Is Taft Museum Of Art Legit?

Quick charity verification for Taft Museum Of Art (EIN: 205148617)

Verdict: Taft Museum Of Art appears trustworthy

90/100Mission Score

$8.2MRevenue

$69.8MAssets

1Red Flags

5Strengths

Red Flags

Unusually low reported officer compensation (0%) for an organization of this size, which may warrant further inquiry into compensation structures.

Strengths

Consistent revenue surpluses (e.g., $3.1M surplus in 202308).
Significant asset growth over the past decade (from $44.8M to $69.9M).
Strong spending efficiency with expenses well below revenue.
No reported officer compensation on 990 filings, indicating potential high fiscal discipline or volunteer leadership.
Manageable liabilities relative to substantial assets.

Spending Breakdown

How Taft Museum Of Art allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

85%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

10%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

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 Taft Museum Of Art

Is Taft Museum Of Art a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Taft Museum Of Art (EIN: 205148617) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.

Is Taft Museum Of Art a good charity to donate to?

Taft Museum Of Art has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $8.2M. Assets: $69.8M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Taft Museum Of Art?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Taft Museum Of Art is 205148617. 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 Taft Museum Of Art spend its money?

Taft Museum Of Art allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Taft Museum Of Art's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Taft Museum Of Art's tax-exempt status using EIN 205148617 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 Taft Museum Of Art demonstrates a generally healthy financial position with consistent revenue streams and substantial asset growth over the past decade. In the most recent filing (202308), the organization reported revenues of $10,124,881 against expenses of $6,983,092, indicating a surplus. Their assets have grown significantly from $44,872,295 in 2014 to $69,998,637 in 2023, showcasing strong financial stewardship and investment in their mission. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, which is a notable indicator of transparency and potentially efficient use of funds, as it suggests that the highest-ranking individuals are not drawing salaries directly from the organization's operational budget in a way that is reported as officer compensation on the 990. This practice, while unusual, contributes positively to their financial health and public perception of fiscal responsibility.

Spending efficiency appears strong, with expenses generally well below revenues, leading to healthy surpluses that can be reinvested or contribute to their substantial asset base. For instance, in 202308, expenses were approximately 69% of revenue. The consistent growth in assets, coupled with manageable liabilities (e.g., $6,463,900 in 202308, which is a small fraction of total assets), suggests prudent financial management. The absence of reported officer compensation on the 990 forms is a significant factor in assessing transparency, as it implies either volunteer leadership or compensation structured in a way that isn't categorized as 'officer compensation' for 990 purposes, which warrants further investigation for a complete picture but is positive on its face.

Overall, the Taft Museum Of Art exhibits robust financial health, efficient spending patterns, and a high degree of transparency regarding executive compensation as reported on their 990s. Their ability to consistently generate surpluses and grow their asset base while maintaining low reported officer compensation points to a well-managed and fiscally responsible organization dedicated to its mission.

View Full Transparency Report →

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.