Earle Brown Music Foundation
Earle Brown Music Foundation maintains substantial assets despite recent operational deficits and no reported officer compensation.
EIN: 133921924 · Atlanta, GA · NTEE: A50I · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Earle Brown Music Foundation Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Earle Brown Music Foundation directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Earle Brown Music Foundation
Earle Brown Music Foundation (EIN: 133921924) is a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, GA, classified under NTEE code A50I. The organization reported total revenue of $1.7M and total assets of $22.6M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Earle Brown Music Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Earle Brown Music Foundation is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 28 years, with 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 16.5%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $862K |
| Total Expenses | $1.8M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-908,153 |
| Total Assets | $21.2M |
| Total Liabilities | $1 |
| Net Assets | $21.2M |
| Operating Margin | -105.4% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 0.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 143.6 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Earle Brown Music Foundation reported a deficit of $908K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 143.6 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 (2011–2023), Earle Brown Music Foundation's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -30.8% | -14.5% | +0.4% |
| 2022 | -52.9% | +5.8% | -18.7% |
| 2021 | +11.2% | +38.5% | +10.5% |
| 2019 | -104.3% | +198.5% | +924.7% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1998 |
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 Earle Brown Music Foundation with a Mission Score of 75 out of 100 (Good). 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, Earle Brown Music 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.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $908K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which is unusual for an organization with over $1.7 million in annual revenue and $22 million in assets, suggesting either a fully volunteer executive team or that executive compensation is categorized differently within expenses.
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 Earle Brown Music Foundation's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent operational deficits in recent years (e.g., 202309 expenses $1,769,768 vs. revenue $861,615)
- Unexplained 0% officer compensation for an organization of this size and asset base
- Significant fluctuations in annual revenue, including a negative revenue year in 201909 ($-81,857)
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Earle Brown Music Foundation:
- Substantial asset base ($22,579,829) providing financial stability
- Minimal liabilities across all recent filings ($1 in 202309, 202209, 202109, 202009)
- Consistent IRS 990 filing history demonstrating transparency
- Mission-aligned NTEE code (A50I - Performing Arts, Music)
Frequently Asked Questions about Earle Brown Music Foundation
Is Earle Brown Music Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Earle Brown Music Foundation (EIN: 133921924) some concerns. Mission Score: 75/100. 3 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Earle Brown Music Foundation spend its money?
Earle Brown Music Foundation directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Earle Brown Music Foundation tax-deductible?
Earle Brown Music Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 133921924). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is Earle Brown Music Foundation a good charity?
The foundation demonstrates financial stability through its significant asset base ($22,579,829) and minimal liabilities. However, recent years (202309, 202209) show expenses exceeding revenue, indicating a reliance on reserves or investment income. The consistent 0% officer compensation is a unique aspect that could be viewed positively for resource allocation but also raises questions about how leadership is compensated or structured.
How does the foundation manage its expenses?
Expense management shows variability. In 202309, expenses were $1,769,768 against $861,615 in revenue, and in 202209, expenses were $2,069,137 against $1,245,993 in revenue. This indicates periods where operational costs outstripped incoming funds, suggesting a need to draw from accumulated assets or investment returns.
What is the trend in the foundation's revenue?
Revenue has been inconsistent, with a peak of $2,643,188 in 202109, followed by a decline to $861,615 in 202309. There was also a negative revenue year in 201909 ($-81,857), indicating significant fluctuations in its funding streams.
How transparent is the foundation regarding executive compensation?
The foundation consistently reports 0% officer compensation on its IRS 990 filings. While this could indicate a volunteer-led structure, it's an unusual figure for an organization of its size and asset base, and further clarification would enhance transparency regarding how leadership is supported.
What is the financial outlook for the Earle Brown Music Foundation?
The foundation's substantial assets ($22,579,829) provide a strong buffer against operational deficits. However, the recent trend of expenses exceeding revenue suggests that long-term sustainability will depend on either increasing revenue streams or more tightly controlling expenses to avoid significant depletion of its reserves.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Earle Brown Music Foundation showing financial trends over 10 years of public records:
Over 10 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Earle Brown Music Foundation's revenue has grown by 527.9%, moving from $137K to $862K. Total assets increased by 3860% over the same period, from $535K to $21.2M. Total functional expenses rose by 1099.4%, from $148K to $1.8M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Earle Brown Music Foundation reported a deficit of $908K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $1 in liabilities against $21.2M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%), resulting in net assets of $21.2M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $862K | $1.8M | $21.2M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $1.2M | $2.1M | $21.1M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $2.6M | $2.0M | $26.0M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $2.4M | $1.4M | $23.5M | $1 | — | — |
| 2019 | $-81,857 | $1.4M | $21.1M | $273 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $1.9M | $474K | $2.1M | $34K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $194K | $126K | $587K | $3 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $155K | $177K | $518K | $4 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $130K | $125K | $540K | $4 | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $137K | $148K | $535K | $4 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $862K, expenses of $1.8M, and assets of $21.2M (revenue -30.8% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $21.1M (revenue -52.9% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $2.6M, expenses of $2.0M, and assets of $26.0M (revenue +11.2% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $2.4M, expenses of $1.4M, and assets of $23.5M.
- 2019: Revenue of $-81,857, expenses of $1.4M, and assets of $21.1M (revenue -104.3% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $1.9M, expenses of $474K, and assets of $2.1M (revenue +884.1% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $194K, expenses of $126K, and assets of $587K (revenue +25.3% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $155K, expenses of $177K, and assets of $518K (revenue +19.2% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $130K, expenses of $125K, and assets of $540K (revenue -5.1% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $137K, expenses of $148K, and assets of $535K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Earle Brown Music Foundation:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Earle Brown Music 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.