Quick charity verification for Sherman Fairchild Foundation Inc (EIN: 131951698)
Verdict: Sherman Fairchild Foundation Inc appears trustworthy
92/100Mission Score
$109.4MRevenue
$689.6MAssets
1Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Revenue volatility, with significant fluctuations year-over-year (e.g., $153M in 202112 to $71M in 202312), which could impact consistent grant-making capacity if not managed by a robust endowment.
Strengths
Zero officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating highly efficient use of funds for its mission.
Substantial and growing asset base, reaching $676,011,787 in 202312, providing long-term financial stability.
Low liabilities, consistently under $3 million in recent years, demonstrating strong financial management.
Consistent history of IRS 990 filings, providing transparency and accountability over a long period.
Spending Breakdown
How Sherman Fairchild Foundation Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
95%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
5%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
0%
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 Sherman Fairchild Foundation Inc
Is Sherman Fairchild Foundation Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Sherman Fairchild Foundation Inc (EIN: 131951698) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Sherman Fairchild Foundation Inc a good charity to donate to?
Sherman Fairchild Foundation Inc has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $109.4M. Assets: $689.6M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Sherman Fairchild Foundation Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Sherman Fairchild Foundation Inc is 131951698. 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 Sherman Fairchild Foundation Inc spend its money?
Sherman Fairchild Foundation Inc allocates 95% to programs, 5% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Sherman Fairchild Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Sherman Fairchild Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 131951698 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 Sherman Fairchild Foundation Inc. demonstrates strong financial health, consistently maintaining substantial assets, which stood at $676,011,787 in the latest 202312 filing. As a private foundation (NTEE Code T21), its primary function is grant-making, which inherently means a high proportion of its expenses are program-related. The foundation's revenue has fluctuated significantly, from a high of $153,778,532 in 202112 to $71,596,138 in 202312, indicating reliance on investment returns. Its spending efficiency appears robust, with expenses generally well below revenue, allowing for asset growth and sustained grant-making capacity. For instance, in 202312, expenses were $53,332,794 against $71,596,138 in revenue.
The foundation's transparency is commendable, particularly given its consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings. This indicates that no salaries are paid to officers, which is a significant positive for a grant-making foundation. The low liabilities, such as $2,413,818 in 202312, further underscore its financial stability and responsible management. The consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over a decade provides a clear historical record of its financial activities, allowing for thorough public scrutiny and analysis.