How Sherman Family Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
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 Family Foundation
Is Sherman Family Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Sherman Family Foundation (EIN: 10530498) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 55/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Sherman Family Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Sherman Family Foundation has a Mission Score of 55/100. Revenue: $60K. Assets: $150K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Sherman Family Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Sherman Family Foundation is 10530498. 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 Family Foundation spend its money?
Sherman Family Foundation allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Sherman Family Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Sherman Family Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 10530498 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 Family Foundation, a private foundation, exhibits a concerning trend of declining assets and consistent operating deficits in recent years. For instance, in 2023, expenses of $81,476 significantly outstripped revenue of $59,225, leading to a reduction in assets from $179,716 to $150,348. This pattern is not isolated, as 2022 also saw expenses of $79,603 against revenue of $23,793. While the foundation consistently reports 0% officer compensation, which is a positive indicator of efficiency in that area, the overall financial health is challenged by its inability to cover expenses with incoming revenue, drawing down its asset base from a high of $639,441 in 2013 to $150,348 currently. This suggests a reliance on its endowment to fund operations, which is unsustainable in the long term without significant new contributions or a change in spending patterns.
The foundation's transparency is generally good, with consistent IRS 990 filings. However, the NTEE code T22 (Private Grantmaking Foundations) implies its primary activity is making grants, and without detailed program expense breakdowns, it's difficult to fully assess the impact of its spending. The consistent liabilities of $1 across all reported periods suggest minimal operational debt, which is a strength. However, the continuous decline in assets, from $624,221 in 2014 to $150,348 currently, indicates a significant depletion of its financial reserves. This trend raises questions about the long-term viability and sustainability of its grantmaking activities.