Is Wal Mart Foundation Legit?

Strengths

Consistent high volume of philanthropic activity, with annual expenses often exceeding $130 million.
Zero officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating high efficiency and dedication of funds to mission.
Healthy asset-to-liability ratio, demonstrating strong financial stability (e.g., $30,282,854 assets vs. $7,750,998 liabilities in 202401).
Stable financial operations with revenues generally matching expenses over time, avoiding significant deficits.
Excellent transparency regarding executive compensation.

Spending Breakdown

How Wal Mart Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

95%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

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 Wal Mart Foundation

Is Wal Mart Foundation a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Wal Mart Foundation (EIN: 205639919) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.

Is Wal Mart Foundation a good charity to donate to?

Wal Mart Foundation has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $114.9M. Assets: $23.4M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Wal Mart Foundation?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Wal Mart Foundation is 205639919. 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 Wal Mart Foundation spend its money?

Wal Mart Foundation allocates 95% to programs, 5% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Wal Mart Foundation's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Wal Mart Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 205639919 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 Wal Mart Foundation demonstrates consistent financial activity, with revenues and expenses generally balancing out over the past decade. For instance, in the 202401 period, expenses slightly exceeded revenue ($132,518,079 vs. $132,015,837), indicating a slight draw on reserves or prior year surpluses. The organization maintains a healthy asset base, reported at $30,282,854 in the latest filing, which comfortably covers its liabilities of $7,750,998. This suggests good financial stability and the capacity to meet its obligations. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings is a significant indicator of transparency and a commitment to directing funds towards its mission rather than executive salaries. This practice is highly commendable and contributes positively to its overall financial health and public trust.

Spending efficiency appears strong, given the nature of a foundation that primarily grants funds. While specific program spending ratios are not detailed in the provided data, the absence of officer compensation implies a lean operational structure at the executive level. The foundation's consistent ability to manage substantial revenues and expenses, often in the range of $130 million to $180 million annually, without accumulating significant deficits, points to effective financial management. The relatively stable asset base, despite fluctuations in annual revenue and expenses, further supports the notion of prudent financial stewardship. The foundation's transparency is excellent, particularly regarding executive compensation, which is a key area of scrutiny for nonprofits.

Verdict: Wal Mart Foundation appears trustworthy