Is Ambleside Schools International Legit?

Quick charity verification for Ambleside Schools International (EIN: 203315666)

Verdict: Ambleside Schools International appears trustworthy

75/100Mission Score

$879KRevenue

$283KAssets

2Red Flags

4Strengths

Red Flags

Consistent operational deficits, with expenses exceeding revenue in the last five reported periods (e.g., $992,301 expenses vs. $916,281 revenue in 2024).
Declining asset base in recent years (from $583,855 in 2022 to $388,794 in 2024), potentially due to covering operational deficits.

Strengths

Zero officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating a strong commitment to mission-focused spending.
Healthy asset-to-liability ratio, suggesting good solvency despite operational deficits (e.g., $388,794 assets vs. $22,852 liabilities in 2024).
Consistent IRS 990 filing history (14 filings), demonstrating strong transparency and regulatory compliance.
Revenue growth over the long term, from $425,684 in 2015 to $916,281 in 2024.

Spending Breakdown

How Ambleside Schools International allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

80%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

10%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

10%

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 Ambleside Schools International

Is Ambleside Schools International a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Ambleside Schools International (EIN: 203315666) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Ambleside Schools International a good charity to donate to?

Ambleside Schools International has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $879K. Assets: $283K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Ambleside Schools International?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Ambleside Schools International is 203315666. 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 Ambleside Schools International spend its money?

Ambleside Schools International allocates 80% to programs, 10% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Ambleside Schools International's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Ambleside Schools International's tax-exempt status using EIN 203315666 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

Ambleside Schools International demonstrates a consistent operational deficit in recent years, with expenses exceeding revenue in the last five reported periods. For example, in 2024, expenses were $992,301 against revenues of $916,281, and in 2023, expenses were $1,009,009 against revenues of $882,416. This trend suggests a reliance on prior reserves or other funding sources not fully captured in annual revenue, or a need to adjust spending. Despite these deficits, the organization maintains a healthy asset base relative to its liabilities, with assets of $388,794 and liabilities of $22,852 in 2024, indicating financial stability in terms of solvency. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings is a strong indicator of financial transparency and a commitment to directing funds towards the mission rather than executive salaries.

The organization's spending efficiency is difficult to fully assess without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, which are not provided in the summary data. However, the absence of officer compensation suggests a lean operational structure at the top. The consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over 14 periods demonstrates a commitment to regulatory compliance and transparency in financial reporting. The NTEE code B022 (Elementary & Secondary Education) aligns with their mission, and the financial data, while showing operational deficits, does not indicate immediate distress given the asset-to-liability ratio.

Overall, Ambleside Schools International appears to be a transparent organization with a strong commitment to its mission, as evidenced by zero officer compensation. However, the recurring operational deficits warrant closer examination to understand their long-term sustainability strategy. Their financial health, while stable in terms of assets, shows a pattern of spending more than they earn annually, which could become a concern if not addressed.

View Full Transparency Report →

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.