Quick charity verification for The Sparks Foundation Inc (EIN: 200396160)
Verdict: The Sparks Foundation Inc appears trustworthy
92/100Mission Score
$5.9MRevenue
$12.7MAssets
1Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Lack of detailed expense breakdown (program vs. admin vs. fundraising) in provided summary data
Strengths
Consistent revenue surpluses, indicating strong financial management (e.g., $2,151,637 revenue vs. $430,322 expenses in 2023).
Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, suggesting volunteer leadership and efficient use of funds.
Significant and consistent growth in assets, from $1.7 million in 2011 to over $8 million in 2023, enhancing long-term stability.
Low liabilities in recent years, indicating sound financial health and minimal debt.
Strong overall financial growth and stability over more than a decade of operations.
Spending Breakdown
How The Sparks Foundation Inc 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 Sparks Foundation Inc
Is The Sparks Foundation Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, The Sparks Foundation Inc (EIN: 200396160) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is The Sparks Foundation Inc a good charity to donate to?
The Sparks Foundation Inc has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $5.9M. Assets: $12.7M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for The Sparks Foundation Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for The Sparks Foundation Inc is 200396160. 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 Sparks Foundation Inc spend its money?
The Sparks Foundation Inc allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify The Sparks Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify The Sparks Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 200396160 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 Sparks Foundation Inc demonstrates strong financial health and efficient spending, particularly in its most recent filing. In 2023, the organization reported revenues of $2,151,637 against expenses of $430,322, indicating a significant surplus that contributes to its growing asset base of $8,094,163. Over the past five years, the organization has consistently reported zero officer compensation, which is a strong indicator of volunteer leadership and a commitment to directing funds towards its mission. While detailed program, administrative, and fundraising expense breakdowns are not provided in the summary data, the overall low expense ratio relative to revenue suggests efficient operations. The consistent growth in assets, from $1,724,999 in 2011 to over $8 million in 2023, further underscores its financial stability and capacity. The absence of reported liabilities in most recent years also points to sound financial management.