How Peggy And Steve Fossett Foundation 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 Peggy And Steve Fossett Foundation
Is Peggy And Steve Fossett Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Peggy And Steve Fossett Foundation (EIN: 204521801) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Peggy And Steve Fossett Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Peggy And Steve Fossett Foundation has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $2.0M. Assets: $21.4M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Peggy And Steve Fossett Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Peggy And Steve Fossett Foundation is 204521801. 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 Peggy And Steve Fossett Foundation spend its money?
Peggy And Steve Fossett Foundation allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Peggy And Steve Fossett Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Peggy And Steve Fossett Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 204521801 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 Peggy And Steve Fossett Foundation demonstrates consistent financial stability with substantial assets, averaging over $20 million in recent years, peaking at $22,207,155 in 2021. While revenue has fluctuated significantly, from a low of $157,410 in 2015 to a high of $5,048,588 in 2020, the organization has maintained a relatively stable expense level, typically around $1.5 million annually. This suggests a well-managed endowment providing consistent support for its operations, rather than relying heavily on annual fundraising.
The foundation's spending efficiency appears strong, as indicated by the consistent zero officer compensation across all reported periods, suggesting that administrative costs are kept very low, or that leadership is entirely volunteer-based. The consistent low liabilities, often reported as $1 or $0, further underscores a healthy financial position and responsible fiscal management. The primary focus of the foundation, given its NTEE code U21 (Philanthropy, Voluntarism, and Grantmaking Foundations), is likely grantmaking, which inherently directs funds towards programmatic activities.
Transparency is high given the consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over a decade, providing a clear historical financial picture. The absence of officer compensation is a notable positive for transparency and efficiency, as it indicates that a significant portion of funds is not diverted to executive salaries. The foundation's financial health is robust, supported by a substantial asset base that allows it to operate consistently despite varying annual revenues.