Quick charity verification for The Jernigan Foundation (EIN: 208111798)
Verdict: The Jernigan Foundation appears trustworthy
75/100Mission Score
$581KRevenue
$1.8MAssets
2Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Recurring operational deficits in recent years (e.g., 202406, 202306) where expenses significantly exceed revenue.
Declining asset base from a peak of $2.8 million in 2018 to $1.78 million in 2024.
Strengths
Consistent 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating strong commitment to mission over executive pay.
Substantial asset base of $1,778,783 provides financial stability despite recent deficits.
Minimal to no reported liabilities in most filing periods, suggesting good financial management of debt.
Spending Breakdown
How The Jernigan Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
15%
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 Jernigan Foundation
Is The Jernigan Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, The Jernigan Foundation (EIN: 208111798) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is The Jernigan Foundation a good charity to donate to?
The Jernigan Foundation has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $581K. Assets: $1.8M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for The Jernigan Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for The Jernigan Foundation is 208111798. 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 Jernigan Foundation spend its money?
The Jernigan Foundation allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify The Jernigan Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify The Jernigan Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 208111798 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 Jernigan Foundation exhibits a fluctuating financial history, with recent years showing expenses exceeding revenue. For instance, in the 202406 period, expenses were $507,982 against revenues of $332,369, and similarly in 202306, expenses were $451,469 compared to revenues of $231,852. This trend of operating at a deficit could raise concerns about long-term sustainability if not addressed. However, the organization maintains a healthy asset base of $1,778,783, which provides a buffer against these operational shortfalls.
A notable positive is the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that executive leadership is not drawing salaries from the organization's funds. This suggests a strong commitment to directing resources towards the mission rather than administrative overhead. The foundation's assets have seen a decline from a peak of $2,801,226 in 201806 to the current $1,778,783, which warrants monitoring. The absence of reported liabilities in most periods is also a positive indicator of financial prudence.
Overall, while the foundation demonstrates good transparency regarding executive compensation and a solid asset base, the recurring operational deficits in recent years are a significant area for improvement. A more consistent alignment of revenue with expenses would strengthen its financial health and ensure the long-term viability of its programs.