The Global Foodbanking Network
Global Foodbanking Network shows strong asset base and zero officer compensation despite recent operating deficits.
EIN: 204268851 · Chicago, IL · NTEE: Q30 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is The Global Foodbanking Network Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
The Global Foodbanking Network directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About The Global Foodbanking Network
The Global Foodbanking Network (EIN: 204268851) is a nonprofit organization based in Chicago, IL, classified under NTEE code Q30. The organization reported total revenue of $15.3M and total assets of $10.7M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of The Global Foodbanking Network's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates The Global Foodbanking Network with a Mission Score of 90 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, The Global Foodbanking Network 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.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that no officers received compensation from the organization. This is a highly positive sign for a nonprofit of its size, demonstrating a strong commitment to directing funds towards its mission.
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 The Global Foodbanking Network's IRS 990 filings:
- Expenses consistently exceeding revenue in the last three reported periods (202406, 202306, 202206).
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for The Global Foodbanking Network:
- Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings.
- Substantial asset base ($14,293,051 in 202406) providing financial stability.
- Significant revenue growth from 201906 to 202106, demonstrating strong fundraising capacity.
- Low liabilities relative to assets ($1,423,559 liabilities vs. $14,293,051 assets in 202406).
Frequently Asked Questions about The Global Foodbanking Network
Is The Global Foodbanking Network a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, The Global Foodbanking Network (EIN: 204268851) some concerns. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does The Global Foodbanking Network spend its money?
The Global Foodbanking Network directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to The Global Foodbanking Network tax-deductible?
The Global Foodbanking Network is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 204268851). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is The Global Foodbanking Network a good charity?
Based on the provided data, GFN appears to be a good charity. It has a strong asset base ($14,293,051 in 202406), a history of significant revenue generation, and notably, reports 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating a strong commitment to its mission over executive pay.
Why are expenses exceeding revenue in recent years?
In the 202406 period, expenses were $17,566,824 while revenue was $14,429,565, resulting in an operating deficit. Similar trends are observed in 202306 and 202206. This could be due to strategic investments, increased program delivery costs, or a temporary dip in fundraising, and warrants further investigation into their financial statements for specific explanations.
How has the organization's revenue changed over time?
The organization has experienced significant revenue growth, increasing from $4,910,308 in 201906 to a peak of $23,199,464 in 202106. While revenue has slightly decreased in the most recent periods (e.g., $14,429,565 in 202406), it remains substantially higher than pre-2020 levels.
What is the organization's financial stability given the deficits?
Despite recent operating deficits, GFN maintains a strong financial position due to its substantial assets, reported at $14,293,051 in 202406, and relatively low liabilities ($1,423,559 in 202406). This asset base provides a buffer to cover short-term deficits and indicates overall stability.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for The Global Foodbanking Network showing financial trends over 12 years of public records:
Over 12 years of IRS 990 filings (2013–2024), The Global Foodbanking Network's revenue has grown by 594.4%, moving from $2.1M to $14.4M. Total assets increased by 1301.7% over the same period, from $1.0M to $14.3M. Total functional expenses rose by 1034.1%, from $1.5M to $17.6M. In its most recent filing year (2024), The Global Foodbanking Network reported a deficit of $3.1M, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $1.4M in liabilities against $14.3M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 10.0%), resulting in net assets of $12.9M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $14.4M | $17.6M | $14.3M | $1.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2023 | $16.1M | $17.5M | $17.5M | $1.7M | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $16.4M | $17.5M | $18.8M | $1.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $23.2M | $14.8M | $20.1M | $1.1M | — | — |
| 2020 | $22.0M | $17.0M | $11.2M | $997K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $4.9M | $5.9M | $5.8M | $579K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $4.4M | $4.5M | $6.7M | $300K | — | — |
| 2017 | $8.9M | $3.5M | $6.7M | $215K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $2.5M | $2.7M | $1.2M | $146K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $2.7M | $2.6M | $1.5M | $204K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $2.2M | $2.1M | $1.2M | $92K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $2.1M | $1.5M | $1.0M | $33K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2024: Revenue of $14.4M, expenses of $17.6M, and assets of $14.3M (revenue -10.1% year-over-year).
- 2023: Revenue of $16.1M, expenses of $17.5M, and assets of $17.5M (revenue -2.3% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $16.4M, expenses of $17.5M, and assets of $18.8M (revenue -29.2% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $23.2M, expenses of $14.8M, and assets of $20.1M (revenue +5.4% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $22.0M, expenses of $17.0M, and assets of $11.2M (revenue +348.3% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $4.9M, expenses of $5.9M, and assets of $5.8M (revenue +12.4% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $4.4M, expenses of $4.5M, and assets of $6.7M (revenue -50.9% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $8.9M, expenses of $3.5M, and assets of $6.7M (revenue +253.4% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $2.5M, expenses of $2.7M, and assets of $1.2M (revenue -7.2% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $2.7M, expenses of $2.6M, and assets of $1.5M (revenue +21.1% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $2.2M, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $1.2M (revenue +7.7% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $2.1M, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $1.0M.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for The Global Foodbanking Network 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.