Is The Laurence And Michele Chang Foundation Legit?
Quick charity verification for The Laurence And Michele Chang Foundation (EIN: 208383517)
Verdict: The Laurence And Michele Chang Foundation appears trustworthy
92/100Mission Score
$200KRevenue
$1.0MAssets
1Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Significant revenue volatility, including negative revenue in some years, which could indicate reliance on asset drawdowns or specific investment performance rather than consistent donations.
Strengths
Consistent 0% officer compensation across all reported periods, indicating high efficiency and dedication to mission.
Strong program spending ratio, with a high percentage of expenses directed towards charitable activities.
Healthy asset base, consistently over $800,000 in recent years, providing financial stability.
Minimal liabilities ($1 across all filings), indicating sound financial management and low debt.
Spending Breakdown
How The Laurence And Michele Chang Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
0%
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 Laurence And Michele Chang Foundation
Is The Laurence And Michele Chang Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, The Laurence And Michele Chang Foundation (EIN: 208383517) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is The Laurence And Michele Chang Foundation a good charity to donate to?
The Laurence And Michele Chang Foundation has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $200K. Assets: $1.0M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for The Laurence And Michele Chang Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for The Laurence And Michele Chang Foundation is 208383517. 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 Laurence And Michele Chang Foundation spend its money?
The Laurence And Michele Chang Foundation allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify The Laurence And Michele Chang Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify The Laurence And Michele Chang Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 208383517 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 Laurence And Michele Chang Foundation demonstrates a consistent commitment to its program services, with a notable program spending ratio. For instance, in 2023, with $97,150 in total expenses, the foundation allocated a significant portion to its mission. The organization's financial health appears stable, with assets consistently over $800,000 in recent years, reaching $1,014,156 currently. While revenue has fluctuated significantly, including negative revenue in 2022 and 2020, the foundation has managed to maintain its asset base and program activities.
The foundation's spending efficiency is strong, particularly given its consistent program focus. The absence of officer compensation across all reported periods indicates that administrative costs are likely kept low, contributing to a higher percentage of funds directly supporting its charitable purpose. This lean operational structure is a positive indicator of efficiency.
Transparency is generally good, as evidenced by its consistent IRS 990 filings. The detailed financial data available allows for a clear understanding of its revenue, expenses, and asset management. The lack of liabilities ($1 across all filings) also suggests sound financial management and minimal debt, further enhancing its financial stability and transparency.