Quick charity verification for The Fellows Initiative (EIN: 141976029)
Verdict: The Fellows Initiative appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$201KRevenue
$41KAssets
1Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Lack of detailed expense breakdown beyond officer compensation makes full spending efficiency analysis difficult.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating high dedication of funds to mission.
Low liabilities relative to assets, suggesting financial stability and responsible debt management.
Consistent operational history over a decade, demonstrating sustainability.
Generally operates near break-even, indicating prudent financial management.
Spending Breakdown
How The Fellows Initiative 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 The Fellows Initiative
Is The Fellows Initiative a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, The Fellows Initiative (EIN: 141976029) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is The Fellows Initiative a good charity to donate to?
The Fellows Initiative has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $201K. Assets: $41K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for The Fellows Initiative?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for The Fellows Initiative is 141976029. 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 Fellows Initiative spend its money?
The Fellows Initiative allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify The Fellows Initiative's tax-exempt status?
You can verify The Fellows Initiative's tax-exempt status using EIN 141976029 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 Fellows Initiative demonstrates consistent financial activity, with revenues fluctuating between approximately $76,000 and $241,000 over the past decade. The organization generally operates near break-even, with expenses often closely matching or slightly exceeding revenue, as seen in 2023 where expenses were $219,440 against revenues of $214,989. While the organization's assets are relatively modest, peaking at $104,970 in 2016 and currently at $63,177, its liabilities have remained low, indicating a stable financial position without significant debt burden. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings suggests a strong commitment to directing funds towards its mission, enhancing its transparency and public trust. However, without a detailed breakdown of expenses, it's challenging to fully assess spending efficiency beyond the lack of executive compensation.