Tensor Foundation
Tensor Foundation consistently spends more than it earns, drawing down assets over the past decade.
EIN: 137017367 · Evanston, IL · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $815K |
| Total Expenses | $379K |
| Program Spending | 70% |
| Net Assets | $2.7M |
| Transparency Score | 65/100 |
Is Tensor Foundation Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Tensor Foundation directs 70% of its spending to programs. This meets the industry benchmark of 65% for efficient nonprofits.
About Tensor Foundation
Tensor Foundation (EIN: 137017367) is a nonprofit organization based in Evanston, IL. The organization reported total revenue of $815K and total assets of $3.1M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Tensor Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Tensor Foundation is a small nonprofit that has been operating for 32 years, with 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 1.2%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $226K |
| Total Expenses | $379K |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-152,650 |
| Total Assets | $2.7M |
| Total Liabilities | $1 |
| Net Assets | $2.7M |
| Operating Margin | -67.4% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 0.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 86.4 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Tensor Foundation reported a deficit of $153K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 86.4 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), Tensor Foundation's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.2%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -8.6% | +14.6% | -5.3% |
| 2022 | -63.8% | -54.2% | -2.8% |
| 2021 | +413.4% | +94.8% | -1.2% |
| 2020 | -79.9% | +20.1% | -7.3% |
| 2019 | +460.2% | -31.8% | +15.7% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1994 |
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 Tensor Foundation 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: 20%
- programs: 70%
- fundraising: 10%
According to IRS 990 filings, Tensor Foundation allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 20%, programs: 70%, fundraising: 10%. Approximately 70% goes to programs, indicating moderate mission focus.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $153K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that no officers received compensation, which is a strong positive for transparency and efficient use of funds relative to the organization's size and revenue.
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 Tensor Foundation's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent deficit spending (expenses exceeding revenue) in most years.
- Declining asset base over the past decade, from $3.97M in 2011 to $2.73M in 2023.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Tensor Foundation:
- Zero officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating high transparency and efficient use of funds for executive pay.
- Very low liabilities reported consistently, suggesting strong debt management.
- Maintains a substantial asset base ($2.73M in 2023) relative to annual expenses, providing a buffer despite deficit spending.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tensor Foundation
Is Tensor Foundation a legitimate charity?
Tensor Foundation (EIN: 137017367) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in Illinois. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 65/100. It has 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $815K. 2 red flags identified. 3 strengths noted. Financial health grade: B.
How does Tensor Foundation spend its money?
Tensor Foundation directs 70% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 10%. This meets the 65% industry benchmark.
Are donations to Tensor Foundation tax-deductible?
Tensor Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 137017367). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Tensor Foundation's spending goes to programs?
Tensor Foundation directs 70% to programs, 10% to fundraising. This meets the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
Where is Tensor Foundation located?
Tensor Foundation is headquartered in Evanston, Illinois and files with the IRS under EIN 137017367.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Tensor Foundation have?
Tensor 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 $815K in total revenue.
Is Tensor Foundation financially sustainable given its consistent deficit spending?
The Tensor Foundation has consistently spent more than its revenue in 8 out of the 10 reported years, leading to a decrease in assets from $3,970,373 in 2011 to $2,729,051 in 2023. While current assets are substantial, this trend is not sustainable long-term without increased revenue or reduced expenses.
What is the primary cause of the decline in assets?
The decline in assets is primarily due to the organization's expenses frequently exceeding its revenue. For example, in 2023, expenses were $379,082 while revenue was $226,432, resulting in a deficit that drew down assets.
How does the organization manage its liabilities?
The organization consistently reports very low liabilities, often $1, across all filings, indicating strong financial management in terms of debt and obligations.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Tensor Foundation showing financial trends over 10 years of public records:
Over 10 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Tensor Foundation's revenue has grown by 15.5%, moving from $196K to $226K. Total assets decreased by 31.3% over the same period, from $4.0M to $2.7M. Total functional expenses fell by 48.4%, from $735K to $379K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Tensor Foundation reported a deficit of $153K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $1 in liabilities against $2.7M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%), resulting in net assets of $2.7M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $226K | $379K | $2.7M | $1 | — | — |
| 2022 | $248K | $331K | $2.9M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $685K | $722K | $3.0M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $133K | $371K | $3.0M | $1 | — | — |
| 2019 | $665K | $309K | $3.2M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $119K | $453K | $2.8M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $122K | $255K | $3.1M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $168K | $555K | $3.3M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $118K | $435K | $3.7M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $196K | $735K | $4.0M | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $226K, expenses of $379K, and assets of $2.7M (revenue -8.6% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $248K, expenses of $331K, and assets of $2.9M (revenue -63.8% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $685K, expenses of $722K, and assets of $3.0M (revenue +413.4% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $133K, expenses of $371K, and assets of $3.0M (revenue -79.9% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $665K, expenses of $309K, and assets of $3.2M (revenue +460.2% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $119K, expenses of $453K, and assets of $2.8M (revenue -3.0% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $122K, expenses of $255K, and assets of $3.1M (revenue -27.3% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $168K, expenses of $555K, and assets of $3.3M (revenue +42.8% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $118K, expenses of $435K, and assets of $3.7M (revenue -39.9% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $196K, expenses of $735K, and assets of $4.0M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Tensor Foundation:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Tensor 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.