Quick charity verification for Sugar Bush Foundation (EIN: 204352434)
Verdict: Sugar Bush Foundation appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$2.1MRevenue
$5.2MAssets
2Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent operational deficits (expenses exceeding revenue) over five years
Slight but consistent decline in total assets over the past five years
Strengths
Strong asset base ($5,229,205) providing financial stability
Zero liabilities, indicating a debt-free and financially sound position
0% officer compensation, demonstrating highly efficient use of funds and volunteer leadership
Consistent IRS 990 filings, indicating good transparency
Spending Breakdown
How Sugar Bush Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
85%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
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 Sugar Bush Foundation
Is Sugar Bush Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Sugar Bush Foundation (EIN: 204352434) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Sugar Bush Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Sugar Bush Foundation has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $2.1M. Assets: $5.2M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Sugar Bush Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Sugar Bush Foundation is 204352434. 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 Sugar Bush Foundation spend its money?
Sugar Bush Foundation allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Sugar Bush Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Sugar Bush Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 204352434 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 Sugar Bush Foundation demonstrates consistent financial stability with substantial assets, currently at $5,229,205. However, the organization has consistently reported expenses exceeding revenue over the past five years, indicating a reliance on its asset base or prior period surpluses to cover operational costs. For instance, in the 202406 period, expenses were $419,108 against revenues of $303,418. This trend, while not immediately alarming given the asset base, suggests a need for closer examination of long-term financial sustainability if revenue generation does not increase to match expenditures. The consistent reporting of zero officer compensation across all filings is a strong indicator of efficient use of funds and a volunteer-driven leadership model, which positively impacts spending efficiency. The absence of liabilities further strengthens its financial position, indicating a debt-free operation.
The foundation's transparency is high, as evidenced by its consistent IRS 990 filings and the clear reporting of financial metrics. The lack of officer compensation is a notable positive for transparency and public trust. While specific program spending percentages are not provided in the raw data, the overall financial health appears sound due to significant assets and no liabilities. However, the sustained deficit spending warrants attention to ensure the long-term viability of its mission without eroding its endowment.
Overall, Sugar Bush Foundation appears to be a well-managed organization with a strong asset base and a commitment to minimizing administrative overhead, particularly in executive compensation. The primary area for potential concern is the recurring operational deficit, which, if continued, could impact its ability to sustain its programs in the long run.