Quick charity verification for Shine Foundation (EIN: 205098101)
Verdict: Shine Foundation has notable concerns
30/100Mission Score
$147Revenue
$5KAssets
4Red Flags
2Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent and significant operating deficits (e.g., 2023 expenses $16,709 vs. revenue $391)
Rapid decline in total assets over time (from $50,321 in 2014 to $11,332 in 2023)
Expenses in 2023 were over 40 times the revenue, indicating severe financial imbalance
NTEE code P99 ('Unknown') limits understanding of program focus and impact
Strengths
Zero reported liabilities across all filing periods, indicating no outstanding debt
No reported officer compensation, suggesting a volunteer-driven model or very low administrative costs in this area
Spending Breakdown
How Shine Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
70%
Program Spending
Below average — room for improvement
20%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
10%
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 Shine Foundation
Is Shine Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Shine Foundation (EIN: 205098101) has notable concerns. Mission Score: 30/100. 4 red flags identified, 2 strengths noted.
Is Shine Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Shine Foundation has a Mission Score of 30/100. Revenue: $147. Assets: $5K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Shine Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Shine Foundation is 205098101. 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 Shine Foundation spend its money?
Shine Foundation allocates 70% to programs, 20% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Shine Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Shine Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 205098101 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
Shine Foundation exhibits concerning financial trends, with expenses consistently exceeding revenue in recent years. In 2023, the organization reported revenue of $391 against expenses of $16,709, indicating a significant operating deficit. This pattern of spending more than it earns is evident across multiple periods, such as 2022 (revenue $4,329, expenses $20,105) and 2021 (revenue $14,588, expenses $18,506). While the organization maintains zero liabilities, its asset base has been declining, from a high of $50,321 in 2014 to $11,332 in 2023, suggesting a reliance on drawing down reserves to cover operational costs. The lack of reported officer compensation across all filings indicates a volunteer-led structure, which can be a positive for efficiency, but the overall financial sustainability is questionable given the persistent deficits.
The organization's financial health appears precarious due to its consistent negative net income. The significant disparity between revenue and expenses, particularly in the most recent filing where expenses were over 40 times revenue, raises serious questions about its long-term viability and funding model. While the NTEE code P99 (Unknown) doesn't provide specific program context, the financial data points to an organization struggling to cover its costs. The absence of liabilities is a positive, but it doesn't offset the ongoing operational losses. Without a clear strategy to increase revenue or drastically reduce expenses, the foundation's ability to sustain its mission is at risk.