Gordon Family Foundation
Gordon Family Foundation consistently spends more than its annual revenue, drawing from substantial assets.
EIN: 137130595 · Boston, MA · NTEE: T21 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $1.1M |
| Total Expenses | $2.9M |
| Program Spending | 90% |
| Net Assets | $59.8M |
| Transparency Score | 85/100 |
Is Gordon Family Foundation Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Gordon Family Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Gordon Family Foundation
Gordon Family Foundation (EIN: 137130595) is a nonprofit organization based in Boston, MA, classified under NTEE code T21. The organization reported total revenue of $1.1M and total assets of $63.1M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Gordon Family Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Gordon Family Foundation is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 27 years, with 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -11.2%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $1.4M |
| Total Expenses | $2.9M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-1,461,456 |
| Total Assets | $65.0M |
| Total Liabilities | $5.2M |
| Net Assets | $59.8M |
| Operating Margin | -103.8% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 8.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 271.8 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Gordon Family Foundation reported a deficit of $1.5M with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 271.8 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 8.0% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 10 years of filings (2011–2023), Gordon Family Foundation's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -11.2%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +278.9% | -33.8% | -1.7% |
| 2022 | -98.6% | +4.5% | -5.2% |
| 2021 | -9.0% | +43.5% | +48.5% |
| 2020 | +9680.0% | +75.1% | +128.6% |
| 2019 | +235.6% | -46.9% | -29.7% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1999 |
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 Gordon Family 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: 10%
- programs: 90%
- fundraising: 0%
According to IRS 990 filings, Gordon Family 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.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $1.5M, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 8.0%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that officers either serve on a volunteer basis or are compensated through other means not reported as direct officer compensation on the 990, which is highly efficient for a foundation of this size.
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 Gordon Family Foundation's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent deficit spending in recent years (e.g., $2.8M expenses vs. $1.4M revenue in 2023)
- Significant fluctuations in annual revenue, making financial planning potentially challenging
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Gordon Family Foundation:
- Substantial and growing asset base ($64.9M in 2023)
- 0% reported officer compensation, indicating high administrative efficiency
- Consistent IRS 990 filing history, demonstrating transparency
- Strong program focus, as indicated by the nature of a private grantmaking foundation
Frequently Asked Questions about Gordon Family Foundation
Is Gordon Family Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Gordon Family Foundation (EIN: 137130595) some concerns. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Gordon Family Foundation spend its money?
Gordon Family Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Gordon Family Foundation tax-deductible?
Gordon Family Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 137130595). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How does Gordon Family Foundation compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 85/100 (Excellent), Gordon Family Foundation is above average for NTEE category T21 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Gordon Family Foundation located?
Gordon Family Foundation is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts and files with the IRS under EIN 137130595. It is classified under NTEE code T21.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Gordon Family Foundation have?
Gordon Family Foundation has 10 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 $1.1M in total revenue.
Is the Gordon Family Foundation a good charity?
As a private foundation, its primary role is grant-making. With substantial assets and 0% reported officer compensation, it appears to be an efficient vehicle for philanthropic giving, though its consistent deficit spending in recent years should be monitored for long-term sustainability.
Why does the foundation consistently spend more than it earns?
Private foundations often spend from their endowment (assets) to fulfill their grant-making obligations, especially in years where investment returns or contributions are lower than planned grant disbursements. This is a common practice, but sustained deficit spending could impact the long-term growth of the endowment.
What is the NTEE code T21?
NTEE code T21 typically refers to 'Private Grantmaking Foundations,' which aligns with the financial characteristics observed for the Gordon Family Foundation.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Gordon Family Foundation showing financial trends over 10 years of public records:
Over 10 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Gordon Family Foundation's revenue has declined by 75.8%, moving from $5.8M to $1.4M. Total assets increased by 88.5% over the same period, from $34.5M to $65.0M. Total functional expenses rose by 72%, from $1.7M to $2.9M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Gordon Family Foundation reported a deficit of $1.5M, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $5.2M in liabilities against $65.0M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 8.0%), resulting in net assets of $59.8M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.4M | $2.9M | $65.0M | $5.2M | — | — |
| 2022 | $372K | $4.3M | $66.1M | $3.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $26.7M | $4.2M | $69.7M | $5.7M | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $29.3M | $2.9M | $47.0M | $1 | — | — |
| 2019 | $300K | $1.7M | $20.5M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $89K | $3.1M | $29.2M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $138K | $2.1M | $32.2M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $5.8M | $3.2M | $34.2M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $31K | $2.9M | $32.0M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $5.8M | $1.7M | $34.5M | $1 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $1.4M, expenses of $2.9M, and assets of $65.0M (revenue +278.9% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $372K, expenses of $4.3M, and assets of $66.1M (revenue -98.6% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $26.7M, expenses of $4.2M, and assets of $69.7M (revenue -9.0% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $29.3M, expenses of $2.9M, and assets of $47.0M (revenue +9680.0% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $300K, expenses of $1.7M, and assets of $20.5M (revenue +235.6% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $89K, expenses of $3.1M, and assets of $29.2M (revenue -35.3% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $138K, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $32.2M (revenue -97.6% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $5.8M, expenses of $3.2M, and assets of $34.2M (revenue +18654.9% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $31K, expenses of $2.9M, and assets of $32.0M (revenue -99.5% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $5.8M, expenses of $1.7M, and assets of $34.5M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Gordon Family Foundation:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Gordon Family 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.