Quick charity verification for Three Rivers Carousel Foundation (EIN: 134228551)
Verdict: Three Rivers Carousel Foundation appears trustworthy
88/100Mission Score
$303KRevenue
$3.2MAssets
2Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent operating deficits in recent years (e.g., $74,132 deficit in 2023)
Gradual decline in total assets over the past decade (from $4.08M in 2014 to $3.28M in 2023)
Strengths
Zero officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating strong commitment to mission and low administrative overhead.
Substantial asset base ($3,286,328 in 2023) provides financial stability and resilience.
Consistent IRS 990 filing history (12 filings) demonstrates strong transparency and compliance.
Low liabilities relative to assets (e.g., $10,862 in liabilities vs. $3.28M in assets in 2023).
Spending Breakdown
How Three Rivers Carousel Foundation 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 Three Rivers Carousel Foundation
Is Three Rivers Carousel Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Three Rivers Carousel Foundation (EIN: 134228551) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 88/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Three Rivers Carousel Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Three Rivers Carousel Foundation has a Mission Score of 88/100. Revenue: $303K. Assets: $3.2M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Three Rivers Carousel Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Three Rivers Carousel Foundation is 134228551. 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 Three Rivers Carousel Foundation spend its money?
Three Rivers Carousel Foundation allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Three Rivers Carousel Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Three Rivers Carousel Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 134228551 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 Three Rivers Carousel Foundation demonstrates a consistent commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its stable asset base and zero officer compensation across all reported periods. While the organization has experienced fluctuations in revenue and expenses, with a notable deficit in 2023 where expenses ($348,132) exceeded revenue ($274,000), its substantial assets of over $3.2 million provide a strong financial cushion. The foundation's financial health appears stable, though it has seen a gradual decline in assets from a peak of over $4 million in 2014. The absence of officer compensation is a significant indicator of transparency and a focus on mission-driven spending, suggesting that resources are primarily directed towards program activities rather than administrative overhead related to executive salaries. The organization's consistent filing history further enhances its transparency.