Is Sauk Valley Foodbank Legit?

Strengths

Consistent 0% officer compensation, indicating high efficiency and dedication to mission.
Very low liabilities across all filing periods (e.g., $2,284 in 202309), demonstrating strong financial management.
High program spending ratio, ensuring most funds directly support the mission.
Healthy asset base relative to liabilities (e.g., $731,092 assets vs. $2,284 liabilities in 202309).
Efficient operations, with expenses closely matching revenue (e.g., $3,877,565 expenses vs. $3,890,237 revenue in 202309).

Spending Breakdown

How Sauk Valley Foodbank allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

95%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

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 Sauk Valley Foodbank

Is Sauk Valley Foodbank a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Sauk Valley Foodbank (EIN: 200214037) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.

Is Sauk Valley Foodbank a good charity to donate to?

Sauk Valley Foodbank has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $4.5M. Assets: $626K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Sauk Valley Foodbank?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Sauk Valley Foodbank is 200214037. 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 Sauk Valley Foodbank spend its money?

Sauk Valley Foodbank allocates 95% to programs, 4% to administration, and 1% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Sauk Valley Foodbank's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Sauk Valley Foodbank's tax-exempt status using EIN 200214037 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

Sauk Valley Foodbank demonstrates strong financial health and a clear commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its consistent program spending. In the 202309 period, the organization spent $3,877,565 against revenues of $3,890,237, indicating efficient use of resources with a slight surplus. Over the past few years, the food bank has managed significant revenue fluctuations, from $6,474,361 in 202109 to $3,890,237 in 202309, while maintaining operational stability. Its assets have remained robust, with $731,092 in 202309, and liabilities are consistently very low, suggesting sound financial management and minimal debt burden. The organization's transparency is further enhanced by its consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, which indicates that leadership is likely volunteer-based or compensated through other means not classified as officer compensation, aligning with a lean operational model focused on direct service.

Verdict: Sauk Valley Foodbank appears trustworthy