Tanner Foundation
Tanner Foundation faces declining revenue and consistent operating deficits in recent years.
EIN: 200417645 · Birmingham, AL · NTEE: G195 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Tanner Foundation Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Tanner Foundation directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Tanner Foundation
Tanner Foundation (EIN: 200417645) is a nonprofit organization based in Birmingham, AL, classified under NTEE code G195. The organization reported total revenue of $286K and total assets of $159K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Tanner Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Tanner Foundation is a small nonprofit that has been operating for 20 years, with 8 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2016–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 21.8%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $265K |
| Total Expenses | $326K |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-60,504 |
| Total Assets | $177K |
| Total Liabilities | $8K |
| Net Assets | $170K |
| Operating Margin | -22.8% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 4.2% |
| Months of Reserves | 6.5 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Tanner Foundation reported a deficit of $61K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 6.5 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 4.2% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 8 years of filings (2016–2023), Tanner Foundation's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.8%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +7.5% | +15.5% | -29.7% |
| 2022 | -64.9% | -50.5% | -19.0% |
| 2021 | -15.3% | -30.6% | +2.2% |
| 2020 | -33.8% | -35.2% | +1.7% |
| 2019 | +13.5% | +21.0% | -15.5% |
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 Tanner 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: 10%
- programs: 85%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Tanner 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 deficit of $61K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 4.2%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation has consistently been reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that no officers or key employees receive salaries from the organization, which is highly commendable for a nonprofit of its 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 Tanner Foundation's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent operating deficits in recent years (e.g., $60,504 in 2023, $35,485 in 2022).
- Significant decline in revenue from a peak of $1,249,402 in 2019 to $265,038 in 2023.
- Decreasing asset base from $310,577 in 2021 to $177,025 in 2023.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Tanner Foundation:
- Zero officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating high efficiency in executive spending.
- Assets consistently exceed liabilities, maintaining a positive net asset position.
- Long history of IRS 990 filings (8 filings), suggesting consistent compliance and transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tanner Foundation
Is Tanner Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Tanner Foundation (EIN: 200417645) some concerns. Mission Score: 75/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
How does Tanner Foundation spend its money?
Tanner Foundation directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Tanner Foundation tax-deductible?
Tanner Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 200417645). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What caused the significant decline in revenue from $1.2 million in 2019 to $265,038 in 2023?
The provided data does not specify the reasons for the revenue decline, but it is a critical area for further investigation to understand the organization's funding model and sustainability.
How does the Tanner Foundation cover its operating deficits, such as the $60,504 deficit in 2023?
The deficits are likely covered by drawing down on accumulated assets or reserves, as indicated by the decrease in assets from $251,718 in 2022 to $177,025 in 2023.
What is the specific breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses?
The provided summary data does not offer a detailed breakdown of these expense categories, which would be necessary for a more precise assessment of spending efficiency beyond the lack of officer compensation.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Tanner Foundation showing financial trends over 8 years of public records:
Over 8 years of IRS 990 filings (2016–2023), Tanner Foundation's revenue has grown by 298.8%, moving from $66K to $265K. Total assets increased by 327.7% over the same period, from $41K to $177K. Total functional expenses rose by 460.7%, from $58K to $326K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Tanner Foundation reported a deficit of $61K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $8K in liabilities against $177K in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 4.2%), resulting in net assets of $170K.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $265K | $326K | $177K | $8K | — | — |
| 2022 | $246K | $282K | $252K | $22K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $701K | $569K | $311K | $45K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $828K | $820K | $304K | $171K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $1.2M | $1.3M | $299K | $173K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $1.1M | $1.0M | $354K | $212K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $376K | $330K | $156K | $68K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $66K | $58K | $41K | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $265K, expenses of $326K, and assets of $177K (revenue +7.5% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $246K, expenses of $282K, and assets of $252K (revenue -64.9% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $701K, expenses of $569K, and assets of $311K (revenue -15.3% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $828K, expenses of $820K, and assets of $304K (revenue -33.8% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $299K (revenue +13.5% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $1.0M, and assets of $354K (revenue +192.5% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $376K, expenses of $330K, and assets of $156K (revenue +466.0% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $66K, expenses of $58K, and assets of $41K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Tanner Foundation:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Tanner 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.