Merion Foundation
Merion Foundation maintains stable finances with no executive compensation, though recent expenses slightly exceeded revenue.
EIN: 205374661 · Merion Sta, PA · NTEE: T20 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Merion Foundation Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Merion Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Merion Foundation
Merion Foundation (EIN: 205374661) is a nonprofit organization based in Merion Sta, PA, classified under NTEE code T20. The organization reported total revenue of $1.8M and total assets of $1.7M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Merion Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Merion Foundation is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 20 years, with 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 23.9%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $131K |
| Total Expenses | $169K |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-37,174 |
| Total Assets | $1.2M |
| Total Liabilities | $184K |
| Net Assets | $991K |
| Operating Margin | -28.3% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 15.7% |
| Months of Reserves | 83.6 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Merion Foundation reported a deficit of $37K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 83.6 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 15.7% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 10 years of filings (2011–2023), Merion Foundation's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.9%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -32.1% | +14.4% | -3.1% |
| 2022 | +8.3% | -23.4% | -1.2% |
| 2021 | +258.5% | +111.5% | -3.6% |
| 2020 | -51.9% | -22.7% | +0.9% |
| 2019 | +800.4% | +864.8% | +171340.6% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2006 |
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 Merion 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, Merion 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 $37K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 15.7%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is consistently reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that no officers or directors are paid salaries from the organization's funds, which is highly efficient for an organization with recent revenues around $130,000-$190,000.
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 Merion Foundation's IRS 990 filings:
- Expenses slightly exceeded revenue in the most recent filing period (202312), leading to a minor deficit.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Merion Foundation:
- Consistent 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating high spending efficiency.
- Significant long-term growth in assets, from $1,424 in 2011 to $1,174,436 in 2023.
- Generally stable financial operations with revenues often exceeding or closely matching expenses in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions about Merion Foundation
Is Merion Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Merion Foundation (EIN: 205374661) some concerns. Mission Score: 95/100. 1 red flag identified, 3 strengths noted.
How does Merion Foundation spend its money?
Merion Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Merion Foundation tax-deductible?
Merion Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 205374661). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is Merion Foundation a good charity?
Based on the available data, Merion Foundation appears to be a good charity, primarily due to its consistent 0% officer compensation, indicating that all funds are directed towards its mission. Its asset growth also suggests sound financial management.
How has Merion Foundation's financial health changed over time?
The foundation has shown significant growth in assets, from $1,424 in 2011 to over $1.1 million in 2023. While annual revenues and expenses fluctuate, the overall trend indicates a stable and growing financial base.
What is the organization's approach to executive compensation?
Merion Foundation has consistently reported 0% officer compensation, meaning no salaries are paid to its executives or officers from the organization's funds, which is a strong indicator of efficiency and dedication to its mission.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Merion Foundation showing financial trends over 10 years of public records:
Over 10 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Merion Foundation's revenue has grown by 1214%, moving from $10K to $131K. Total assets increased by 82374.4% over the same period, from $1K to $1.2M. Total functional expenses rose by 1585.8%, from $10K to $169K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Merion Foundation reported a deficit of $37K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $184K in liabilities against $1.2M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 15.7%), resulting in net assets of $991K.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $131K | $169K | $1.2M | $184K | — | — |
| 2022 | $194K | $147K | $1.2M | $185K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $179K | $192K | $1.2M | $246K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $50K | $91K | $1.3M | $279K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $104K | $118K | $1.3M | $226K | — | — |
| 2015 | $12K | $12K | $736 | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $24K | $24K | $1K | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $1 | $0 | $1K | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $5K | $5K | $1K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $10K | $10K | $1K | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $131K, expenses of $169K, and assets of $1.2M (revenue -32.1% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $194K, expenses of $147K, and assets of $1.2M (revenue +8.3% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $179K, expenses of $192K, and assets of $1.2M (revenue +258.5% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $50K, expenses of $91K, and assets of $1.3M (revenue -51.9% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $104K, expenses of $118K, and assets of $1.3M (revenue +800.4% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $12K, expenses of $12K, and assets of $736 (revenue -52.1% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $24K, expenses of $24K, and assets of $1K (revenue +2399900.0% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $1, expenses of $0, and assets of $1K (revenue -100.0% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $5K, expenses of $5K, and assets of $1K (revenue -50.0% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $10K, expenses of $10K, and assets of $1K.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Merion 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.