Quick charity verification for The James Beard Foundation Inc (EIN: 132752108)
Verdict: The James Beard Foundation Inc appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$23.2MRevenue
$11.1MAssets
1Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Unusual 'Officer Comp=0%' reported for an organization of this size, warranting further investigation into full 990 filings for complete compensation details.
Strengths
Consistent revenue growth, nearly doubling from $8.8M in 2014 to $18M in 2023.
Healthy financial surpluses in most years, indicating sound financial management (e.g., $121,904 surplus in 2023).
Steady increase in assets, from $2.6M in 2014 to $9.1M in 2023, strengthening the organization's financial foundation.
Positive net assets (Assets exceeding Liabilities) in all reported periods, demonstrating long-term solvency.
Spending Breakdown
How The James Beard Foundation Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
75%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
15%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
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 James Beard Foundation Inc
Is The James Beard Foundation Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, The James Beard Foundation Inc (EIN: 132752108) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is The James Beard Foundation Inc a good charity to donate to?
The James Beard Foundation Inc has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $23.2M. Assets: $11.1M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for The James Beard Foundation Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for The James Beard Foundation Inc is 132752108. 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 James Beard Foundation Inc spend its money?
The James Beard Foundation Inc allocates 75% to programs, 15% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify The James Beard Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify The James Beard Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 132752108 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 James Beard Foundation Inc. demonstrates consistent financial growth and stability over the past decade, with revenue increasing from $8.8 million in 2014 to $18 million in 2023. The organization generally operates with a healthy surplus, as seen in the 2023 fiscal year where revenues of $18,041,842 exceeded expenses of $17,919,938. This indicates sound financial management and an ability to cover operational costs while building reserves. Assets have also shown a steady upward trend, reaching $9,165,781 in 2023, suggesting a growing capacity to support its mission.
While the provided data indicates 'Officer Comp=0%', this typically refers to compensation reported on Part VII, Section A of the 990 for certain officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. A more detailed analysis of the full 990 would be needed to understand total compensation for all highly compensated employees and the allocation of expenses between program services, administrative, and fundraising. However, the consistent positive net assets and revenue growth suggest a well-managed organization. The foundation's financial health appears robust, supporting its ongoing operations and mission.