Quick charity verification for Viaquest Foundation (EIN: 200774144)
Verdict: Viaquest Foundation appears trustworthy
70/100Mission Score
$3.3MRevenue
$437KAssets
3Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Frequent operational deficits, with expenses exceeding revenue in multiple years (e.g., 2021, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012).
NTEE code T99 (Unknown) limits clear understanding of mission and peer comparison.
Significant fluctuations in revenue year-over-year, indicating potential instability in funding streams.
Strengths
Consistent 0% officer compensation, indicating a commitment to directing funds towards the mission.
Overall growth in assets from $33,124 in 2014 to $436,972 currently, despite operational deficits in some years.
Long filing history (11 filings) demonstrates sustained operation and compliance.
Spending Breakdown
How Viaquest Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
15%
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 Viaquest Foundation
Is Viaquest Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Viaquest Foundation (EIN: 200774144) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 70/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Viaquest Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Viaquest Foundation has a Mission Score of 70/100. Revenue: $3.3M. Assets: $437K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Viaquest Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Viaquest Foundation is 200774144. 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 Viaquest Foundation spend its money?
Viaquest Foundation allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Viaquest Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Viaquest Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 200774144 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
Viaquest Foundation demonstrates a mixed financial picture. While the organization has shown significant revenue fluctuations over the past decade, with a peak of $1,453,011 in 2017 and a more recent $567,624 in 2021, its asset base has generally grown, reaching $436,972 currently. However, the organization frequently operates with expenses exceeding revenue, as seen in 2021 where expenses were $627,506 against $567,624 in revenue, and in 2018 with $1,560,856 in expenses against $1,364,908 in revenue. This consistent deficit spending in several years could indicate reliance on prior reserves or other funding mechanisms.
The organization's transparency is commendable regarding executive compensation, as all filings indicate 0% officer compensation, suggesting a volunteer-led or externally compensated leadership structure. This practice can free up more funds for program delivery. However, without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, it's challenging to fully assess spending efficiency. The NTEE code T99 (Unknown) also limits the ability to benchmark against similar organizations, potentially impacting overall transparency.
Overall, Viaquest Foundation appears to be a lean operation with no reported officer compensation, which is a positive sign for donor confidence. However, the recurring operational deficits and the 'Unknown' NTEE code warrant closer examination for a complete understanding of its long-term financial sustainability and programmatic impact.