Isidore Stern Foundation
Isidore Stern Foundation consistently spends more than it earns, drawing down assets over the last decade.
EIN: 136113256 · Ridgefield, CT · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $649K |
| Total Expenses | $118K |
| Program Spending | 90% |
| Net Assets | $853K |
| Transparency Score | 75/100 |
Is Isidore Stern Foundation Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Isidore Stern Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Isidore Stern Foundation
Isidore Stern Foundation (EIN: 136113256) is a nonprofit organization based in Ridgefield, CT. The organization reported total revenue of $649K and total assets of $1.1M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Isidore Stern Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Isidore Stern Foundation is a small nonprofit that has been operating for 77 years, with 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -7.2%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $73K |
| Total Expenses | $118K |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-45,746 |
| Total Assets | $853K |
| Total Liabilities | $1 |
| Net Assets | $853K |
| Operating Margin | -63.1% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 0.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 86.6 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Isidore Stern Foundation reported a deficit of $46K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 86.6 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), Isidore Stern Foundation's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7.2%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -72.2% | -58.6% | -5.1% |
| 2022 | -5.2% | -11.5% | -2.7% |
| 2021 | +12.4% | +14.2% | -5.0% |
| 2020 | +12.2% | +1.2% | -3.8% |
| 2019 | +40.5% | +93.1% | -11.4% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1280 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1949 |
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 Isidore Stern 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: 10%
- programs: 90%
- fundraising: 0%
According to IRS 990 filings, Isidore Stern 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 $46K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that no funds are used for executive salaries, which is highly efficient for an organization of its 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 Isidore Stern Foundation's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent net operating losses, with expenses frequently exceeding revenue (e.g., 2023: $118,265 expenses vs. $72,519 revenue).
- Declining asset base over the past decade, from $1,136,148 in 2011 to $853,009 in 2023.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Isidore Stern Foundation:
- Zero officer compensation, indicating highly efficient use of funds for leadership.
- Minimal liabilities, consistently reported as $0 or $1, showing strong financial stability and no significant debt.
- Consistent filing of IRS Form 990, demonstrating transparency in financial reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions about Isidore Stern Foundation
Is Isidore Stern Foundation a legitimate charity?
Isidore Stern Foundation (EIN: 136113256) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in Connecticut. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 75/100. It has 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $649K. 2 red flags identified. 3 strengths noted. Financial health grade: B.
How does Isidore Stern Foundation spend its money?
Isidore Stern Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.
Are donations to Isidore Stern Foundation tax-deductible?
Isidore Stern Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 136113256). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Where is Isidore Stern Foundation located?
Isidore Stern Foundation is headquartered in Ridgefield, Connecticut and files with the IRS under EIN 136113256.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Isidore Stern Foundation have?
Isidore Stern 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 $649K in total revenue.
What are the specific program activities funded by the Isidore Stern Foundation?
The provided data does not detail the specific program activities. Further investigation into the foundation's 990-PF filings (if applicable) or website would be needed to understand its philanthropic focus.
Why have the foundation's assets been declining over the past decade?
The foundation's assets have declined from $1,136,148 in 2011 to $853,009 in 2023 primarily because its expenses have frequently exceeded its revenue. This is a common operational model for private foundations that distribute grants from their endowment.
Does the foundation engage in any fundraising activities?
Based on the consistent revenue patterns and the nature of a private foundation, it is unlikely the organization engages in public fundraising. Its revenue likely comes from investment income or contributions from a limited number of sources, rather than broad public appeals.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Isidore Stern Foundation showing financial trends over 10 years of public records:
Over 10 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Isidore Stern Foundation's revenue has declined by 59.4%, moving from $179K to $73K. Total assets decreased by 24.9% over the same period, from $1.1M to $853K. Total functional expenses rose by 88.7%, from $63K to $118K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Isidore Stern Foundation reported a deficit of $46K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $1 in liabilities against $853K in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%), resulting in net assets of $853K.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $73K | $118K | $853K | $1 | — | — |
| 2022 | $260K | $286K | $899K | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $275K | $323K | $924K | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $244K | $283K | $972K | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $218K | $279K | $1.0M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $155K | $145K | $1.1M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $73K | $144K | $1.1M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $95K | $91K | $1.2M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $147K | $86K | $1.2M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $179K | $63K | $1.1M | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $73K, expenses of $118K, and assets of $853K (revenue -72.2% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $260K, expenses of $286K, and assets of $899K (revenue -5.2% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $275K, expenses of $323K, and assets of $924K (revenue +12.4% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $244K, expenses of $283K, and assets of $972K (revenue +12.2% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $218K, expenses of $279K, and assets of $1.0M (revenue +40.5% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $155K, expenses of $145K, and assets of $1.1M (revenue +113.4% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $73K, expenses of $144K, and assets of $1.1M (revenue -23.7% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $95K, expenses of $91K, and assets of $1.2M (revenue -35.4% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $147K, expenses of $86K, and assets of $1.2M (revenue -17.5% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $179K, expenses of $63K, and assets of $1.1M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Isidore Stern Foundation:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Isidore Stern 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.