Commonweal Foundation
Commonweal Foundation maintains strong assets and reports no officer compensation over a decade.
EIN: 133174407 · New York, NY · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $4.4M |
| Total Expenses | $2.4M |
| Program Spending | 85% |
| Net Assets | $2.6M |
| Transparency Score | 90/100 |
Is Commonweal Foundation Legit?
Appears Legitimate
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Commonweal Foundation directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Commonweal Foundation
Commonweal Foundation (EIN: 133174407) is a nonprofit organization based in New York, NY. The organization reported total revenue of $4.4M and total assets of $4.9M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Commonweal Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Commonweal Foundation is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 43 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 4.1%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $2.3M |
| Total Expenses | $2.4M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-53,203 |
| Total Assets | $3.3M |
| Total Liabilities | $628K |
| Net Assets | $2.6M |
| Operating Margin | -2.3% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 19.2% |
| Months of Reserves | 16.6 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Commonweal Foundation reported a deficit of $53K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 16.6 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 19.2% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Commonweal Foundation's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +35.4% | +9.3% | -8.1% |
| 2022 | -22.2% | +8.3% | -25.7% |
| 2021 | +35.5% | -4.4% | +15.5% |
| 2020 | -34.9% | -1.7% | -3.2% |
| 2019 | +41.0% | +3.2% | +3.6% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1983 |
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 Commonweal Foundation with a Mission Score of 90 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: 85%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Commonweal Foundation allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 85%, fundraising: 5%. With 85% 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 $53K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 19.2%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Commonweal Foundation consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that no salaries are paid to its officers. This is a highly positive sign, suggesting that all funds are directed towards the organization's mission and operational needs.
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 Commonweal Foundation:
- Consistent absence of officer compensation across all filings, indicating high transparency and mission focus.
- Strong and growing asset base, with current assets at $4,850,758, providing financial stability.
- Liabilities are consistently well-managed and significantly lower than assets, indicating low financial risk.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain operations even in years where expenses slightly exceed revenue, suggesting robust financial planning.
- Long-term financial stability evidenced by over a decade of consistent filing and asset management.
Frequently Asked Questions about Commonweal Foundation
Is Commonweal Foundation a legitimate charity?
Commonweal Foundation (EIN: 133174407) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in New York. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 90/100. It has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $4.4M. No red flags identified. 5 strengths noted. Financial health grade: B.
How does Commonweal Foundation spend its money?
Commonweal Foundation directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 5%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.
Are donations to Commonweal Foundation tax-deductible?
Commonweal Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 133174407). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Commonweal Foundation's spending goes to programs?
Commonweal Foundation directs 85% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
Where is Commonweal Foundation located?
Commonweal Foundation is headquartered in New York, New York and files with the IRS under EIN 133174407.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Commonweal Foundation have?
Commonweal Foundation has 13 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 $4.4M in total revenue.
What are the specific program areas Commonweal Foundation supports?
The provided data does not detail specific program areas, but the consistent financial health and lack of executive compensation suggest a strong focus on mission-related activities.
How does Commonweal Foundation manage its expenses when revenue is lower, such as in 202209 and 202309?
In periods like 202209 and 202309, where expenses ($2,164,151 and $2,365,373 respectively) exceeded revenue ($1,707,525 and $2,312,170), the organization likely drew from its accumulated assets or reserves to cover the difference, maintaining operational continuity.
What is the organization's strategy for asset growth, given its consistent increase over time?
While the specific strategy isn't detailed, the consistent growth in assets from $3,185,232 in 201509 to $4,850,758 currently suggests effective investment management and prudent financial planning, allowing for long-term stability and potential program expansion.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Commonweal Foundation showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Commonweal Foundation's revenue has grown by 62%, moving from $1.4M to $2.3M. Total assets increased by 41.6% over the same period, from $2.3M to $3.3M. Total functional expenses rose by 46.1%, from $1.6M to $2.4M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Commonweal Foundation reported a deficit of $53K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $628K in liabilities against $3.3M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 19.2%), resulting in net assets of $2.6M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $2.3M | $2.4M | $3.3M | $628K | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $1.7M | $2.2M | $3.6M | $1.0M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $2.2M | $2.0M | $4.8M | $767K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $1.6M | $2.1M | $4.1M | $767K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $2.5M | $2.1M | $4.3M | $591K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $1.8M | $2.1M | $4.1M | $888K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $2.0M | $1.8M | $4.1M | $574K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $2.0M | $1.7M | $3.7M | $626K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $2.0M | $1.8M | $3.2M | $667K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $1.6M | $1.8M | $3.6M | $847K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $1.6M | $1.7M | $3.5M | $644K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $2.3M | $1.5M | $3.4M | $692K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $1.4M | $1.6M | $2.3M | $646K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $2.3M, expenses of $2.4M, and assets of $3.3M (revenue +35.4% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $1.7M, expenses of $2.2M, and assets of $3.6M (revenue -22.2% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $2.2M, expenses of $2.0M, and assets of $4.8M (revenue +35.5% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $1.6M, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $4.1M (revenue -34.9% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $2.5M, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $4.3M (revenue +41.0% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $1.8M, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $4.1M (revenue -13.9% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $2.0M, expenses of $1.8M, and assets of $4.1M (revenue +0.3% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $2.0M, expenses of $1.7M, and assets of $3.7M (revenue +0.7% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $2.0M, expenses of $1.8M, and assets of $3.2M (revenue +29.5% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $1.6M, expenses of $1.8M, and assets of $3.6M (revenue -4.2% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $1.6M, expenses of $1.7M, and assets of $3.5M (revenue -27.7% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $2.3M, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $3.4M (revenue +58.6% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $1.4M, expenses of $1.6M, and assets of $2.3M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Commonweal Foundation:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Commonweal 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.