Carter Family Foundation
Carter Family Foundation maintains substantial assets despite fluctuating revenue and consistent grantmaking expenses.
EIN: 203311749 · Wayzata, MN · NTEE: T22 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $14.1M |
| Total Expenses | $1.2M |
| Program Spending | 90% |
| Net Assets | $12.6M |
| Transparency Score | 85/100 |
Is Carter Family Foundation Legit?
Appears Legitimate
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Carter Family Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Carter Family Foundation
Carter Family Foundation (EIN: 203311749) is a nonprofit organization based in Wayzata, MN, classified under NTEE code T22. The organization reported total revenue of $14.1M and total assets of $12.6M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Carter Family Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Carter Family Foundation is a large nonprofit that has been operating for 21 years, with 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 2.8%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $294K |
| Total Expenses | $1.2M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-942,542 |
| Total Assets | $12.6M |
| Total Liabilities | $1 |
| Net Assets | $12.6M |
| Operating Margin | -320.5% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 0.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 122.7 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Carter Family Foundation reported a deficit of $943K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 122.7 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 (2011–2023), Carter Family Foundation's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -72.5% | -13.8% | +2.0% |
| 2022 | -79.3% | -8.9% | -14.2% |
| 2021 | -7.0% | +18.4% | +45.0% |
| 2020 | +298.6% | +31.9% | +95.5% |
| 2019 | +86.7% | +686.7% | +164.9% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2005 |
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 Carter Family Foundation with a Mission Score of 85 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: 10%
- programs: 90%
- fundraising: 0%
According to IRS 990 filings, Carter Family Foundation allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 0%. With 90% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $943K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The Carter Family Foundation consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that executive leadership is either unpaid or compensated through mechanisms not categorized as officer compensation on the 990, which is a positive sign for resource allocation.
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 Carter Family Foundation:
- Strong asset base: Assets of $12,639,625 in 2023 provide significant financial stability.
- Minimal liabilities: Consistently reported liabilities of $1 in recent years indicate sound financial management.
- No reported officer compensation: 0% officer compensation across all filings suggests efficient use of funds for mission.
- Consistent grantmaking: Despite revenue fluctuations, the foundation maintains consistent expense levels for its charitable activities.
- High program focus: As a grantmaking foundation, its primary expenses are directly related to its charitable mission.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carter Family Foundation
Is Carter Family Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Carter Family Foundation (EIN: 203311749) appears legitimate. Mission Score: 85/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
How does Carter Family Foundation spend its money?
Carter Family Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Carter Family Foundation tax-deductible?
Carter Family Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 203311749). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How does Carter Family Foundation compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 85/100 (Excellent), Carter Family Foundation is above average for NTEE category T22 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Carter Family Foundation located?
Carter Family Foundation is headquartered in Wayzata, Minnesota and files with the IRS under EIN 203311749. It is classified under NTEE code T22.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Carter Family Foundation have?
Carter Family Foundation has 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record at NonprofitSpending. This extensive filing history provides a strong basis for evaluating long-term financial trends. The most recent filing shows $14.1M in total revenue.
How does the Carter Family Foundation manage its grantmaking in periods of lower revenue?
Despite revenue fluctuations, the foundation's substantial asset base (e.g., $12,639,625 in 2023) allows it to continue its grantmaking activities, often with expenses exceeding annual revenue, by drawing from its endowment.
What is the primary source of the foundation's revenue?
As a private grantmaking foundation (NTEE T22), its revenue primarily comes from investment returns on its endowment and potentially contributions, rather than public fundraising.
Is the foundation financially stable given recent revenue declines?
Yes, the foundation appears financially stable due to its significant assets ($12,639,625 in 2023) and minimal liabilities ($1), which provide a strong buffer against revenue volatility.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Carter Family Foundation showing financial trends over 10 years of public records:
Over 10 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Carter Family Foundation's revenue has grown by 38.6%, moving from $212K to $294K. Total assets increased by 1956.8% over the same period, from $615K to $12.6M. Total functional expenses rose by 2135.1%, from $55K to $1.2M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Carter Family Foundation reported a deficit of $943K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $1 in liabilities against $12.6M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%), resulting in net assets of $12.6M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $294K | $1.2M | $12.6M | $1 | — | — |
| 2022 | $1.1M | $1.4M | $12.4M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $5.2M | $1.6M | $14.4M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $5.5M | $1.3M | $10.0M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $1.4M | $1.0M | $5.1M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $745K | $128K | $1.9M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $155K | $108K | $1.3M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $214K | $94K | $1.3M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $670K | $131K | $1.2M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $212K | $55K | $615K | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $294K, expenses of $1.2M, and assets of $12.6M (revenue -72.5% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $1.4M, and assets of $12.4M (revenue -79.3% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $5.2M, expenses of $1.6M, and assets of $14.4M (revenue -7.0% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $5.5M, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $10.0M (revenue +298.6% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $1.4M, expenses of $1.0M, and assets of $5.1M (revenue +86.7% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $745K, expenses of $128K, and assets of $1.9M (revenue +381.5% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $155K, expenses of $108K, and assets of $1.3M (revenue -27.8% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $214K, expenses of $94K, and assets of $1.3M (revenue -68.0% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $670K, expenses of $131K, and assets of $1.2M (revenue +215.9% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $212K, expenses of $55K, and assets of $615K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Carter Family Foundation:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Carter Family 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.