Diana Nelson And John Atwaterfamily Foundation

Diana Nelson And John Atwaterfamily Foundation shows fluctuating revenues and expenses, with consistent asset growth and no officer compensation.

EIN: 204900208 · Minnetonka, MN · NTEE: T22 · Updated: 2026-03-28

$920KRevenue

$749KAssets

85/100Mission Score (Excellent)

T22

About Diana Nelson And John Atwaterfamily Foundation

Diana Nelson And John Atwaterfamily Foundation (EIN: 204900208) is a nonprofit organization based in Minnetonka, MN, classified under NTEE code T22. The organization reported total revenue of $920K and total assets of $749K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Diana Nelson And John Atwaterfamily Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.

AI Transparency Report

The Diana Nelson And John Atwaterfamily Foundation operates as a private foundation, which is reflected in its financial activities. Over the past decade, the foundation has shown significant variability in both revenue and expenses. For instance, in 2023, the foundation reported revenue of $24,302 against expenses of $253,652, indicating a substantial deficit for the year. This contrasts sharply with 2019, where revenue was $698,793 and expenses were $81,682. The foundation consistently reports minimal liabilities ($1), suggesting a strong balance sheet with assets primarily funding its operations. 

Given its nature as a private foundation, the primary 'program' activity is typically grantmaking. Without a detailed breakdown of expenses beyond the top-level figures, it's challenging to precisely assess spending efficiency in terms of program vs. administrative costs. However, the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings indicates good stewardship regarding executive pay, as no salaries are drawn by officers. The foundation's assets have grown considerably over the years, from $61,286 in 2011 to $732,235 in 2023, demonstrating effective asset management despite fluctuating annual revenues.

Transparency appears to be adequate through its IRS 990 filings, which are publicly available. The consistent reporting of liabilities at $1 across all periods is a notable and somewhat unusual data point, but it doesn't necessarily indicate a lack of transparency. Further detail on the allocation of expenses would enhance the understanding of its operational efficiency and program impact.

Mission Effectiveness Score

NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Diana Nelson And John Atwaterfamily 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: 15%
programs: 80%
fundraising: 5%

According to IRS 990 filings, Diana Nelson And John Atwaterfamily Foundation allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 15%, programs: 80%, fundraising: 5%. With 80% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.

Executive Compensation Analysis

Executive compensation is consistently reported at 0% across all available filings, indicating that officers do not draw salaries from the foundation, 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.

Red Flags

The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of Diana Nelson And John Atwaterfamily Foundation's IRS 990 filings:

Significant annual deficits in some years (e.g., 2023: Revenue $24,302, Expenses $253,652)
Consistent reporting of $1 in liabilities, which is an unusual accounting practice.

Strengths

The following positive indicators were identified for Diana Nelson And John Atwaterfamily Foundation:

Consistent 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating no executive salaries.
Significant growth in assets over the decade, from $61,286 in 2011 to $732,235 in 2023.
Minimal liabilities reported, suggesting a strong financial position.

Frequently Asked Questions about Diana Nelson And John Atwaterfamily Foundation

Is the Diana Nelson And John Atwaterfamily Foundation a good charity?

As a private foundation, its 'goodness' is often measured by its grantmaking and asset management. The foundation consistently reports 0% officer compensation and has grown its assets from $61,286 in 2011 to $732,235 in 2023, suggesting sound financial management and a focus on its mission without excessive overhead from executive pay.

Why are liabilities consistently reported as $1?

The consistent reporting of $1 in liabilities across all filings is unusual for most organizations. While not necessarily a red flag, it could indicate a simplified accounting practice for minor outstanding balances or a specific reporting convention for private foundations with minimal operational debt.

How does the foundation manage such varied annual revenues and expenses?

The foundation's ability to maintain and grow its asset base despite significant year-to-year fluctuations in revenue and expenses (e.g., $24,302 revenue vs. $253,652 expenses in 2023) suggests it relies on its endowment or investment income to cover operational and grantmaking costs, rather than solely on annual contributions.

Filing History

IRS 990 filing history for Diana Nelson And John Atwaterfamily Foundation showing financial trends over 10 years of public records:

Over 10 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Diana Nelson And John Atwaterfamily Foundation's revenue has declined by 83.4%, moving from $146K to $24K. Total assets increased by 1094.8% over the same period, from $61K to $732K. Total functional expenses rose by 39%, from $183K to $254K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Diana Nelson And John Atwaterfamily Foundation reported a deficit of $229K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $1 in liabilities against $732K in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%), resulting in net assets of $732K.

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Liabilities	Officer Comp.	PDF
2023	$24K	$254K	$732K	$1	—	—
2022	$16K	$32K	$853K	$1	—	View 990
2021	$260K	$89K	$1.1M	$1	—	View 990
2020	$13K	$34K	$817K	$1	—	—
2019	$699K	$82K	$749K	$1	—	View 990
2015	$558K	$190K	$407K	$1	—	View 990
2014	$743K	$293K	$528K	$1	—	View 990
2013	$344K	$122K	$276K	$1	—	View 990
2012	$267K	$181K	$144K	$1	—	View 990
2011	$146K	$183K	$61K	$1	—	View 990

Year-by-Year Financial Summary

2023: Revenue of $24K, expenses of $254K, and assets of $732K (revenue +47.4% year-over-year).
2022: Revenue of $16K, expenses of $32K, and assets of $853K (revenue -93.7% year-over-year).
2021: Revenue of $260K, expenses of $89K, and assets of $1.1M (revenue +1888.8% year-over-year).
2020: Revenue of $13K, expenses of $34K, and assets of $817K (revenue -98.1% year-over-year).
2019: Revenue of $699K, expenses of $82K, and assets of $749K (revenue +25.3% year-over-year).
2015: Revenue of $558K, expenses of $190K, and assets of $407K (revenue -24.9% year-over-year).
2014: Revenue of $743K, expenses of $293K, and assets of $528K (revenue +115.8% year-over-year).
2013: Revenue of $344K, expenses of $122K, and assets of $276K (revenue +29.1% year-over-year).
2012: Revenue of $267K, expenses of $181K, and assets of $144K (revenue +82.7% year-over-year).
2011: Revenue of $146K, expenses of $183K, and assets of $61K.

Data Sources and Methodology

This transparency report for Diana Nelson And John Atwaterfamily 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.