Quick charity verification for American Civil Liberties Union (EIN: 221758950)
Verdict: American Civil Liberties Union appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$2.2MRevenue
$7.9MAssets
2Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Administrative expenses, at 25% of total spending, are higher than ideal for a nonprofit of this scale.
The organization reported a deficit in 2023, with expenses ($2,594,683) exceeding revenue ($2,062,864).
Strengths
Consistent revenue growth over the past several years, indicating strong donor support.
Significant increase in assets from $1,437,367 in 2016 to $6,972,595 in 2023, demonstrating financial stability.
Clear and impactful mission focused on civil liberties and rights.
Spending Breakdown
How American Civil Liberties Union allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
65%
Program Spending
Below average — room for improvement
25%
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 American Civil Liberties Union
Is American Civil Liberties Union a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, American Civil Liberties Union (EIN: 221758950) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is American Civil Liberties Union a good charity to donate to?
American Civil Liberties Union has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $2.2M. Assets: $7.9M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for American Civil Liberties Union?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for American Civil Liberties Union is 221758950. 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 American Civil Liberties Union spend its money?
American Civil Liberties Union allocates 65% to programs, 25% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify American Civil Liberties Union's tax-exempt status?
You can verify American Civil Liberties Union's tax-exempt status using EIN 221758950 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
American Civil Liberties Union is a civil rights, social action & advocacy nonprofit based in Newark, New Jersey, with reported revenue of $2.2M and assets of $7.9M. Our AI analysis assigns a Mission Score of 85/100 (Excellent). Approximately 65% of spending goes to programs, 25% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. - Financial statements are readily available on their website.
- Annual reports provide programmatic highlights and impact metrics.
- Detailed Form 990s are accessible via third-party sites. Executive compensation appears reasonable given the organization's size and mission, with the highest reported compensation for an officer at $204,362 in 2023. Revenue has grown +481% across 12 filing periods.