Quick charity verification for 1888 Message Study Committee (EIN: 20417308)
Verdict: 1888 Message Study Committee appears trustworthy
95/100Mission Score
$250KRevenue
$1.5MAssets
1Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Significant year-over-year revenue fluctuations, such as the drop from $462,152 in 2022 to $205,529 in 2023, could indicate reliance on inconsistent funding sources.
Strengths
Consistent 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating high dedication of funds to mission.
Strong and consistent growth in assets, from $557,989 in 2015 to $1,574,116 in 2023, demonstrating excellent financial management.
Very low liabilities relative to assets, indicating strong financial stability and minimal debt burden.
Long filing history (14 filings) demonstrates consistent transparency and compliance.
Spending Breakdown
How 1888 Message Study Committee allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
5%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
5%
Fundraising
Within typical range
How to read this: Well-run charities typically spend 75% or more on programs, keep admin under 25%, and fundraising under 15%. A high program ratio means more of every dollar goes directly to the mission.
How to Interpret This Report
What Red Flags Mean
Red flags are potential warning signs identified by AI analysis of IRS 990 filings. They may indicate issues like declining revenue, high executive pay relative to program spending, lack of transparency, or governance concerns. A single red flag does not necessarily mean an organization is untrustworthy, but multiple flags warrant further investigation before donating.
What Mission Score Measures
The Mission Score (0-100) evaluates how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated purpose. It combines multiple factors: program spending efficiency (how much goes to programs vs. overhead), financial health and sustainability, governance quality, transparency in reporting, and consistency of operations over time. A score of 70+ indicates strong alignment with the organization’s mission.
Using This Data for Donation Decisions
Use this report as one input in your decision. Look at the overall Mission Score for a quick assessment, review red flags and strengths for specific concerns, check the spending breakdown to see where money goes, and compare executive compensation to the organization’s size. Consider viewing the full transparency report for deeper analysis, and always verify tax-exempt status with the IRS before making large donations.
Frequently Asked Questions about 1888 Message Study Committee
Is 1888 Message Study Committee a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, 1888 Message Study Committee (EIN: 20417308) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is 1888 Message Study Committee a good charity to donate to?
1888 Message Study Committee has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $250K. Assets: $1.5M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for 1888 Message Study Committee?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for 1888 Message Study Committee is 20417308. This is the unique tax ID assigned by the IRS.
What is a Mission Score?
The Mission Score is a 0-100 rating that measures how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated mission. It factors in program spending efficiency, financial transparency, governance practices, and outcome reporting. Scores above 70 indicate strong mission alignment, 40-69 suggest mixed performance, and below 40 signals potential concerns.
How does 1888 Message Study Committee spend its money?
1888 Message Study Committee allocates 90% to programs, 5% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify 1888 Message Study Committee's tax-exempt status?
You can verify 1888 Message Study Committee's tax-exempt status using EIN 20417308 on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. You can also request copies of their Form 990 directly from the organization, as they are required by law to provide them upon request.
AI Transparency Report
The 1888 Message Study Committee demonstrates consistent financial stability with assets significantly exceeding liabilities across all reported periods, reaching $1,574,116 in 2023. The organization's revenue has fluctuated, with a notable peak of $485,848 in 2019 and a recent dip to $205,529 in 2023, yet it generally maintains a positive net income, indicating sound financial management. Spending efficiency appears strong, as evidenced by the consistent growth in assets over time, from $557,989 in 2015 to over $1.5 million in 2023, suggesting that expenses are well-managed relative to incoming funds. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings indicates a high degree of transparency regarding executive pay and a commitment to directing funds towards the organization's mission rather than administrative overhead.