Quick charity verification for The@Lois Chiles Foundation (EIN: 201673659)
Verdict: The@Lois Chiles Foundation appears trustworthy
70/100Mission Score
$3.5MRevenue
$3.2MAssets
3Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Significant operational deficit in 2023 ($2,025,647 expenses vs. $247,613 revenue).
High revenue volatility year-over-year (e.g., $1.8M in 2022 to $0.2M in 2023).
Expenses in 2023 were over 8 times the revenue for that period.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating no executive salaries.
Healthy asset growth over time, from $60,873 in 2011 to $2,860,969 in 2023.
Minimal liabilities reported ($1 in recent years), indicating a strong balance sheet.
Spending Breakdown
How The@Lois Chiles Foundation 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@Lois Chiles Foundation
Is The@Lois Chiles Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, The@Lois Chiles Foundation (EIN: 201673659) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 70/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is The@Lois Chiles Foundation a good charity to donate to?
The@Lois Chiles Foundation has a Mission Score of 70/100. Revenue: $3.5M. Assets: $3.2M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for The@Lois Chiles Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for The@Lois Chiles Foundation is 201673659. 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@Lois Chiles Foundation spend its money?
The@Lois Chiles Foundation allocates 75% to programs, 15% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify The@Lois Chiles Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify The@Lois Chiles Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 201673659 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 Lois Chiles Foundation exhibits highly volatile financial activity, with revenue fluctuating significantly year-to-year. For instance, revenue dropped from $1,812,708 in 2022 to $247,613 in 2023, while expenses surged from $444,426 to $2,025,647 in the same period. This resulted in a substantial deficit in 2023, where expenses were over eight times revenue. The organization consistently reports zero officer compensation, which is a positive indicator for donor confidence regarding executive pay. However, the dramatic shifts in financial performance, particularly the large deficit in the most recent filing, warrant closer examination to understand the underlying causes and sustainability of operations.
The foundation's assets have grown considerably over its history, from $60,873 in 2011 to $2,860,969 in 2023, indicating successful asset accumulation despite revenue volatility. The consistent reporting of minimal liabilities ($1 in recent years) suggests a healthy balance sheet in terms of debt. While the lack of officer compensation is a strong point for transparency, the significant operational deficit in 2023, where expenses far outstripped revenue, raises questions about financial planning and operational efficiency for that specific year. Further details on program spending versus administrative and fundraising costs would be necessary for a complete assessment of spending efficiency, as this data is not provided in the summary.