Quick charity verification for The Synthesis Foundation Inc (EIN: 203559799)
Verdict: The Synthesis Foundation Inc shows mixed signals
45/100Mission Score
$489Revenue
$46KAssets
4Red Flags
2Strengths
Red Flags
Highly volatile revenue with extreme fluctuations year-over-year.
Recurring significant operating deficits where expenses far exceed revenue (e.g., 2023, 2021, 2015).
Declining asset base in recent years, from $504,091 in 2014 to $91,757 in 2023.
Consistent reporting of only $1 in liabilities across all filings, which could indicate incomplete reporting or an unusual financial structure.
Strengths
No reported officer compensation, suggesting a volunteer-driven leadership or efficient use of funds in this area.
Consistent filing of IRS 990 forms, indicating a commitment to transparency in reporting.
Spending Breakdown
How The Synthesis Foundation Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
70%
Program Spending
Below average — room for improvement
20%
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 Synthesis Foundation Inc
Is The Synthesis Foundation Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, The Synthesis Foundation Inc (EIN: 203559799) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 45/100. 4 red flags identified, 2 strengths noted.
Is The Synthesis Foundation Inc a good charity to donate to?
The Synthesis Foundation Inc has a Mission Score of 45/100. Revenue: $489. Assets: $46K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for The Synthesis Foundation Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for The Synthesis Foundation Inc is 203559799. 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 Synthesis Foundation Inc spend its money?
The Synthesis Foundation Inc allocates 70% to programs, 20% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify The Synthesis Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify The Synthesis Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 203559799 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 Synthesis Foundation Inc. exhibits highly inconsistent financial activity over the past decade, with revenue fluctuating wildly from a low of $145 in 2015 to a high of $683,982 in 2014. This volatility makes it challenging to assess long-term financial stability. In the most recent filing (202312), the organization reported revenue of only $756 against expenses of $70,655, indicating a significant operating deficit. This trend of expenses far exceeding revenue is also evident in 2021 ($569 revenue vs. $145,055 expenses) and 2015 ($145 revenue vs. $282,355 expenses), raising concerns about its ability to sustain operations without substantial external support or a significant change in financial strategy.
The organization's assets have also shown considerable fluctuation, peaking at $504,091 in 2014 and declining to $91,757 in 2023. The consistent reporting of only $1 in liabilities across all filings suggests either a very strong financial position in terms of debt management or potentially incomplete reporting, though without further detail, it's difficult to ascertain. The absence of officer compensation reported in any filing period suggests either a volunteer-led organization or that compensation is structured in a way not captured under this specific reporting line, which could be a positive for donor confidence regarding overhead.
Given the extreme swings in revenue and the recurring pattern of expenses significantly outpacing income in recent years, the organization's financial health appears precarious. While the lack of officer compensation is a positive, the overall financial picture suggests a need for greater stability in funding and a clearer strategy for managing expenses relative to incoming resources. The transparency of reporting is generally good, with consistent filings, but the underlying financial performance raises questions about operational sustainability.