Quick charity verification for Sassafras Foundation Inc (EIN: 203082522)
Verdict: Sassafras Foundation Inc appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$2.3MRevenue
$11.3MAssets
2Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent revenue deficits in recent years (e.g., 2023 revenue $507,661 vs. expenses $805,114)
Significant fluctuations in annual revenue, indicating potential instability in funding sources.
Strengths
Extremely low liabilities across all reported periods ($0-$1)
Consistent asset base over $10 million, indicating strong financial reserves.
0% officer compensation reported, suggesting high efficiency in directing funds to mission.
Long filing history (10 filings) demonstrates consistent reporting and transparency.
Spending Breakdown
How Sassafras Foundation Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
85%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
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 Sassafras Foundation Inc
Is Sassafras Foundation Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Sassafras Foundation Inc (EIN: 203082522) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Sassafras Foundation Inc a good charity to donate to?
Sassafras Foundation Inc has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $2.3M. Assets: $11.3M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Sassafras Foundation Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Sassafras Foundation Inc is 203082522. 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 Sassafras Foundation Inc spend its money?
Sassafras Foundation Inc allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Sassafras Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Sassafras Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 203082522 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 Sassafras Foundation Inc. demonstrates a consistent asset base, hovering around $10-11 million over the past decade, indicating financial stability. However, recent years show a trend where expenses have exceeded revenue, such as in 2023 where expenses were $805,114 against revenues of $507,661, and in 2022 with expenses of $855,347 against revenues of $608,732. This suggests the organization may be drawing down on its assets or relying on prior surpluses to cover operational costs. The organization consistently reports zero officer compensation, which is a strong indicator of transparency and a commitment to directing funds towards its mission rather than executive salaries. The very low liabilities across all reported periods also point to a healthy balance sheet.