Space Frontier Foundation Inc
Space Frontier Foundation faces significant financial challenges with declining revenue and substantial operating deficits in recent years.
EIN: 133542980 · Washington, DC · NTEE: U01 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $123K |
| Total Expenses | $186K |
| Program Spending | 80% |
| Net Assets | $458K |
| Transparency Score | 65/100 |
Is Space Frontier Foundation Inc Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Space Frontier Foundation Inc directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Space Frontier Foundation Inc
Space Frontier Foundation Inc (EIN: 133542980) is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC, classified under NTEE code U01. The organization reported total revenue of $123K and total assets of $368K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Space Frontier Foundation Inc's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Space Frontier Foundation Inc is a small nonprofit that has been operating for 36 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -20.5%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $25K |
| Total Expenses | $186K |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-161,519 |
| Total Assets | $458K |
| Net Assets | $458K |
| Operating Margin | -648.6% |
| Months of Reserves | 29.5 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Space Frontier Foundation Inc reported a deficit of $162K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 29.5 months of operating reserves (strong position).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Space Frontier Foundation Inc's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -20.5%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -56.7% | -44.7% | -26.1% |
| 2022 | -94.3% | +111.5% | -31.1% |
| 2021 | +2493.7% | +685.1% | +1672.7% |
| 2020 | -81.8% | -91.2% | +57.8% |
| 2019 | -50.1% | -40.0% | -29.2% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1990 |
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 Space Frontier Foundation Inc with a Mission Score of 65 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, Space Frontier Foundation Inc 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 $162K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating a volunteer-led executive structure and a commitment to directing all funds towards its mission rather than executive salaries.
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 Space Frontier Foundation Inc's IRS 990 filings:
- Highly volatile revenue, with a 97.5% drop from $1,007,695 in 2021 to $24,904 in 2023.
- Significant operating deficits in recent years, such as expenses of $186,423 against revenue of $24,904 in 2023.
- Declining asset base from $899,167 in 2021 to $458,288 in 2023, indicating reliance on reserves to cover expenses.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Space Frontier Foundation Inc:
- Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating a volunteer-driven leadership and efficient use of funds.
- Consistently reports zero liabilities across most filings, indicating a debt-free financial position.
- Demonstrated ability to attract significant funding, as evidenced by the $1,007,695 revenue in 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions about Space Frontier Foundation Inc
Is Space Frontier Foundation Inc a legitimate charity?
Space Frontier Foundation Inc (EIN: 133542980) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in Washington DC. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 65/100. It has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $123K. 3 red flags identified. 3 strengths noted. Financial health grade: B.
How does Space Frontier Foundation Inc spend its money?
Space Frontier Foundation Inc directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 5%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.
Are donations to Space Frontier Foundation Inc tax-deductible?
Space Frontier Foundation Inc is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 133542980). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Space Frontier Foundation Inc's spending goes to programs?
Space Frontier Foundation Inc directs 80% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Space Frontier Foundation Inc compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 65/100 (Good), Space Frontier Foundation Inc is above average for NTEE category U01 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Space Frontier Foundation Inc located?
Space Frontier Foundation Inc is headquartered in Washington, Washington DC and files with the IRS under EIN 133542980. It is classified under NTEE code U01.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Space Frontier Foundation Inc have?
Space Frontier Foundation Inc has 13 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 $123K in total revenue.
Is Space Frontier Foundation Inc a good charity?
The Space Frontier Foundation Inc demonstrates strong commitment to its mission by reporting 0% officer compensation, suggesting a volunteer-driven model. However, its financial stability is a concern due to highly volatile revenue and significant operating deficits in recent years, such as expenses of $186,423 against revenue of $24,904 in 2023.
What caused the massive revenue spike in 2021?
The IRS 990 data shows a revenue spike to $1,007,695 in 2021, a significant increase from $38,852 in 2020. Without further details from the full 990 filing, the specific source (e.g., a large grant, a major event, or a specific donor) cannot be identified from the provided summary data.
How does the organization fund its operations given recent deficits?
In recent years, the organization has incurred significant operating deficits, for example, expenses of $186,423 against revenue of $24,904 in 2023. These deficits appear to be covered by drawing down its asset base, which decreased from $899,167 in 2021 to $458,288 in 2023.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Space Frontier Foundation Inc showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Space Frontier Foundation Inc's revenue has declined by 93.6%, moving from $391K to $25K. Total assets increased by 522.4% over the same period, from $74K to $458K. Total functional expenses fell by 55.7%, from $421K to $186K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Space Frontier Foundation Inc reported a deficit of $162K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $25K | $186K | $458K | $0 | — | — |
| 2022 | $58K | $337K | $620K | $0 | — | — |
| 2021 | $1.0M | $159K | $899K | $0 | — | — |
| 2020 | $39K | $20K | $51K | $0 | — | — |
| 2019 | $214K | $230K | $32K | $0 | — | — |
| 2018 | $428K | $383K | $45K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $517K | $551K | $101K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $382K | $486K | $9K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $213K | $190K | $153K | $40K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $203K | $183K | $89K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $354K | $387K | $69K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $592K | $564K | $102K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $391K | $421K | $74K | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $25K, expenses of $186K, and assets of $458K (revenue -56.7% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $58K, expenses of $337K, and assets of $620K (revenue -94.3% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $1.0M, expenses of $159K, and assets of $899K (revenue +2493.7% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $39K, expenses of $20K, and assets of $51K (revenue -81.8% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $214K, expenses of $230K, and assets of $32K (revenue -50.1% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $428K, expenses of $383K, and assets of $45K (revenue -17.2% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $517K, expenses of $551K, and assets of $101K (revenue +35.3% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $382K, expenses of $486K, and assets of $9K (revenue +79.3% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $213K, expenses of $190K, and assets of $153K (revenue +5.0% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $203K, expenses of $183K, and assets of $89K (revenue -42.7% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $354K, expenses of $387K, and assets of $69K (revenue -40.2% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $592K, expenses of $564K, and assets of $102K (revenue +51.3% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $391K, expenses of $421K, and assets of $74K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Space Frontier Foundation Inc:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Space Frontier Foundation Inc 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.