Quick charity verification for The Daystar Foundation (EIN: 134036767)
Verdict: The Daystar Foundation has notable concerns
30/100Mission Score
$45KRevenue
$7KAssets
4Red Flags
2Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent and significant operating deficits (e.g., $6,001 revenue vs. $29,078 expenses in 2023).
Dramatic decline in assets from $945,370 in 2012 to $1,697 in 2023.
Extremely low revenue in recent years (e.g., $18 in 2021, $6,001 in 2023) making sustained operations questionable.
High administrative burden relative to program spending, given the overall low expense base.
Strengths
Consistent filing of IRS 990 forms, indicating a commitment to transparency.
No reported officer compensation, demonstrating fiscal prudence regarding executive pay.
Spending Breakdown
How The Daystar Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
50%
Program Spending
Below average — room for improvement
40%
Admin Costs
High — over 25% on administration
10%
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 The Daystar Foundation
Is The Daystar Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, The Daystar Foundation (EIN: 134036767) has notable concerns. Mission Score: 30/100. 4 red flags identified, 2 strengths noted.
Is The Daystar Foundation a good charity to donate to?
The Daystar Foundation has a Mission Score of 30/100. Revenue: $45K. Assets: $7K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for The Daystar Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for The Daystar Foundation is 134036767. 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 The Daystar Foundation spend its money?
The Daystar Foundation allocates 50% to programs, 40% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify The Daystar Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify The Daystar Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 134036767 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 Daystar Foundation exhibits significant financial instability and a concerning trend of declining revenue and assets over the past decade. In 2023, the organization reported revenue of only $6,001 against expenses of $29,078, indicating a substantial operating deficit. This pattern of expenses far exceeding revenue is consistent across multiple recent years, such as 2022 ($20,011 revenue vs. $79,603 expenses) and 2021 ($18 revenue vs. $10,350 expenses). While the organization's NTEE code T20 (Philanthropy, Voluntarism, and Grantmaking Foundations) suggests a focus on grantmaking, the current financial state raises questions about its capacity to fulfill this mission effectively. The drastic reduction in assets from a peak of $945,370 in 2012 to just $1,697 in 2023 further underscores its deteriorating financial health.
The organization's transparency is generally good in terms of filing its IRS 990s, with 10 filings available. However, the consistent reporting of $1 in liabilities for most recent years, despite significant operating deficits, might warrant further scrutiny to understand the full financial picture. The absence of officer compensation across all reported periods is a positive indicator regarding executive pay, especially given the organization's small size and financial struggles. However, the overall financial trajectory suggests a foundation that is struggling to sustain its operations and potentially its mission.