Is Walter Scott Foundation Legit?

Spending Breakdown

How Walter Scott 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

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 Walter Scott Foundation

Is Walter Scott Foundation a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Walter Scott Foundation (EIN: 135681161) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.

Is Walter Scott Foundation a good charity to donate to?

Walter Scott Foundation has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $2.0M. Assets: $8.1M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Walter Scott Foundation?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Walter Scott Foundation is 135681161. 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 Walter Scott Foundation spend its money?

Walter Scott Foundation allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Walter Scott Foundation's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Walter Scott Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 135681161 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 Walter Scott Foundation demonstrates consistent financial stability with growing assets, reaching $8,096,083 in the latest period. The organization consistently reports minimal liabilities ($1 across all filings), indicating a very strong balance sheet and low financial risk. Revenue has fluctuated over the years, with the latest reported revenue at $2,039,503, a significant increase from previous periods, suggesting a recent boost in funding or investment income. The foundation's expenses have generally been well below its revenue, leading to consistent asset growth. For instance, in 202409, revenue was $671,227 against expenses of $449,936, resulting in a surplus. This pattern of managing expenses below income contributes to its robust asset base.

The foundation's transparency is high regarding executive compensation, as it consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings. This indicates that the organization's leadership is either unpaid or compensated through other means not categorized as officer compensation, which is a positive sign for donor confidence. However, without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, a precise assessment of spending efficiency is challenging. The consistent growth in assets, from $4,292,574 in 201209 to over $8 million currently, suggests effective financial management and investment strategies, allowing the foundation to build its endowment and capacity over time.

Verdict: Walter Scott Foundation appears trustworthy

Red Flags

Strengths