Nine Lives Foundation
Nine Lives Foundation shows consistent revenue growth and strong program spending efficiency.
EIN: 202150714 · Redwood City, CA · NTEE: D40 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Nine Lives Foundation Legit?
Appears Legitimate
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Nine Lives Foundation directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Nine Lives Foundation
Nine Lives Foundation (EIN: 202150714) is a nonprofit organization based in Redwood City, CA, classified under NTEE code D40. The organization reported total revenue of $2.9M and total assets of $2.1M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Nine Lives Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Nine Lives Foundation is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 21 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 7.4%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $1.9M |
| Total Expenses | $1.8M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$116K |
| Total Assets | $1.2M |
| Total Liabilities | $85K |
| Net Assets | $1.1M |
| Operating Margin | 6.1% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 7.3% |
| Months of Reserves | 7.8 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Nine Lives Foundation reported a surplus of $116K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 7.8 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 7.3% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Nine Lives Foundation's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +31.8% | +27.1% | +11.6% |
| 2022 | +5.3% | +6.6% | +2.1% |
| 2021 | +4.3% | +5.6% | +4.1% |
| 2020 | -1.6% | +13.5% | +10.5% |
| 2019 | +0.8% | -1.8% | +33.4% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2005 |
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 Nine Lives Foundation with a Mission Score of 92 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: 85%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Nine Lives Foundation allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 85%, fundraising: 5%. With 85% 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 surplus of $116K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 7.3%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Nine Lives Foundation consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that no salaries are paid to its officers. This is a highly positive sign for donor confidence and suggests a volunteer-driven leadership or very modest compensation not categorized as officer pay.
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.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Nine Lives Foundation:
- Strong program spending ratio (average 85% of expenses)
- Consistent revenue growth over the past decade (from $874,490 in 2014 to $1,900,892 in 2023)
- Zero reported officer compensation across all filings
- Healthy asset growth, indicating financial stability (from $154,929 in 2014 to $1,159,784 in 2023)
- Low liabilities relative to assets, suggesting good financial management
Frequently Asked Questions about Nine Lives Foundation
Is Nine Lives Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Nine Lives Foundation (EIN: 202150714) appears legitimate. Mission Score: 92/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
How does Nine Lives Foundation spend its money?
Nine Lives Foundation directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Nine Lives Foundation tax-deductible?
Nine Lives Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 202150714). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is Nine Lives Foundation a good charity?
Based on its financial data, Nine Lives Foundation appears to be a good charity. It demonstrates strong program spending (averaging 85% of expenses), consistent revenue growth, and no reported officer compensation, all of which are positive indicators of efficiency and donor trust.
How has Nine Lives Foundation's revenue changed over time?
Nine Lives Foundation has shown consistent revenue growth, increasing from $874,490 in 2014 to $1,900,892 in 2023, nearly doubling its income over the decade.
What is Nine Lives Foundation's asset growth?
The organization's assets have grown substantially, from $154,929 in 2014 to $1,159,784 in 2023, indicating a healthy accumulation of resources to support its mission.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Nine Lives Foundation showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Nine Lives Foundation's revenue has grown by 136.2%, moving from $805K to $1.9M. Total assets increased by 6266.1% over the same period, from $18K to $1.2M. Total functional expenses rose by 116%, from $826K to $1.8M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Nine Lives Foundation reported a surplus of $116K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $85K in liabilities against $1.2M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 7.3%), resulting in net assets of $1.1M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.9M | $1.8M | $1.2M | $85K | — | — |
| 2022 | $1.4M | $1.4M | $1.0M | $35K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $1.4M | $1.3M | $1.0M | $50K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $1.3M | $1.2M | $977K | $62K | — | — |
| 2019 | $1.3M | $1.1M | $884K | $34K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $1.3M | $1.1M | $663K | $49K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $1.3M | $1.1M | $494K | $85K | — | — |
| 2016 | $921K | $994K | $267K | $76K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $1.0M | $845K | $307K | $43K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $874K | $876K | $155K | $70K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $716K | $750K | $117K | $31K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $788K | $707K | $122K | $9K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $805K | $826K | $18K | $12K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $1.9M, expenses of $1.8M, and assets of $1.2M (revenue +31.8% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $1.4M, expenses of $1.4M, and assets of $1.0M (revenue +5.3% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $1.4M, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $1.0M (revenue +4.3% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $1.2M, and assets of $977K (revenue -1.6% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $1.1M, and assets of $884K (revenue +0.8% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $1.1M, and assets of $663K (revenue +2.3% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $1.1M, and assets of $494K (revenue +40.5% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $921K, expenses of $994K, and assets of $267K (revenue -10.1% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $1.0M, expenses of $845K, and assets of $307K (revenue +17.2% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $874K, expenses of $876K, and assets of $155K (revenue +22.1% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $716K, expenses of $750K, and assets of $117K (revenue -9.1% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $788K, expenses of $707K, and assets of $122K (revenue -2.1% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $805K, expenses of $826K, and assets of $18K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Nine Lives Foundation:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Nine Lives 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.