How Robert Sterling Clark Foundation Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
8%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
2%
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 Robert Sterling Clark Foundation Inc
Is Robert Sterling Clark Foundation Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Robert Sterling Clark Foundation Inc (EIN: 131957792) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Robert Sterling Clark Foundation Inc a good charity to donate to?
Robert Sterling Clark Foundation Inc has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $9.4M. Assets: $69.8M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Robert Sterling Clark Foundation Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Robert Sterling Clark Foundation Inc is 131957792. 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 Robert Sterling Clark Foundation Inc spend its money?
Robert Sterling Clark Foundation Inc allocates 90% to programs, 8% to administration, and 2% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Robert Sterling Clark Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Robert Sterling Clark Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 131957792 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 Robert Sterling Clark Foundation Inc. demonstrates a consistent commitment to its mission, primarily through grantmaking, as evidenced by its substantial program spending. Over the past several years, the foundation has maintained a healthy asset base, with assets consistently around $70-80 million, indicating long-term financial stability. For instance, in 2023, assets were $69,794,251. The organization's revenue has fluctuated significantly, from a high of $11,534,597 in 2021 to a low of $824,277 in 2020, which is typical for foundations relying on investment returns. Despite these fluctuations, expenses have remained relatively stable, averaging around $6 million annually, suggesting predictable operational costs and grant disbursements.
The foundation exhibits strong spending efficiency, with a very high percentage of its expenses directed towards program services. This is a positive indicator of its dedication to its charitable purpose. The consistent reporting of zero officer compensation across all available filings suggests that executive leadership is either unpaid or compensated through other means not categorized as officer compensation on the 990, which is unusual for an organization of this size and could warrant further investigation for complete transparency. The minimal liabilities reported across all periods further underscore its sound financial management.
Overall, the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation appears to be a well-managed entity with a clear focus on its programmatic goals. Its financial health is robust, supported by a significant endowment. While the lack of reported officer compensation is noteworthy, the foundation's consistent program spending and low liabilities point to a financially responsible and mission-driven operation.