Is Wm A & Norma Nelson Foundation Legit? —…

Quick charity verification for Wm A & Norma Nelson Foundation (EIN: 205450114)

Spending Breakdown

How Wm A & Norma Nelson 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 Wm A & Norma Nelson Foundation

Is Wm A & Norma Nelson Foundation a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Wm A & Norma Nelson Foundation (EIN: 205450114) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Wm A & Norma Nelson Foundation a good charity to donate to?

Wm A & Norma Nelson Foundation has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $66K. Assets: $245K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Wm A & Norma Nelson Foundation?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Wm A & Norma Nelson Foundation is 205450114. 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 Wm A & Norma Nelson Foundation spend its money?

Wm A & Norma Nelson Foundation allocates 95% to programs, 5% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Wm A & Norma Nelson Foundation's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Wm A & Norma Nelson Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 205450114 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 Wm A & Norma Nelson Foundation appears to be a small private foundation with consistent, albeit modest, financial activity. Over the past decade, its revenue has fluctuated, with the latest reported revenue at $22,015 for the period ending 202406. Expenses have generally hovered in the low to mid-$20,000s annually, with the most recent expenses at $22,736. The foundation's assets have seen a gradual decline over the long term, from $325,589 in 2012 to $244,744 in 2024, suggesting that its distributions may be exceeding its investment income or new contributions. However, liabilities consistently remain at a minimal $1, indicating strong financial stability in terms of debt.

The organization demonstrates strong spending efficiency in terms of administrative overhead, as it reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, suggesting a volunteer-led or very lean operational structure. Given its NTEE code T22 (Private Grantmaking Foundations), its primary function is likely grantmaking, and the absence of significant administrative costs is a positive indicator. The consistent asset base, despite a slow decline, suggests a managed approach to its endowment, though the long-term sustainability without significant new contributions or improved investment returns warrants observation.

Transparency is generally good through its consistent IRS 990 filings. The detailed breakdown of revenue and expenses, along with asset and liability figures, provides a clear picture of its financial operations. The lack of officer compensation is a significant positive for transparency and efficiency, as it means a greater proportion of funds can be directed towards its charitable purpose. However, without a detailed breakdown of program spending versus other expenses, a precise assessment of program efficiency is challenging, though the overall low expense base implies a high program focus for a grantmaking foundation.

Is Wm A & Norma Nelson Foundation Legit?

Verdict: Wm A & Norma Nelson Foundation appears trustworthy

Red Flags

Strengths