Quick charity verification for Surdna Foundation Inc (EIN: 136108163)
Verdict: Surdna Foundation Inc appears trustworthy
95/100Mission Score
$80.1MRevenue
$1.2BAssets
2Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Unusually low reported liabilities relative to assets, which could warrant further scrutiny into financial reporting practices, though it generally indicates strong financial health.
Consistent 0% officer compensation, which is highly atypical for an organization of this scale and may indicate compensation is reported elsewhere or structured in a non-standard way.
Strengths
Exceptional financial stability with over $1.1 billion in assets.
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating a strong commitment to mission-focused spending.
Robust revenue generation, with significant surpluses in many periods (e.g., $193M revenue vs $105M expenses in 202306).
Low liabilities relative to assets, demonstrating a healthy balance sheet.
Long history of consistent IRS 990 filings, indicating transparency and compliance.
Spending Breakdown
How Surdna Foundation Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
8%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
2%
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 Surdna Foundation Inc
Is Surdna Foundation Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Surdna Foundation Inc (EIN: 136108163) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 2 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Surdna Foundation Inc a good charity to donate to?
Surdna Foundation Inc has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $80.1M. Assets: $1.2B. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Surdna Foundation Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Surdna Foundation Inc is 136108163. 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 Surdna Foundation Inc spend its money?
Surdna Foundation Inc allocates 90% to programs, 8% to administration, and 2% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Surdna Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Surdna Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 136108163 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 Surdna Foundation Inc. demonstrates strong financial health with over $1.1 billion in assets as of the 202306 period, indicating a robust endowment for its grant-making activities. Its revenue streams, while variable, consistently support its operational and programmatic expenses. For instance, in 202306, the foundation reported $193,448,000 in revenue against $105,542,174 in expenses, showing a significant surplus that can be reinvested or used for future grants. The organization's NTEE code T22 (Private Grantmaking Foundations) suggests its primary function is to distribute funds, which aligns with its financial structure.
The foundation's spending efficiency appears sound, particularly given its nature as a grant-making entity where a substantial portion of expenses would be direct program grants. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings is a notable indicator of transparency and a commitment to directing funds towards its mission rather than executive salaries. This practice significantly enhances its perceived efficiency and trustworthiness. The foundation's liabilities are consistently a small fraction of its assets, further solidifying its financial stability.
Overall, the Surdna Foundation Inc. exhibits a high degree of financial stability and a clear commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its substantial assets and the absence of reported officer compensation. Its financial reporting history suggests a well-managed organization capable of sustaining its philanthropic endeavors over the long term. The variability in annual revenue is typical for foundations that rely on investment returns, but the consistent asset base provides a strong buffer.