Is University Of North Dakota Research Foundation Legit?
Quick charity verification for University Of North Dakota Research Foundation (EIN: 203332779)
Verdict: University Of North Dakota Research Foundation has notable concerns
10/100Mission Score
$0Revenue
$0Assets
5Red Flags
1Strengths
Red Flags
Dramatic decline in revenue from $703,621 (2013) to $0 (latest filing)
Significant decrease in assets from $17,105,362 (2012) to $0 (latest filing)
Consistent deficit spending, with expenses exceeding revenue in reported active periods (e.g., 2014 expenses $233,592 vs. revenue $96,468)
Latest filing reports $0 revenue and $0 assets, indicating potential inactivity or dissolution without clear explanation
NTEE code is unknown, limiting understanding of its specific charitable purpose
Strengths
Reported 0% officer compensation across all periods, indicating no direct salary costs for leadership from the organization's reported funds.
Spending Breakdown
How University Of North Dakota Research Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
0%
Program Spending
Concerning — less than half to programs
0%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
0%
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 University Of North Dakota Research Foundation
Is University Of North Dakota Research Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, University Of North Dakota Research Foundation (EIN: 203332779) has notable concerns. Mission Score: 10/100. 5 red flags identified, 1 strength noted.
Is University Of North Dakota Research Foundation a good charity to donate to?
University Of North Dakota Research Foundation has a Mission Score of 10/100. Revenue: $0. Assets: $0. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for University Of North Dakota Research Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for University Of North Dakota Research Foundation is 203332779. 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 University Of North Dakota Research Foundation spend its money?
University Of North Dakota Research Foundation allocates 0% to programs, 0% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify University Of North Dakota Research Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify University Of North Dakota Research Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 203332779 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 University Of North Dakota Research Foundation exhibits a concerning financial trend, with a significant decline in revenue and assets over the past three reported periods. Revenue plummeted from $703,621 in 2013 to $96,468 in 2014, and further to $0 in the latest filing. Similarly, assets decreased drastically from $17,105,362 in 2012 to $264,885 in 2014, and are now reported as $0. This suggests a potential cessation of operations or a significant restructuring that has not been clearly detailed in the provided data. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all periods indicates either a volunteer-led organization or that compensation is handled through other entities, which could impact transparency regarding leadership costs.
The organization consistently spent more than it earned in the reported periods, with expenses significantly exceeding revenue. For instance, in 2014, expenses were $233,592 against revenues of $96,468. This pattern of deficit spending, coupled with the dramatic reduction in assets and eventual zero revenue/assets, raises serious questions about its long-term financial viability and operational effectiveness during those periods. The lack of detailed expense breakdowns (program, admin, fundraising) in the provided summary makes it difficult to assess spending efficiency accurately, but the overall financial trajectory is highly negative.
Given the latest filing shows $0 in revenue and assets, the organization appears to be inactive or dissolved. The absence of an NTEE code and the lack of detailed financial breakdowns beyond top-line figures limit a comprehensive assessment of its program focus and administrative overhead. While officer compensation was reported as 0%, the overall financial picture suggests significant operational challenges and a lack of current financial activity, making it difficult to assess ongoing transparency or program impact.