Quick charity verification for The Mason Hirst Foundation Inc (EIN: 208050841)
Verdict: The Mason Hirst Foundation Inc shows mixed signals
55/100Mission Score
$663KRevenue
$6.0MAssets
3Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent and significant operating deficits (expenses far exceeding revenue) for over a decade.
Steady decline in total assets over time, indicating reliance on endowment draw-down.
Low revenue generation relative to the scale of expenses.
Strengths
Zero officer compensation reported, indicating efficient use of funds regarding executive pay.
Minimal liabilities reported across all filing periods, suggesting good debt management.
Substantial asset base provides a buffer, despite the ongoing draw-down.
Spending Breakdown
How The Mason Hirst 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 Mason Hirst Foundation Inc
Is The Mason Hirst Foundation Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, The Mason Hirst Foundation Inc (EIN: 208050841) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 55/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is The Mason Hirst Foundation Inc a good charity to donate to?
The Mason Hirst Foundation Inc has a Mission Score of 55/100. Revenue: $663K. Assets: $6.0M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for The Mason Hirst Foundation Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for The Mason Hirst Foundation Inc is 208050841. 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 Mason Hirst Foundation Inc spend its money?
The Mason Hirst 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 Mason Hirst Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify The Mason Hirst Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 208050841 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 Mason Hirst Foundation Inc. demonstrates a consistent pattern of spending significantly more than its annual revenue, as evidenced by the 202312 filing showing $337,732 in expenses against only $95,559 in revenue. This trend has been ongoing for several years, with expenses consistently in the low to mid-$300,000s while revenue rarely exceeds $100,000. The organization's assets have also seen a steady decline from $9,223,881 in 2011 to $5,548,591 in 2023, suggesting it is drawing down its endowment to cover operational costs. While the organization reports 0% officer compensation, which is a positive for transparency regarding executive pay, the overall financial model appears unsustainable without a significant increase in revenue or reduction in expenses.
The foundation's financial health is concerning due to its persistent operating deficit. The substantial asset base provides a buffer, but the continuous draw-down indicates a lack of financial self-sufficiency. Without detailed program spending breakdowns, it's difficult to assess spending efficiency beyond the top-line deficit. The consistent reporting of minimal liabilities ($1-$25) suggests good financial hygiene in that regard, but the core issue remains the large gap between income and expenditures. The lack of officer compensation is a strong point for transparency and resource allocation directly to the mission, assuming all other expenses are program-related or essential administrative costs.