History of operating deficits where expenses exceeded revenue (e.g., 2014 and 2015).
Strengths
No reported officer compensation, suggesting volunteer leadership or very low administrative costs for executive roles.
Spending Breakdown
How Step Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
0%
Program Spending
Concerning — less than half to programs
0%
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 Step Foundation
Is Step Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Step Foundation (EIN: 200237715) has notable concerns. Mission Score: 20/100. 3 red flags identified, 1 strength noted.
Is Step Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Step Foundation has a Mission Score of 20/100. Revenue: $0. Assets: $0. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Step Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Step Foundation is 200237715. 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 Step Foundation spend its money?
Step Foundation allocates 0% to programs, 0% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Step Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Step Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 200237715 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 Step Foundation appears to be a very small organization, as indicated by its latest reported revenue and assets of $0. However, looking at historical filings, the organization has consistently reported assets in the range of $500,000 to $650,000, which is a significant discrepancy with the latest $0 asset report. This inconsistency raises questions about the accuracy and completeness of its most recent filing. Historically, the organization has operated with modest revenues, often experiencing deficits where expenses exceeded revenue, such as in 2015 ($28,256 revenue vs. $30,400 expenses) and 2014 ($78,553 revenue vs. $183,300 expenses). The lack of reported officer compensation across all filings suggests a volunteer-led or very low-cost leadership structure, which can be a positive for efficiency if programs are still effectively delivered. However, the $0 revenue and assets in the latest filing make it impossible to assess current financial health or spending efficiency.