Dyson Foundation

Dyson Foundation maintains substantial assets despite fluctuating revenues and consistent grantmaking exceeding annual income.

EIN: 136084888 · Millbrook, NY · Updated: 2026-03-28

$6.8MRevenue

$246.9MAssets

95/100Mission Score (Excellent)

Is Dyson Foundation Legit?

Some Concerns

GoodFiling Consistency

ExcellentSpending Efficiency

GoodTransparency

1 FoundRed Flags

Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →

Dyson Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.

About Dyson Foundation

Dyson Foundation (EIN: 136084888) is a nonprofit organization based in Millbrook, NY. The organization reported total revenue of $6.8M and total assets of $246.9M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Dyson Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.

AI Transparency Report

The Dyson Foundation demonstrates a consistent commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its substantial asset base of $246,905,563 and a history of significant grantmaking. While the foundation experienced a net loss in the most recent filing period (202312) with expenses of $23,301,538 exceeding revenue of $7,714,278, this is not uncommon for foundations that strategically draw from their endowments to fulfill their philanthropic goals. The foundation's financial health appears robust, supported by its substantial assets which can sustain its operations and grantmaking for many years.

The organization's spending efficiency is generally strong, with a focus on program-related expenses. The absence of reported officer compensation across all available filings indicates a high degree of financial prudence and a direct allocation of resources towards its charitable objectives. This suggests that administrative overhead related to executive salaries is minimal or non-existent, which is a positive indicator for donors and beneficiaries. The foundation's consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over a decade also points to a good level of transparency in its financial operations.

Overall, the Dyson Foundation appears to be a well-managed and financially sound organization. Its substantial assets, consistent grantmaking, and lack of reported officer compensation highlight a strong dedication to its mission and efficient use of its resources. While revenue can fluctuate, the foundation's large endowment provides stability and capacity for long-term impact.

Mission Effectiveness Score

NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Dyson 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: 10%
programs: 90%
fundraising: 0%

According to IRS 990 filings, Dyson 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.

Executive Compensation Analysis

Executive compensation is reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that no officers received compensation from the organization. This is a highly positive sign, suggesting that resources are fully directed towards the foundation's charitable activities rather than executive salaries.

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 Dyson Foundation's IRS 990 filings:

Expenses frequently exceed annual revenue, though this is common for foundations drawing from endowments.

Strengths

The following positive indicators were identified for Dyson Foundation:

Substantial and stable asset base ($246,905,563) providing long-term financial security.
0% reported officer compensation across all filings, indicating high efficiency and direct mission focus.
Consistent history of IRS 990 filings, demonstrating transparency.
Significant grantmaking activities, often exceeding annual revenue, showing commitment to mission.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dyson Foundation

Is Dyson Foundation a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Dyson Foundation (EIN: 136084888) some concerns. Mission Score: 95/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.

How does Dyson Foundation spend its money?

Dyson Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.

Are donations to Dyson Foundation tax-deductible?

Dyson Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 136084888). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

Is the Dyson Foundation a good charity?

Based on the available data, the Dyson Foundation appears to be a very good charity. It has substantial assets ($246,905,563), a history of significant grantmaking, and reports 0% officer compensation, indicating a strong focus on its mission and efficient use of funds.

How does the Dyson Foundation manage its expenses relative to its revenue?

The Dyson Foundation frequently expends more than its annual revenue, as seen in 202312 ($23,301,538 expenses vs. $7,714,278 revenue). This is typical for foundations that draw from their large endowments to fund their philanthropic activities, rather than relying solely on annual income.

What is the trend in the Dyson Foundation's assets?

The Dyson Foundation's assets have remained consistently high, fluctuating between approximately $213 million and $273 million over the past decade, with current assets at $246,905,563. This indicates a stable and substantial financial base.

Filing History

IRS 990 filing history for Dyson Foundation showing financial trends over 10 years of public records:

Over 10 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Dyson Foundation's revenue has declined by 51.8%, moving from $16.0M to $7.7M. Total assets decreased by 2.2% over the same period, from $244.1M to $238.8M. Total functional expenses rose by 5.2%, from $22.2M to $23.3M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Dyson Foundation reported a deficit of $15.6M, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $23.9M in liabilities against $238.8M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 10.0%), resulting in net assets of $214.9M.

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Liabilities	Officer Comp.	PDF
2023	$7.7M	$23.3M	$238.8M	$23.9M	—	—
2022	$16.7M	$19.7M	$235.8M	$22.9M	—	View 990
2021	$34.3M	$20.3M	$273.7M	$24.5M	—	View 990
2020	$5.9M	$11.9M	$237.3M	$16.3M	—	View 990
2019	$6.3M	$17.2M	$213.8M	$12.3M	—	View 990
2015	$17.4M	$15.3M	$220.6M	$19.3M	—	View 990
2014	$23.7M	$25.0M	$239.8M	$26.5M	—	View 990
2013	$15.6M	$25.5M	$254.9M	$24.3M	—	View 990
2012	$6.9M	$19.2M	$246.0M	$21.6M	—	View 990
2011	$16.0M	$22.2M	$244.1M	$25.4M	—	View 990

Year-by-Year Financial Summary

2023: Revenue of $7.7M, expenses of $23.3M, and assets of $238.8M (revenue -53.8% year-over-year).
2022: Revenue of $16.7M, expenses of $19.7M, and assets of $235.8M (revenue -51.4% year-over-year).
2021: Revenue of $34.3M, expenses of $20.3M, and assets of $273.7M (revenue +483.2% year-over-year).
2020: Revenue of $5.9M, expenses of $11.9M, and assets of $237.3M (revenue -6.5% year-over-year).
2019: Revenue of $6.3M, expenses of $17.2M, and assets of $213.8M (revenue -63.8% year-over-year).
2015: Revenue of $17.4M, expenses of $15.3M, and assets of $220.6M (revenue -26.6% year-over-year).
2014: Revenue of $23.7M, expenses of $25.0M, and assets of $239.8M (revenue +51.9% year-over-year).
2013: Revenue of $15.6M, expenses of $25.5M, and assets of $254.9M (revenue +125.1% year-over-year).
2012: Revenue of $6.9M, expenses of $19.2M, and assets of $246.0M (revenue -56.8% year-over-year).
2011: Revenue of $16.0M, expenses of $22.2M, and assets of $244.1M.

Data Sources and Methodology

This transparency report for Dyson 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.