Exploration Foundation
Exploration Foundation maintains operational stability with declining assets and no executive compensation.
EIN: 208992248 · Kailua Kona, HI · NTEE: B11 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $499K |
| Total Expenses | $437K |
| Program Spending | 90% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $6 |
| Net Assets | $2.0M |
| Transparency Score | 85/100 |
Is Exploration Foundation Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Exploration Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Exploration Foundation
Exploration Foundation (EIN: 208992248) is a nonprofit organization based in Kailua Kona, HI, classified under NTEE code B11. The organization reported total revenue of $499K and total assets of $6.1M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Exploration Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Exploration Foundation is a small nonprofit that has been operating for 18 years, with 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2012–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 9.2%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $428K |
| Total Expenses | $437K |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-8,753 |
| Total Assets | $6.3M |
| Total Liabilities | $4.3M |
| Net Assets | $2.0M |
| Operating Margin | -2.0% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 68.4% |
| Months of Reserves | 171.8 months |
Financial Health Grade: C
In 2023, Exploration Foundation reported a deficit of $9K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 171.8 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 68.4% (high leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 12 years of filings (2012–2023), Exploration Foundation's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -10.0% | +1.4% | -2.6% |
| 2022 | -21.8% | -4.8% | -4.1% |
| 2021 | +0.2% | -3.1% | -4.5% |
| 2020 | +0.8% | -3.7% | -7.0% |
| 2019 | -3.0% | +1.4% | -0.8% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2008 |
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 Exploration 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: 7%
- programs: 90%
- fundraising: 3%
According to IRS 990 filings, Exploration Foundation allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 7%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 3%. 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 $9K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 68.4%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that no officers or key employees receive salaries from the organization, which is highly unusual for an organization with assets over $6 million and annual revenues nearing $500,000.
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 Exploration Foundation's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent decline in total assets over the past decade without clear explanation in the provided data.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Exploration Foundation:
- Zero officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating high efficiency and mission focus.
- Consistent operational stability with revenues generally covering expenses in recent years (e.g., 202206 revenue $475,606 vs. expenses $430,803).
- Long history of IRS 990 filings (12 filings), demonstrating consistent transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions about Exploration Foundation
Is Exploration Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Exploration Foundation (EIN: 208992248) some concerns. Mission Score: 85/100. 1 red flag identified, 3 strengths noted.
How does Exploration Foundation spend its money?
Exploration Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Exploration Foundation tax-deductible?
Exploration Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 208992248). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the Exploration Foundation CEO make?
Exploration Foundation's highest-compensated officer earns $6 annually. The organization reported $499K in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
What percentage of Exploration Foundation's spending goes to programs?
Exploration Foundation directs 90% to programs, 3% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Exploration Foundation compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 85/100 (Excellent), Exploration Foundation is above average for NTEE category B11 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Exploration Foundation located?
Exploration Foundation is headquartered in Kailua Kona, Hawaii and files with the IRS under EIN 208992248. It is classified under NTEE code B11.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Exploration Foundation have?
Exploration Foundation has 12 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 $499K in total revenue.
Is Exploration Foundation a good charity?
Based on the provided data, Exploration Foundation exhibits strong financial transparency with 0% officer compensation and generally manages its expenses within its revenue. The consistent decline in assets and liabilities warrants further investigation, but the lack of executive pay is a significant positive indicator of mission focus.
Why are the organization's assets declining?
The organization's assets have steadily declined from $8,061,384 in 201606 to $6,110,252 currently. This trend could be due to strategic asset liquidation, investment losses, or a shift in operational model. Further details on the nature of these assets and the reasons for their reduction would be needed for a complete understanding.
How does the lack of officer compensation impact the organization?
The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation means that all funds are directed towards program activities, administrative overhead, or fundraising efforts, rather than executive salaries. This is a strong indicator of efficiency and a commitment to the mission, potentially allowing for greater impact per dollar spent.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Exploration Foundation showing financial trends over 12 years of public records:
Over 12 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2023), Exploration Foundation's revenue has grown by 162.7%, moving from $163K to $428K. Total assets increased by 6585% over the same period, from $94K to $6.3M. Total functional expenses rose by 227.5%, from $133K to $437K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Exploration Foundation reported a deficit of $9K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $4.3M in liabilities against $6.3M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 68.4%), resulting in net assets of $2.0M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $428K | $437K | $6.3M | $4.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $476K | $431K | $6.4M | $4.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $608K | $452K | $6.7M | $4.8M | — | — |
| 2020 | $607K | $467K | $7.0M | $5.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $602K | $485K | $7.5M | $5.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $621K | $478K | $7.6M | $6.0M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $602K | $514K | $7.9M | $6.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $327K | $467K | $8.1M | $6.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $278K | $501K | $7.7M | $6.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $116K | $110K | $7.2M | $5.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $1.6M | $6K | $2.3M | $602K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $163K | $133K | $94K | $1K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $428K, expenses of $437K, and assets of $6.3M (revenue -10.0% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $476K, expenses of $431K, and assets of $6.4M (revenue -21.8% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $608K, expenses of $452K, and assets of $6.7M (revenue +0.2% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $607K, expenses of $467K, and assets of $7.0M (revenue +0.8% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $602K, expenses of $485K, and assets of $7.5M (revenue -3.0% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $621K, expenses of $478K, and assets of $7.6M (revenue +3.1% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $602K, expenses of $514K, and assets of $7.9M (revenue +84.1% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $327K, expenses of $467K, and assets of $8.1M (revenue +17.5% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $278K, expenses of $501K, and assets of $7.7M (revenue +140.4% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $116K, expenses of $110K, and assets of $7.2M (revenue -92.9% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $1.6M, expenses of $6K, and assets of $2.3M (revenue +895.9% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $163K, expenses of $133K, and assets of $94K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Exploration Foundation:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Exploration 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.