Quick charity verification for Scriven Foundation (EIN: 132865735)
Verdict: Scriven Foundation shows mixed signals
65/100Mission Score
$19.9MRevenue
$248.8MAssets
4Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Extreme revenue volatility, with a drop from $38.87 million in 2022 to $100,170 in 2023.
Significant operational deficit in 2023, with expenses ($39.93 million) far exceeding revenue ($100,170).
Unusually high expenses in 2023 ($39.93 million) compared to previous years, without a corresponding revenue increase.
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation for an organization of this size and asset base, which may obscure actual leadership costs if reported elsewhere.
Strengths
Substantial asset base, consistently over $220 million, providing financial stability and capacity.
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating a potential commitment to minimizing executive overhead or a unique operational model.
Long filing history (13 filings), suggesting established operations and compliance with reporting requirements.
Spending Breakdown
How Scriven Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
15%
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 Scriven Foundation
Is Scriven Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Scriven Foundation (EIN: 132865735) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 65/100. 4 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Scriven Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Scriven Foundation has a Mission Score of 65/100. Revenue: $19.9M. Assets: $248.8M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Scriven Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Scriven Foundation is 132865735. 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 Scriven Foundation spend its money?
Scriven Foundation allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Scriven Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Scriven Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 132865735 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 Scriven Foundation exhibits significant volatility in its financial performance, with revenues fluctuating wildly year-over-year. For instance, revenue dropped from $38.87 million in 2022 to just $100,170 in 2023, while expenses surged from $11.42 million to $39.93 million in the same period. This dramatic shift resulted in a substantial deficit in 2023. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, which is a positive indicator of executive compensation transparency and potentially lower administrative overhead. However, the large swings in revenue and expenses, particularly the significant deficit in 2023, warrant closer examination to understand the underlying causes and the sustainability of its operations.
Despite the revenue volatility, the foundation maintains substantial assets, consistently above $220 million, indicating a strong endowment or investment base. The NTEE code E110 suggests a focus on grantmaking foundations, which typically have lower program spending ratios compared to direct service charities, as their primary 'program' is distributing grants. The lack of detailed spending breakdowns (programs, admin, fundraising) in the provided data makes a precise assessment of spending efficiency challenging. However, the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation suggests a commitment to minimizing executive overhead.
Overall, while the Scriven Foundation demonstrates transparency in executive compensation, its financial health appears highly variable, with the 2023 fiscal year showing a concerning financial downturn. Further analysis of the nature of its revenue sources and expense categories would be necessary to fully assess its long-term financial stability and program effectiveness. The significant asset base provides a buffer, but the operational deficits, especially in 2023, are a point of concern.