Joelson Foundation
Joelson Foundation maintains strong asset base despite fluctuating revenues and consistent operational deficits.
EIN: 136220799 · Princeton, NJ · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $4.6M |
| Total Expenses | $1.3M |
| Program Spending | 90% |
| Net Assets | $18.5M |
| Transparency Score | 95/100 |
Is Joelson Foundation Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Joelson Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Joelson Foundation
Joelson Foundation (EIN: 136220799) is a nonprofit organization based in Princeton, NJ. The organization reported total revenue of $4.6M and total assets of $16.1M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Joelson Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Joelson Foundation is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 59 years, with 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -0.2%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $665K |
| Total Expenses | $1.3M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-665,314 |
| Total Assets | $18.5M |
| Total Liabilities | $1 |
| Net Assets | $18.5M |
| Operating Margin | -100.1% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 0.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 167.0 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Joelson Foundation reported a deficit of $665K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 167.0 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), Joelson Foundation's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -0.2%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -88.5% | +12.2% | -3.5% |
| 2022 | +957.2% | +27.6% | +31.5% |
| 2021 | -46.8% | -25.5% | -2.5% |
| 2020 | -4.2% | -8.7% | -1.4% |
| 2019 | +122.4% | -4.7% | -1.5% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1967 |
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 Joelson 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, Joelson 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 $665K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The Joelson Foundation consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that no funds are allocated to executive salaries. This suggests a highly efficient use of resources, with all operational expenses likely directed towards program activities and essential administrative functions.
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 Joelson Foundation's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent operational deficits, with expenses frequently exceeding annual revenue, though covered by substantial assets.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Joelson Foundation:
- Zero officer compensation, indicating highly efficient use of funds.
- Substantial and stable asset base ($18,511,125 in 202303) providing long-term financial security.
- Minimal liabilities across all reporting periods, demonstrating strong financial management.
- Consistent IRS 990 filing history, indicating good transparency practices.
Frequently Asked Questions about Joelson Foundation
Is Joelson Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Joelson Foundation (EIN: 136220799) some concerns. Mission Score: 95/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Joelson Foundation spend its money?
Joelson Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Joelson Foundation tax-deductible?
Joelson Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 136220799). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Where is Joelson Foundation located?
Joelson Foundation is headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey and files with the IRS under EIN 136220799.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Joelson Foundation have?
Joelson 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 $4.6M in total revenue.
Is the Joelson Foundation a good charity?
Based on the available data, the Joelson Foundation appears to be a very good charity. It maintains a strong asset base ($18,511,125 in 202303), consistently reports 0% officer compensation, and has minimal liabilities, indicating sound financial health and a strong commitment to its mission without significant overhead for executive salaries.
How does the Joelson Foundation manage its expenses relative to its revenue?
The Joelson Foundation has frequently operated with expenses exceeding its revenue in several periods, such as 202303 (Revenue=$664,964, Expenses=$1,330,278) and 202103 (Revenue=$547,252, Expenses=$929,635). However, its substantial asset base ($18,511,125 in 202303) allows it to cover these operational deficits without financial strain, suggesting it draws from its endowment to support its activities.
What is the trend in the Joelson Foundation's assets?
The Joelson Foundation's assets have generally remained robust, fluctuating but staying within a strong range. They peaked at $19,179,281 in 202203 and were $18,511,125 in 202303, indicating long-term financial stability and growth from its initial reported assets of $16,954,406 in 201103.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Joelson Foundation showing financial trends over 10 years of public records:
Over 10 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Joelson Foundation's revenue has declined by 2.3%, moving from $681K to $665K. Total assets increased by 9.2% over the same period, from $17.0M to $18.5M. Total functional expenses rose by 15.3%, from $1.2M to $1.3M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Joelson Foundation reported a deficit of $665K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $1 in liabilities against $18.5M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%), resulting in net assets of $18.5M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $665K | $1.3M | $18.5M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $5.8M | $1.2M | $19.2M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $547K | $930K | $14.6M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $1.0M | $1.2M | $15.0M | $1 | — | — |
| 2019 | $1.1M | $1.4M | $15.2M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $482K | $1.4M | $15.4M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $959K | $1.5M | $16.3M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $1.4M | $1.3M | $16.8M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $861K | $1.2M | $16.7M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $681K | $1.2M | $17.0M | $441 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $665K, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $18.5M (revenue -88.5% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $5.8M, expenses of $1.2M, and assets of $19.2M (revenue +957.2% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $547K, expenses of $930K, and assets of $14.6M (revenue -46.8% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $1.0M, expenses of $1.2M, and assets of $15.0M (revenue -4.2% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $1.4M, and assets of $15.2M (revenue +122.4% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $482K, expenses of $1.4M, and assets of $15.4M (revenue -49.7% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $959K, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $16.3M (revenue -33.8% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $1.4M, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $16.8M (revenue +68.0% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $861K, expenses of $1.2M, and assets of $16.7M (revenue +26.6% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $681K, expenses of $1.2M, and assets of $17.0M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Joelson Foundation:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Joelson 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.