Quick charity verification for Starr Foundation (EIN: 136151545)
Verdict: Starr Foundation appears trustworthy
95/100Mission Score
$233.5MRevenue
$1.4BAssets
1Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Unusually low or 0% reported officer compensation without further explanation, which could indicate compensation is paid by a related entity or not fully disclosed in a standard manner.
Strengths
Exceptional financial stability with assets consistently over $1.2 billion.
Highly efficient spending with 0% reported officer compensation, maximizing funds for programs.
Consistent and substantial grantmaking activity, with annual expenses typically between $90M and $125M.
Minimal liabilities reported across all filings, indicating sound financial management.
Long and transparent filing history with the IRS.
Spending Breakdown
How Starr Foundation 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 Starr Foundation
Is Starr Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Starr Foundation (EIN: 136151545) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Starr Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Starr Foundation has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $233.5M. Assets: $1.4B. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Starr Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Starr Foundation is 136151545. 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 Starr Foundation spend its money?
Starr Foundation allocates 95% to programs, 5% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Starr Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Starr Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 136151545 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 Starr Foundation demonstrates a consistent commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its substantial and stable asset base, which has consistently exceeded $1.2 billion over the past decade. While the organization has experienced fluctuations in annual revenue, such as the peak of $187.3 million in 2021 and a more recent $76.7 million in 2023, its expenses have remained relatively stable, typically ranging from $90 million to $125 million annually. This indicates a predictable level of grantmaking and operational activity. The foundation's financial health appears robust, supported by its significant assets, which allow it to absorb revenue variations and maintain its philanthropic endeavors.
Spending efficiency is a notable strength, particularly given the reported 0% officer compensation across all available filings. This suggests that the foundation operates with minimal, if any, direct compensation to its top executives, which is highly unusual and points to an extremely lean administrative structure or a reliance on volunteer leadership for its highest positions. This practice significantly maximizes the proportion of funds available for programmatic activities. The consistent reporting of minimal liabilities further underscores sound financial management.
Transparency is generally strong, with a clear history of IRS 990 filings available. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation is a key transparency indicator, showing a clear picture of how executive leadership is compensated. The stability of assets and predictable expense patterns over a decade provide a clear financial narrative, allowing stakeholders to track the foundation's long-term financial stewardship and impact.