Zhiyuan Yining Foundation
Zhiyuan Yining Foundation consistently maintains low expenses relative to revenue with no reported officer compensation.
EIN: 208318238 · Los Gatos, CA · NTEE: T22 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Zhiyuan Yining Foundation Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Zhiyuan Yining Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Zhiyuan Yining Foundation
Zhiyuan Yining Foundation (EIN: 208318238) is a nonprofit organization based in Los Gatos, CA, classified under NTEE code T22. The organization reported total revenue of $8.4M and total assets of $7.4M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Zhiyuan Yining Foundation'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 Zhiyuan Yining Foundation 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: 5%
- programs: 90%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Zhiyuan Yining Foundation allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 5%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 5%. With 90% 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 salaries are paid to officers. This is highly unusual for an organization with growing revenue and assets, suggesting either a volunteer-led executive team or a different compensation structure not captured as 'officer compensation' on the 990, though the latter is less likely given the consistent reporting.
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 Zhiyuan Yining Foundation's IRS 990 filings:
- Unusually low expenses relative to revenue, which might warrant further investigation into the nature of their programs and how they are funded/executed if not through direct expenses.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Zhiyuan Yining Foundation:
- Extremely low expense ratio relative to revenue, indicating high efficiency.
- Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, suggesting strong commitment to mission over executive pay.
- Significant growth in revenue and assets in recent years, demonstrating increasing financial capacity.
- Low liabilities across all reported periods, indicating sound financial management and minimal debt.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zhiyuan Yining Foundation
Is Zhiyuan Yining Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Zhiyuan Yining Foundation (EIN: 208318238) some concerns. Mission Score: 95/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Zhiyuan Yining Foundation spend its money?
Zhiyuan Yining Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Zhiyuan Yining Foundation tax-deductible?
Zhiyuan Yining Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 208318238). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is Zhiyuan Yining Foundation a good charity?
Based on the provided financial data, Zhiyuan Yining Foundation appears to be a very good charity. It consistently demonstrates extremely low expenses relative to its revenue, indicating high efficiency. The absence of officer compensation further suggests a strong commitment to its mission.
How has the organization's financial health changed over time?
The organization's financial health has significantly improved, particularly in recent years. Revenue has surged from modest figures (e.g., $13,477 in 2011) to over $1.1 million in 2023, while expenses have remained remarkably low. Assets have also grown substantially, from $397,103 in 2011 to $1,815,742 in 2023, indicating strong financial growth and stability.
What is the organization's spending efficiency?
The organization exhibits exceptional spending efficiency. For example, in 2023, expenses were only $94,751 against $1,109,261 in revenue, meaning less than 10% of its revenue was spent on operations. This pattern of very low expenses relative to revenue is consistent across multiple years, indicating a highly efficient use of funds.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Zhiyuan Yining Foundation showing financial trends over 10 years of public records:
Over 10 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Zhiyuan Yining Foundation's revenue has grown by 8130.8%, moving from $13K to $1.1M. Total assets increased by 357.2% over the same period, from $397K to $1.8M. Total functional expenses rose by 196.3%, from $32K to $95K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Zhiyuan Yining Foundation reported a surplus of $1.0M, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $64 in liabilities against $1.8M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%), resulting in net assets of $1.8M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.1M | $95K | $1.8M | $64 | — | — |
| 2022 | $618K | $60K | $802K | $508 | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $29K | $33K | $245K | $2K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $-955 | $27K | $254K | $6K | — | — |
| 2019 | $17K | $26K | $278K | $3K | — | — |
| 2015 | $12K | $27K | $337K | $50 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $14K | $24K | $355K | $3K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $14K | $9K | $363K | $110 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $6K | $47K | $358K | $110 | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $13K | $32K | $397K | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $95K, and assets of $1.8M (revenue +79.6% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $618K, expenses of $60K, and assets of $802K (revenue +2025.6% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $29K, expenses of $33K, and assets of $245K.
- 2020: Revenue of $-955, expenses of $27K, and assets of $254K (revenue -105.7% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $17K, expenses of $26K, and assets of $278K (revenue +43.2% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $12K, expenses of $27K, and assets of $337K (revenue -18.8% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $14K, expenses of $24K, and assets of $355K (revenue +3.6% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $14K, expenses of $9K, and assets of $363K (revenue +123.7% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $6K, expenses of $47K, and assets of $358K (revenue -54.1% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $13K, expenses of $32K, and assets of $397K.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Zhiyuan Yining 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.