Quick charity verification for Merlin C Begalske Tr (EIN: 206335296)
Verdict: Merlin C Begalske Tr shows mixed signals
65/100Mission Score
$43KRevenue
$299KAssets
3Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent decline in assets over the past decade, from $377,524 in 2011 to $299,613 in 2023.
Frequent instances of expenses exceeding revenue, indicating potential unsustainability without asset drawdowns.
Negative revenue reported in 2020 ($-4,149) is an unusual financial event that warrants further scrutiny.
Strengths
Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, indicating a lean operational structure.
Very low liabilities, consistently reported as $1 or $0, suggesting strong financial management regarding debt.
Consistent IRS 990 filing history over a decade, demonstrating transparency and compliance.
Spending Breakdown
How Merlin C Begalske Tr 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 Merlin C Begalske Tr
Is Merlin C Begalske Tr a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Merlin C Begalske Tr (EIN: 206335296) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 65/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Merlin C Begalske Tr a good charity to donate to?
Merlin C Begalske Tr has a Mission Score of 65/100. Revenue: $43K. Assets: $299K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Merlin C Begalske Tr?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Merlin C Begalske Tr is 206335296. 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 Merlin C Begalske Tr spend its money?
Merlin C Begalske Tr allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Merlin C Begalske Tr's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Merlin C Begalske Tr's tax-exempt status using EIN 206335296 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
Merlin C Begalske Tr appears to be a small, private foundation or trust, given its NTEE code B82 (Private Grantmaking Foundations) and consistent low revenue and expenses. The organization's financial health shows a pattern of fluctuating revenue and expenses, often with expenses exceeding revenue, as seen in 2023 where expenses were $28,409 against revenue of $12,460. This trend suggests it may be drawing down on its assets or relying on prior year surpluses. Its assets have gradually declined over the past decade, from $377,524 in 2011 to $299,613 in 2023, indicating a slow but steady decrease in its financial base.
Spending efficiency is difficult to fully assess without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, which are not provided in the summary data. However, the consistent reporting of $0 officer compensation across all filings suggests a lean operational structure, potentially relying on volunteer efforts or minimal paid staff. The organization's liabilities have consistently been reported as $1 or $0, indicating a very low debt burden.
Transparency is generally good for a private foundation, with consistent annual filings. The lack of officer compensation and minimal liabilities are positive indicators. However, without more granular expense data, it's challenging to determine the exact allocation of funds towards its stated mission. The negative revenue reported in 2020 ($-4,149) is unusual and warrants further investigation into the specific filing to understand the nature of this entry.