Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc
Wenner Gren Foundation maintains robust assets and zero reported officer compensation, consistently funding anthropological research.
EIN: 131813827 · New York, NY · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $32.4M |
| Total Expenses | $12.1M |
| Program Spending | 90% |
| Net Assets | $198.3M |
| Transparency Score | 95/100 |
Is Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc
Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc (EIN: 131813827) is a nonprofit organization based in New York, NY. The organization reported total revenue of $32.4M and total assets of $210.6M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc is a large nonprofit that has been operating for 85 years, with 9 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 0.2%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $8.0M |
| Total Expenses | $12.1M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-4,148,376 |
| Total Assets | $204.5M |
| Total Liabilities | $6.2M |
| Net Assets | $198.3M |
| Operating Margin | -51.9% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 3.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 202.2 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc reported a deficit of $4.1M with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 202.2 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 3.0% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 9 years of filings (2011–2023), Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.2%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +177.0% | +8.4% | +3.4% |
| 2022 | -76.0% | +11.8% | -13.4% |
| 2021 | +2266.7% | +24.2% | +13.1% |
| 2020 | -92.6% | -11.9% | +9.4% |
| 2019 | -50.4% | +1.4% | +4.5% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1941 |
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 Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc with a Mission Score of 95 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: 90%
- fundraising: 0%
According to IRS 990 filings, Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 0%. With 90% 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 $4.1M, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 3.0%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that no officers received compensation from the organization. This is highly unusual and suggests either a volunteer leadership structure or that compensation is covered by an affiliated entity, which would warrant further investigation for complete transparency. However, based on the filings, it reflects a strong commitment to directing funds to the 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 Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc's IRS 990 filings:
- Revenue volatility: Annual revenue fluctuates significantly, which, while common for endowed foundations, could be a concern if not managed by a robust investment strategy.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc:
- Strong asset base: Consistently maintains over $150 million in assets, providing long-term stability and capacity for grant-making.
- Zero officer compensation: No reported officer compensation across all filings, indicating high efficiency in directing funds to programs.
- Consistent program spending: Despite revenue fluctuations, the foundation consistently expends millions annually on its mission.
- Low liabilities: Liabilities are consistently a very small fraction of total assets, indicating sound financial management.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc
Is Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc (EIN: 131813827) some concerns. Mission Score: 95/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc spend its money?
Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc tax-deductible?
Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 131813827). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Where is Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc located?
Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc is headquartered in New York, New York and files with the IRS under EIN 131813827.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc have?
Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc has 9 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 $32.4M in total revenue.
Is Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc a good charity?
Based on the available IRS 990 data, the Wenner Gren Foundation appears to be a very good charity. It possesses substantial assets ($204 million in 2023), consistently expends millions on its mission, and notably reports 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating a strong commitment to program spending and transparency.
How does the foundation manage its expenses relative to its revenue?
The foundation's expenses, ranging from $8 million to $12 million annually, sometimes exceed its reported revenue in a given year (e.g., 2023: Revenue $7.9M, Expenses $12.1M; 2022: Revenue $2.8M, Expenses $11.1M). This is common for foundations that draw from their substantial endowments to fund grants, rather than relying solely on annual contributions, demonstrating a commitment to consistent program funding regardless of short-term market fluctuations.
What is the significance of 0% officer compensation?
The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation is highly significant. It suggests that the organization's leadership either serves on a volunteer basis or is compensated through an external entity. This practice, as reported, maximizes the funds available for the foundation's programmatic activities and reflects a strong dedication to its mission.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc showing financial trends over 9 years of public records:
Over 9 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc's revenue has grown by 2.3%, moving from $7.8M to $8.0M. Total assets increased by 31.5% over the same period, from $155.5M to $204.5M. Total functional expenses rose by 37%, from $8.9M to $12.1M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc reported a deficit of $4.1M, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $6.2M in liabilities against $204.5M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 3.0%), resulting in net assets of $198.3M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $8.0M | $12.1M | $204.5M | $6.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $2.9M | $11.2M | $197.8M | $6.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $12.0M | $10.0M | $228.4M | $4.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $507K | $8.1M | $202.0M | $3.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $6.8M | $9.1M | $184.7M | $2.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $13.8M | $9.0M | $176.6M | $2.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $9.5M | $8.4M | $177.5M | $2.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $2.7M | $8.1M | $163.0M | $2.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $7.8M | $8.9M | $155.5M | $2.5M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $8.0M, expenses of $12.1M, and assets of $204.5M (revenue +177.0% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $2.9M, expenses of $11.2M, and assets of $197.8M (revenue -76.0% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $12.0M, expenses of $10.0M, and assets of $228.4M (revenue +2266.7% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $507K, expenses of $8.1M, and assets of $202.0M (revenue -92.6% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $6.8M, expenses of $9.1M, and assets of $184.7M (revenue -50.4% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $13.8M, expenses of $9.0M, and assets of $176.6M (revenue +45.7% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $9.5M, expenses of $8.4M, and assets of $177.5M (revenue +247.3% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $2.7M, expenses of $8.1M, and assets of $163.0M (revenue -65.1% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $7.8M, expenses of $8.9M, and assets of $155.5M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research Inc:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Wenner Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research 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.