Is Rossman Family Foundation Legit? —…

Red Flags

Consistent and significant operating deficits, with expenses far exceeding revenue in most years (e.g., $135,007 revenue vs. $528,985 expenses in 2023).
Steady decline in assets over the past decade, from $10.5 million in 2011 to $7.3 million in 2023, indicating a draw-down of principal.
The 'Latest Revenue' of $2,556,012 is an anomaly compared to historical revenue figures, which are typically below $200,000, warranting further investigation into its source and nature.

Spending Breakdown

How Rossman Family 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

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 Rossman Family Foundation

Is Rossman Family Foundation a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Rossman Family Foundation (EIN: 203928172) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 80/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.

Is Rossman Family Foundation a good charity to donate to?

Rossman Family Foundation has a Mission Score of 80/100. Revenue: $2.6M. Assets: $7.5M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Rossman Family Foundation?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Rossman Family Foundation is 203928172. 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 Rossman Family Foundation spend its money?

Rossman Family Foundation allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Rossman Family Foundation's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Rossman Family Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 203928172 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 Rossman Family Foundation, a private foundation based in Chicago, IL, exhibits a consistent pattern of operating at a deficit, with expenses significantly exceeding revenue in most recent years. For instance, in 2023, the foundation reported revenue of $135,007 against expenses of $528,985, and in 2022, revenue was $106,753 compared to expenses of $677,176. This trend has led to a gradual decline in assets over the past decade, from $10,541,264 in 2011 to $7,302,571 in 2023. As a private foundation, its primary function is often grant-making from an endowment, which explains the asset draw-down rather than a focus on public fundraising.

The organization consistently reports zero officer compensation, which is a positive indicator of efficient use of funds for its stated purpose, assuming the foundation is primarily managed by unpaid trustees or through external services. The liabilities have remained minimal, typically $1, indicating sound financial management in terms of debt. While the financial health shows a planned reduction in assets, typical for a spend-down or endowment-based foundation, the consistent and significant gap between revenue and expenses warrants attention to ensure the long-term sustainability of its philanthropic activities. Transparency is high given the consistent filing of IRS Form 990s, and the zero officer compensation is a strong point.

Is Rossman Family Foundation Legit?

Verdict: Rossman Family Foundation appears trustworthy