Quick charity verification for Poppy Foundation (EIN: 205485159)
Verdict: Poppy Foundation appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$278KRevenue
$197KAssets
2Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent deficit spending in recent years (e.g., 202308, 202208) where expenses exceeded revenue.
Declining asset base, from $143,887 in 202108 to $53,924 in 202308, which could impact long-term stability.
Strengths
Zero officer compensation across all reported periods, indicating high efficiency and dedication to mission.
Consistent filing of IRS Form 990 for 15 periods, demonstrating strong transparency.
Zero liabilities in recent periods (202308, 202208, 202108), indicating good debt management.
Spending Breakdown
How Poppy Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
7%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
3%
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 Poppy Foundation
Is Poppy Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Poppy Foundation (EIN: 205485159) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Poppy Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Poppy Foundation has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $278K. Assets: $197K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Poppy Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Poppy Foundation is 205485159. 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 Poppy Foundation spend its money?
Poppy Foundation allocates 90% to programs, 7% to administration, and 3% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Poppy Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Poppy Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 205485159 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
Poppy Foundation demonstrates consistent financial activity, with revenues fluctuating but generally in the range of $100,000 to $200,000 annually. The organization has shown a pattern of spending exceeding revenue in several recent periods, such as 202308 (Expenses $199,508 vs. Revenue $158,872) and 202208 (Expenses $237,824 vs. Revenue $188,496), which could indicate reliance on reserves or prior year surpluses. However, the organization has maintained zero liabilities in recent years (202308, 202208, 202108), suggesting good management of debt. The absence of officer compensation across all reported periods is a significant positive indicator of financial efficiency and dedication to mission.
The foundation's assets have varied, reaching a high of $173,260 in 201508 but declining to $53,924 in 202308. This trend, coupled with the deficit spending, warrants close monitoring to ensure long-term sustainability. The organization's consistent filing of IRS Form 990 over 15 periods demonstrates a commitment to transparency, providing a clear historical record of its financial operations. While the recent decline in assets and deficit spending are areas to watch, the lack of executive compensation and consistent filing history are strong points.
Given the available data, Poppy Foundation appears to be a lean operation, prioritizing its mission by not allocating funds to executive salaries. The fluctuating financial performance, particularly the recent trend of expenses exceeding revenue, suggests a need for careful financial planning to rebuild reserves and ensure the organization's long-term viability. However, the consistent transparency through 990 filings and the absence of officer compensation are commendable aspects of its financial management.