a good charity to donate to?
Meredith A Cowden Foundation Inc has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $352K. Assets: $409K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Meredith A Cowden Foundation Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Meredith A Cowden Foundation Inc is 208666402. 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 Meredith A Cowden Foundation Inc spend its money?
Meredith A Cowden Foundation Inc allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Meredith A Cowden Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Meredith A Cowden Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 208666402 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 Meredith A Cowden Foundation Inc demonstrates strong financial health and spending efficiency, particularly in its most recent filing period. In 2023, the organization reported revenue of $232,956 against expenses of $182,094, resulting in a surplus that contributed to its growing assets of $365,561. This positive trend is a significant improvement from earlier years where expenses sometimes exceeded revenue, such as in 2017 and 2015. The foundation consistently reports no liabilities, indicating a very stable financial position.
The organization's spending efficiency is commendable, with a high percentage of its expenses directed towards program services. For instance, in 2023, with total expenses of $182,094, a substantial portion was allocated to its mission. The absence of officer compensation further enhances its efficiency and transparency, as all funds appear to be directly supporting the foundation's charitable goals. This commitment to direct program spending is a strong indicator of a well-managed and mission-focused nonprofit.
Transparency is also a key strength, as evidenced by its consistent filing of IRS 990 forms over 13 periods. The detailed financial data provided in these filings allows for clear oversight of its operations. The lack of officer compensation reported across all available filings underscores a commitment to minimizing administrative overhead and maximizing impact, contributing to a high level of public trust.