Zeno
Zeno consistently reports zero officer compensation, but has experienced recent operating deficits.
EIN: 205570858 · Seattle, WA · NTEE: B90 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Zeno Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Zeno directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Zeno
Zeno (EIN: 205570858) is a nonprofit organization based in Seattle, WA, classified under NTEE code B90. The organization reported total revenue of $778K and total assets of $485K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Zeno'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 Zeno with a Mission Score of 85 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, Zeno 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
Zeno consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which is highly commendable and indicates that no portion of the organization's budget is allocated to executive salaries, suggesting a volunteer-led or very lean leadership structure.
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 Zeno's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent operating deficits in recent years (e.g., 202308, 201908, 201808)
- Declining revenue from a peak of $1.5M in 202208 to $1.0M in 202308
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Zeno:
- Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating strong resource allocation to mission.
- Healthy asset-to-liability ratio, with assets significantly exceeding liabilities.
- Long filing history (13 filings) demonstrates sustained operation and transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zeno
Is Zeno a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Zeno (EIN: 205570858) some concerns. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
How does Zeno spend its money?
Zeno directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Zeno tax-deductible?
Zeno is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 205570858). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is Zeno financially stable given recent deficits?
While Zeno has experienced operating deficits in recent years (e.g., 202308 expenses exceeded revenue by $112,982), its asset base of $565,872 in 202308 significantly outweighs its liabilities of $12,059, suggesting a reasonable level of financial stability despite the short-term deficits.
How does Zeno manage without paid officers?
The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation implies that Zeno either operates with an entirely volunteer leadership, or that any compensation for leadership roles is categorized differently and not reported as 'officer compensation' on the 990, which would warrant further investigation for clarity.
What is the trend in Zeno's revenue and expenses?
Zeno's revenue has fluctuated, peaking around $1.5M in 2020-2022, but dropped to $1,015,136 in 202308. Expenses have generally followed a similar trend, often exceeding revenue in recent periods, indicating a need for closer monitoring of operational efficiency or fundraising strategies.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Zeno showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Zeno's revenue has grown by 37.5%, moving from $738K to $1.0M. Total assets decreased by 11.8% over the same period, from $641K to $566K. Total functional expenses rose by 55.4%, from $726K to $1.1M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Zeno reported a deficit of $113K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $12K in liabilities against $566K in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 2.1%), resulting in net assets of $554K.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.0M | $1.1M | $566K | $12K | — | — |
| 2022 | $1.6M | $1.5M | $691K | $25K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $1.5M | $1.4M | $599K | $9K | — | — |
| 2020 | $1.6M | $1.6M | $808K | $247K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $1.5M | $1.7M | $646K | $85K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $1.2M | $1.3M | $674K | $11K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $958K | $1.1M | $814K | $69K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $859K | $784K | $959K | $38K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $815K | $773K | $913K | $62K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $876K | $825K | $786K | $17K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $839K | $772K | $737K | $19K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $847K | $815K | $686K | $35K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $738K | $726K | $641K | $23K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $1.0M, expenses of $1.1M, and assets of $566K (revenue -35.2% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $1.6M, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $691K (revenue +6.3% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $1.5M, expenses of $1.4M, and assets of $599K (revenue -6.8% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $1.6M, expenses of $1.6M, and assets of $808K (revenue +2.0% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $1.5M, expenses of $1.7M, and assets of $646K (revenue +29.1% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $674K (revenue +25.2% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $958K, expenses of $1.1M, and assets of $814K (revenue +11.5% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $859K, expenses of $784K, and assets of $959K (revenue +5.4% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $815K, expenses of $773K, and assets of $913K (revenue -6.9% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $876K, expenses of $825K, and assets of $786K (revenue +4.3% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $839K, expenses of $772K, and assets of $737K (revenue -1.0% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $847K, expenses of $815K, and assets of $686K (revenue +14.7% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $738K, expenses of $726K, and assets of $641K.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Zeno 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.