Is Richard Meier Foundation Legit?

Quick charity verification for Richard Meier Foundation (EIN: 133978415)

Verdict: Richard Meier Foundation appears trustworthy

75/100Mission Score
$3.7MRevenue
$7.4MAssets
2Red Flags
4Strengths

Red Flags

Strengths

Spending Breakdown

How Richard Meier 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 Richard Meier Foundation

Is Richard Meier Foundation a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Richard Meier Foundation (EIN: 133978415) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Richard Meier Foundation a good charity to donate to?

Richard Meier Foundation has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $3.7M. Assets: $7.4M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Richard Meier Foundation?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Richard Meier Foundation is 133978415. 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 Richard Meier Foundation spend its money?

Richard Meier Foundation allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Richard Meier Foundation's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Richard Meier Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 133978415 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 Richard Meier Foundation exhibits inconsistent financial performance, with significant fluctuations in revenue over the past decade. While the latest reported revenue is $3,720,813, the historical filings show a wide range, from a high of $4,843,284 in 2012 to a negative revenue of $-52,353 in 2011. Expenses have generally been lower than revenue in recent years, such as in 2023 where expenses were $696,875 against $722,650 in revenue, indicating some operational efficiency. However, there have been periods where expenses significantly outpaced revenue, like in 2022 ($653,880 expenses vs. $194,474 revenue) and 2014 ($794,744 expenses vs. $408,324 revenue), suggesting potential reliance on prior year reserves or other funding sources. The organization consistently reports zero officer compensation, which is a positive indicator for donor confidence regarding executive pay. The asset base has shown steady growth, reaching $7,352,594, which provides a solid financial foundation. The consistent reporting of minimal liabilities ($1 in recent years) also points to a healthy balance sheet. The lack of detailed spending breakdowns (program, admin, fundraising) in the provided data makes a precise assessment of spending efficiency challenging, but the zero officer compensation is a strong point for transparency in that area.

View Full Transparency Report →

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.

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