Nelson Family Foundation
Nelson Family Foundation consistently operates at a deficit, drawing on its $1M asset base.
EIN: 134120076 · Stowe, VT · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $303K |
| Total Expenses | $65K |
| Program Spending | 80% |
| Net Assets | $991K |
| Transparency Score | 75/100 |
Is Nelson Family Foundation Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Nelson Family Foundation directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Nelson Family Foundation
Nelson Family Foundation (EIN: 134120076) is a nonprofit organization based in Stowe, VT. The organization reported total revenue of $303K and total assets of $975K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Nelson Family Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Nelson Family Foundation is a small nonprofit that has been operating for 26 years, with 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -14.2%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $65K |
| Total Expenses | $65K |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-364 |
| Total Assets | $991K |
| Total Liabilities | $1 |
| Net Assets | $991K |
| Operating Margin | -0.6% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 0.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 181.6 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Nelson Family Foundation reported a deficit of $364 with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 181.6 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), Nelson Family Foundation's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -14.2%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +547.4% | -11.9% | +-0.0% |
| 2022 | -88.5% | +9.5% | -6.1% |
| 2021 | +35.5% | +1.2% | +1.9% |
| 2020 | +11.3% | -0.1% | -0.2% |
| 2019 | +30.3% | -9.6% | -9.0% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2000 |
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 Nelson Family 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: 15%
- programs: 80%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Nelson Family Foundation allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 15%, programs: 80%, fundraising: 5%. With 80% 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 $364, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation has consistently been reported as 0% across all filings, indicating that officers are not compensated, which is a positive sign 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 Nelson Family Foundation's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent operational deficits (expenses exceeding revenue in most years, e.g., $65,465 expenses vs. $65,101 revenue in 2023).
- Gradual decline in total assets over the past decade (from $1,280,054 in 2011 to $990,692 in 2023).
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Nelson Family Foundation:
- No officer compensation reported (0% officer comp across all filings), indicating efficient use of funds for governance.
- Very low liabilities ($1 consistently reported), indicating a strong balance sheet.
- Stable asset base near $1 million, providing a solid foundation for its philanthropic activities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nelson Family Foundation
Is Nelson Family Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Nelson Family Foundation (EIN: 134120076) some concerns. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
How does Nelson Family Foundation spend its money?
Nelson Family Foundation directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Nelson Family Foundation tax-deductible?
Nelson Family Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 134120076). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Nelson Family Foundation's spending goes to programs?
Nelson Family Foundation directs 80% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
Where is Nelson Family Foundation located?
Nelson Family Foundation is headquartered in Stowe, Vermont and files with the IRS under EIN 134120076.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Nelson Family Foundation have?
Nelson 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 $303K in total revenue.
What are the specific program activities or grants made by the Nelson Family Foundation?
The provided data does not detail specific program activities or grants. As a private foundation, its primary 'program' would typically be making grants to other organizations, but the beneficiaries are not listed here.
How does the Nelson Family Foundation cover its consistent operational deficits?
The foundation likely covers its operational deficits by drawing from its investment portfolio or endowment, as its assets have decreased from $1,280,054 in 2011 to $990,692 in 2023, while expenses frequently exceed reported revenue.
Is the Nelson Family Foundation's asset decline a concern?
The decline in assets from over $1.2 million to under $1 million over a decade, while not drastic, warrants monitoring, especially given the consistent operational deficits. It suggests a gradual depletion of principal if not offset by investment gains or future large contributions.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Nelson Family Foundation showing financial trends over 10 years of public records:
Over 10 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Nelson Family Foundation's revenue has declined by 84.2%, moving from $411K to $65K. Total assets decreased by 22.6% over the same period, from $1.3M to $991K. Total functional expenses rose by 773%, from $7K to $65K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Nelson Family Foundation reported a deficit of $364, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $1 in liabilities against $991K in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%), resulting in net assets of $991K.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $65K | $65K | $991K | $1 | — | — |
| 2022 | $10K | $74K | $991K | $1 | — | — |
| 2021 | $88K | $68K | $1.1M | $1 | — | — |
| 2020 | $65K | $67K | $1.0M | $1 | — | — |
| 2019 | $58K | $67K | $1.0M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $45K | $74K | $1.1M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $30K | $76K | $1.2M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $81K | $73K | $1.2M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $2K | $75K | $1.2M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $411K | $7K | $1.3M | $1 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $65K, expenses of $65K, and assets of $991K (revenue +547.4% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $10K, expenses of $74K, and assets of $991K (revenue -88.5% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $88K, expenses of $68K, and assets of $1.1M (revenue +35.5% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $65K, expenses of $67K, and assets of $1.0M (revenue +11.3% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $58K, expenses of $67K, and assets of $1.0M (revenue +30.3% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $45K, expenses of $74K, and assets of $1.1M (revenue +47.7% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $30K, expenses of $76K, and assets of $1.2M (revenue -62.8% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $81K, expenses of $73K, and assets of $1.2M (revenue +4238.6% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $2K, expenses of $75K, and assets of $1.2M (revenue -99.5% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $411K, expenses of $7K, and assets of $1.3M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Nelson Family Foundation:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Nelson 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.