Quick charity verification for Steven & Katherine Markelfoundation (EIN: 205331849)
Verdict: Steven & Katherine Markelfoundation shows mixed signals
45/100Mission Score
$802KRevenue
$9.0MAssets
3Red Flags
2Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent and significant deficit spending (e.g., $971,768 expenses vs. $109,650 revenue in 2023).
Declining asset base over recent years, suggesting reliance on principal for operations.
Lack of detailed expense breakdown in provided data makes it difficult to assess program efficiency.
Strengths
Zero officer compensation reported, indicating low executive overhead.
Substantial asset base of nearly $9 million provides a buffer despite deficit spending.
Spending Breakdown
How Steven & Katherine Markelfoundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
15%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
5%
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 Steven & Katherine Markelfoundation
Is Steven & Katherine Markelfoundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Steven & Katherine Markelfoundation (EIN: 205331849) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 45/100. 3 red flags identified, 2 strengths noted.
Is Steven & Katherine Markelfoundation a good charity to donate to?
Steven & Katherine Markelfoundation has a Mission Score of 45/100. Revenue: $802K. Assets: $9.0M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Steven & Katherine Markelfoundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Steven & Katherine Markelfoundation is 205331849. 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 Steven & Katherine Markelfoundation spend its money?
Steven & Katherine Markelfoundation allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Steven & Katherine Markelfoundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Steven & Katherine Markelfoundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 205331849 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 Steven & Katherine Markelfoundation exhibits a concerning financial trend, consistently spending significantly more than its revenue in recent years. For example, in 2023, the organization reported revenue of $109,650 against expenses of $971,768, and in 2022, revenue was $250,628 with expenses of $991,649. This substantial deficit spending, while potentially supported by its significant asset base of nearly $9 million, is not sustainable long-term without a clear strategy for increased revenue or reduced expenditures. The foundation's assets have also shown a gradual decline from $9,724,334 in 2019 to $8,440,859 in 2023, indicating that it is drawing down its principal to cover operational costs.
While the organization reports 0% officer compensation, which is a positive for minimizing administrative overhead, the overall financial health is challenged by its expenditure patterns. The lack of detailed expense breakdowns in the provided data makes it difficult to assess spending efficiency across programs, administration, and fundraising. However, the consistent and large negative net income suggests a need for greater financial discipline or a significant shift in funding strategy. Transparency regarding how its substantial assets are being utilized to cover these deficits would also be beneficial.