Quick charity verification for Acequia Institute (EIN: 205747800)
Verdict: Acequia Institute appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$565KRevenue
$2.3MAssets
2Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Significant year-over-year revenue volatility, with a drop from $1.8M in 2021 to $520K in 2022, indicating potential funding instability.
Expenses ($574,078) exceeded revenue ($520,219) in 2022, resulting in a net operating loss for that period.
Strengths
Consistent 0% officer compensation across all filings, demonstrating a strong commitment to mission-focused spending.
Significant growth in assets from $696,075 in 2013 to $2,475,851 in 2022, indicating strong financial stewardship or successful capital campaigns.
Generally low expense levels in many years relative to assets, suggesting efficient operations.
Spending Breakdown
How Acequia Institute allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
85%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
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 Acequia Institute
Is Acequia Institute a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Acequia Institute (EIN: 205747800) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Acequia Institute a good charity to donate to?
Acequia Institute has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $565K. Assets: $2.3M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Acequia Institute?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Acequia Institute is 205747800. 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 Acequia Institute spend its money?
Acequia Institute allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Acequia Institute's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Acequia Institute's tax-exempt status using EIN 205747800 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 Acequia Institute demonstrates a fluctuating financial profile, with significant revenue spikes in certain years, notably 2021 ($1,802,197), contrasting with much lower figures in other periods. This volatility could indicate reliance on large, infrequent grants or project-specific funding. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which is a strong indicator of financial transparency and a commitment to directing funds towards its mission rather than executive salaries. However, the 2022 filing shows expenses ($574,078) exceeding revenue ($520,219), leading to a net loss for that period, which warrants monitoring. The organization's assets have grown substantially over the years, from $696,075 in 2013 to $2,475,851 in 2022, suggesting effective asset management or significant capital investments.