Quick charity verification for Wattenberg Scholarship Fund (EIN: 204781876)
Verdict: Wattenberg Scholarship Fund appears trustworthy
95/100Mission Score
$66KRevenue
$250KAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Zero officer compensation across all reported periods, maximizing funds for programs.
Consistent and stable asset base (e.g., $250,364 currently), indicating financial stability.
Minimal liabilities ($0 or $1), demonstrating strong financial health and no debt burden.
Consistent expense management, typically between $16,000-$20,000 annually, showing fiscal discipline.
Clear program focus as a scholarship fund, with expenditures directly supporting its mission.
Spending Breakdown
How Wattenberg Scholarship Fund allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
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 Wattenberg Scholarship Fund
Is Wattenberg Scholarship Fund a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Wattenberg Scholarship Fund (EIN: 204781876) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Wattenberg Scholarship Fund a good charity to donate to?
Wattenberg Scholarship Fund has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $66K. Assets: $250K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Wattenberg Scholarship Fund?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Wattenberg Scholarship Fund is 204781876. 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 Wattenberg Scholarship Fund spend its money?
Wattenberg Scholarship Fund allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Wattenberg Scholarship Fund's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Wattenberg Scholarship Fund's tax-exempt status using EIN 204781876 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 Wattenberg Scholarship Fund demonstrates consistent financial activity over the past decade, primarily focused on scholarship distribution. While the organization's revenue has fluctuated, ranging from a low of $7,949 in 2023 to a high of $40,573 in 2014, its expenses have remained relatively stable, typically between $16,000 and $20,000 annually. This indicates a predictable operational cost structure. The fund maintains a healthy asset base, consistently above $224,000, with current assets at $250,364, suggesting good long-term stability for its mission. The organization's liabilities are consistently reported as minimal ($0 or $1), which is a strong indicator of financial health and low debt burden.
Spending efficiency appears to be high, given the consistent expenses and the nature of a scholarship fund where most expenditures directly support program services. The absence of officer compensation across all reported periods is a significant positive for efficiency and donor confidence, as all funds can be directed towards the mission. The organization's transparency is bolstered by its consistent filing of IRS Form 990s, providing a clear historical record of its financial operations. The stability in assets and minimal liabilities further contribute to a positive assessment of its financial management.
Overall, the Wattenberg Scholarship Fund appears to be a well-managed, financially stable organization with a clear focus on its program services. Its consistent asset base, low liabilities, and zero officer compensation reflect a commitment to maximizing resources for its scholarship recipients. The fluctuations in revenue suggest reliance on varying donation levels, but the consistent expense management indicates a prudent approach to spending.