Is Spartan Foundation Legit?

Spending Breakdown

How Spartan 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

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 Spartan Foundation

Is Spartan Foundation a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Spartan Foundation (EIN: 204153385) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Spartan Foundation a good charity to donate to?

Spartan Foundation has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $5.8M. Assets: $17.8M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Spartan Foundation?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Spartan Foundation is 204153385. 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 Spartan Foundation spend its money?

Spartan Foundation allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Spartan Foundation's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Spartan Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 204153385 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 Spartan Foundation exhibits a fluctuating financial history, with significant revenue volatility. For instance, revenue plummeted from $16,535,095 in 2015 to $774,281 in 2019, and then saw a brief recovery to $1,949,413 in 2021 before declining again to $504,692 in 2023. Despite these revenue swings, the organization has consistently maintained substantial assets, currently at $17,770,265, far exceeding its latest annual revenue of $5,770,608. This suggests a strong endowment or investment base, which provides financial stability even during periods of lower operational income.

However, the foundation has consistently spent more than it brought in during recent years, with expenses of $1,437,748 against revenues of $504,692 in 2023, and $1,791,546 against $57,839 in 2022. This trend of deficit spending, while potentially covered by investment returns or prior reserves, warrants closer examination to understand its sustainability. The consistent reporting of zero officer compensation across all filings indicates a commitment to minimizing administrative overhead in this specific area, contributing positively to transparency and efficiency metrics.

Given the NTEE code T20 (Philanthropy, Voluntarism, and Grantmaking Foundations), the organization's primary function is likely grantmaking. The significant asset base relative to operational expenses and revenue suggests a focus on long-term philanthropic impact rather than direct service delivery. The low liabilities reported ($1 in recent years) also points to sound financial management regarding debt. Overall, while revenue generation is inconsistent, the foundation appears to be financially stable due to its substantial assets and prudent management of liabilities, with a clear commitment to transparency regarding executive pay.

Verdict: Spartan Foundation appears trustworthy

Red Flags

Strengths