Quick charity verification for Setton Foundation (EIN: 113577481)
Verdict: Setton Foundation appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$6.6MRevenue
$9.8MAssets
2Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Expenses exceeded revenue in the most recent filing (202312) by over $640,000, indicating an operational deficit for that period.
Consistent 0% officer compensation for an organization with multi-million dollar revenues could indicate that compensation is paid by an affiliated entity, which might obscure the true cost of leadership.
Strengths
Consistent asset growth over more than a decade, from $4.49M in 2011 to $7.39M in 2023, demonstrating strong financial stability.
Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, suggesting a highly efficient use of funds for mission-related activities or a volunteer-driven leadership.
Minimal liabilities reported ($0 or $1 across all filings), indicating a very healthy balance sheet and low financial risk.
As a private grantmaking foundation (NTEE T22), its primary function is to distribute funds, which inherently aligns with high program spending.
Spending Breakdown
How Setton Foundation 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 Setton Foundation
Is Setton Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Setton Foundation (EIN: 113577481) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Setton Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Setton Foundation has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $6.6M. Assets: $9.8M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Setton Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Setton Foundation is 113577481. 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 Setton Foundation spend its money?
Setton Foundation allocates 90% to programs, 5% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Setton Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Setton Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 113577481 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 Setton Foundation demonstrates consistent financial activity over the past decade, with revenues fluctuating but generally in the multi-million dollar range. In the most recent filing (202312), the organization reported revenues of $3,310,617 against expenses of $3,954,182, indicating a deficit for that period. However, prior years like 202212 and 202112 showed surpluses, suggesting a variable operational model. The foundation maintains a healthy asset base, growing from $4,494,440 in 2011 to $7,389,999 in 2023, indicating good long-term financial stability. The consistent reporting of zero officer compensation across all available filings suggests a high degree of transparency regarding executive pay and potentially a volunteer-driven leadership structure, which is a positive indicator for donor confidence. The NTEE code T22 (Private Grantmaking Foundations) implies that the majority of their expenses would be program-related grants, which aligns with efficient spending for their mission.