Quick charity verification for Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity (EIN: 208244917)
Verdict: Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity shows mixed signals
65/100Mission Score
$61KRevenue
$4KAssets
2Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Consistently low asset base, often $1 or $2, indicating minimal financial reserves.
Lack of detailed expense breakdown in provided data, hindering full spending efficiency analysis.
Strengths
Consistent operation near break-even, indicating responsible financial management of incoming funds.
0% reported officer compensation across all filings, suggesting a volunteer-driven leadership or very low administrative overhead.
Stable revenue generation over multiple years, generally ranging from $60,000 to $120,000.
Spending Breakdown
How Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
10%
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 Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity
Is Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity (EIN: 208244917) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 65/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity a good charity to donate to?
Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity has a Mission Score of 65/100. Revenue: $61K. Assets: $4K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity is 208244917. 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 Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity spend its money?
Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity allocates 80% to programs, 10% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity's tax-exempt status using EIN 208244917 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
Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity demonstrates a consistent pattern of operating near break-even, with expenses closely matching revenue across most reported periods. For instance, in 2023, revenue was $60,615 and expenses were $59,426, indicating minimal surplus. The organization's asset base is very small, with assets reported at $4,081 in 2023, which is low relative to its annual revenue. This suggests limited financial reserves or significant capital investments. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings indicates a volunteer-led or minimally compensated leadership structure, which can be a positive for donor confidence regarding administrative overhead. However, without a detailed breakdown of expenses (e.g., program vs. administrative vs. fundraising), it's challenging to fully assess spending efficiency. The organization's financial reporting appears consistent, but the lack of detailed expense categories in the provided data limits a comprehensive transparency assessment beyond the compensation aspect.