Axe Houghton Foundation
Axe Houghton Foundation maintains strong asset growth and zero executive compensation.
EIN: 136200200 · Fairfield, CT · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Axe Houghton Foundation Legit?
Appears Legitimate
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Axe Houghton Foundation directs 95% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Axe Houghton Foundation
Axe Houghton Foundation (EIN: 136200200) is a nonprofit organization based in Fairfield, CT. The organization reported total revenue of $2.6M and total assets of $8.0M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Axe Houghton Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Axe Houghton Foundation is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 60 years, with 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2012–2024). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 13.3%.
Key Financial Metrics (2024)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $1.4M |
| Total Expenses | $517K |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$887K |
| Total Assets | $7.8M |
| Total Liabilities | $1 |
| Net Assets | $7.8M |
| Operating Margin | 63.2% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 0.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 180.6 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2024, Axe Houghton Foundation reported a surplus of $887K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 180.6 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 0.0% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 10 years of filings (2012–2024), Axe Houghton Foundation's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.3%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | +355.9% | +5.8% | +12.9% |
| 2023 | -70.6% | -2.3% | -2.6% |
| 2022 | +53.8% | +10.8% | +8.4% |
| 2021 | +29.5% | +9.6% | +3.6% |
| 2020 | +5.7% | +5.5% | +3.2% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1200 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1966 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Axe Houghton Foundation with a Mission Score of 95 out of 100 (Excellent). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 5%
- programs: 95%
- fundraising: 0%
According to IRS 990 filings, Axe Houghton Foundation allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 5%, programs: 95%, fundraising: 0%. With 95% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2024)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a surplus of $887K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is consistently reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that the organization's leadership is entirely volunteer-based, which is highly commendable for an organization with assets exceeding $8 million.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Axe Houghton Foundation:
- Consistent asset growth from $5.8M to over $8M.
- Zero officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating volunteer leadership.
- Minimal liabilities ($0 or $1) demonstrating strong financial stability.
- Expenses consistently low relative to revenue, suggesting efficient operations.
- Strong financial health with a robust balance sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions about Axe Houghton Foundation
Is Axe Houghton Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Axe Houghton Foundation (EIN: 136200200) appears legitimate. Mission Score: 95/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
How does Axe Houghton Foundation spend its money?
Axe Houghton Foundation directs 95% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Axe Houghton Foundation tax-deductible?
Axe Houghton Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 136200200). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is Axe Houghton Foundation a good charity?
Based on the provided financial data, the Axe Houghton Foundation appears to be a very good charity. It demonstrates strong financial health with growing assets, minimal liabilities, and a consistent record of zero officer compensation, indicating that funds are directed towards its mission rather than administrative salaries.
How has the foundation's asset base changed over time?
The foundation's assets have shown consistent growth, increasing from $5,832,235 in 2012 to $8,026,548 currently, indicating sound financial management and investment strategies.
What is the trend in revenue and expenses?
Revenue has shown significant fluctuation but a general upward trend, with the latest reported revenue at $2,645,936. Expenses have remained relatively stable and low compared to revenue, particularly in recent years, such as $516,587 in 2024 against $1,403,808 in revenue.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Axe Houghton Foundation showing financial trends over 10 years of public records:
Over 10 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2024), Axe Houghton Foundation's revenue has grown by 348.4%, moving from $313K to $1.4M. Total assets increased by 33.3% over the same period, from $5.8M to $7.8M. Total functional expenses rose by 40.2%, from $368K to $517K. In its most recent filing year (2024), Axe Houghton Foundation reported a surplus of $887K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $1 in liabilities against $7.8M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%), resulting in net assets of $7.8M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1.4M | $517K | $7.8M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2023 | $308K | $488K | $6.9M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $1.0M | $500K | $7.1M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $681K | $451K | $6.5M | $1 | — | — |
| 2020 | $526K | $412K | $6.3M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $497K | $390K | $6.1M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $406K | $383K | $6.0M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $562K | $387K | $6.0M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $348K | $389K | $5.8M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $313K | $368K | $5.8M | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2024: Revenue of $1.4M, expenses of $517K, and assets of $7.8M (revenue +355.9% year-over-year).
- 2023: Revenue of $308K, expenses of $488K, and assets of $6.9M (revenue -70.6% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $1.0M, expenses of $500K, and assets of $7.1M (revenue +53.8% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $681K, expenses of $451K, and assets of $6.5M (revenue +29.5% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $526K, expenses of $412K, and assets of $6.3M (revenue +5.7% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $497K, expenses of $390K, and assets of $6.1M (revenue +22.4% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $406K, expenses of $383K, and assets of $6.0M (revenue -27.7% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $562K, expenses of $387K, and assets of $6.0M (revenue +61.6% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $348K, expenses of $389K, and assets of $5.8M (revenue +11.1% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $313K, expenses of $368K, and assets of $5.8M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Axe Houghton Foundation:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Axe Houghton Foundation is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.