Quick charity verification for Ross Foundation Inc (EIN: 204652067)
Verdict: Ross Foundation Inc appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$2.2MRevenue
$38.1MAssets
2Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent operating deficits in recent years (e.g., 2023, 2022, 2021) where expenses significantly exceeded revenue.
Decrease in assets from $57,537,917 in 2021 to $38,643,273 in 2023, potentially due to deficit spending.
Strengths
Zero officer compensation reported across all ten filings, indicating high efficiency and dedication to mission.
Substantial asset base of $38,643,273 provides financial stability and capacity for grantmaking.
Long history of IRS 990 filings (10 filings), indicating consistent transparency and compliance.
Spending Breakdown
How Ross Foundation Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
5%
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 Ross Foundation Inc
Is Ross Foundation Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Ross Foundation Inc (EIN: 204652067) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Ross Foundation Inc a good charity to donate to?
Ross Foundation Inc has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $2.2M. Assets: $38.1M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Ross Foundation Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Ross Foundation Inc is 204652067. 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 Ross Foundation Inc spend its money?
Ross Foundation Inc allocates 90% to programs, 5% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Ross Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Ross Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 204652067 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 Ross Foundation Inc. demonstrates a generally strong financial position with substantial assets, reported at $38,643,273 in the latest 2023 filing. However, recent years show a trend where expenses have exceeded revenue, notably in 2023 where expenses were $8,297,051 against revenues of $4,745,346, and in 2022 with expenses of $5,775,794 versus revenues of $4,354,195. This indicates a reliance on existing assets or prior year surpluses to cover operational costs, which could be a concern if it continues long-term without a corresponding increase in revenue or reduction in expenses. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, which is a positive indicator of efficient use of funds and a commitment to mission over executive pay.
The foundation's NTEE code T20 suggests it is a grantmaking foundation, which typically means its 'program' spending is primarily grants to other organizations. The absence of officer compensation across all reported filings is a significant strength in terms of financial transparency and efficiency. While the recent deficit spending warrants monitoring, the substantial asset base provides a buffer. The foundation's financial health appears stable due to its large asset base, but the recent operating deficits suggest a need for strategic financial planning to ensure long-term sustainability.