Quick charity verification for Michael Berman Fam Foundation (EIN: 133947917)
Verdict: Michael Berman Fam Foundation appears trustworthy
70/100Mission Score
$9KRevenue
$171KAssets
2Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent deficit spending (e.g., $10,995 expenses vs. $1,340 revenue in 2023)
Highly volatile annual revenue, making financial planning unpredictable.
Strengths
Zero officer compensation reported across all filings.
Consistently low liabilities ($1 or $0), indicating strong financial control over debt.
Significant asset base ($171,164 latest) for a small foundation, providing some financial stability.
Spending Breakdown
How Michael Berman Fam 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
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 Michael Berman Fam Foundation
Is Michael Berman Fam Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Michael Berman Fam Foundation (EIN: 133947917) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 70/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Michael Berman Fam Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Michael Berman Fam Foundation has a Mission Score of 70/100. Revenue: $9K. Assets: $171K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Michael Berman Fam Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Michael Berman Fam Foundation is 133947917. 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 Michael Berman Fam Foundation spend its money?
Michael Berman Fam Foundation allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Michael Berman Fam Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Michael Berman Fam Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 133947917 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 Michael Berman Fam Foundation appears to be a small private foundation, as indicated by its NTEE code T70J (Private Grantmaking Foundations) and its financial activity. Its financial health shows significant fluctuations in revenue and expenses over the years. For instance, in 2021, it reported a substantial revenue of $248,191, while in 2023, revenue dropped to $1,340. The foundation consistently reports minimal liabilities ($1 or $0), suggesting a stable balance sheet in that regard. However, the foundation frequently spends more than it brings in, as seen in 2023 where expenses were $10,995 against $1,340 in revenue, and in 2022 with $30,050 in expenses against $162 in revenue. This pattern of deficit spending, while common for grantmaking foundations drawing from endowments, needs to be supported by sufficient asset growth or consistent large contributions to be sustainable. The absence of officer compensation indicates good stewardship in that area, and the consistent reporting of liabilities as $1 suggests a high degree of transparency in its financial statements, even if the amount itself is nominal.