Quick charity verification for Arizona Chess Central (EIN: 204185005)
Verdict: Arizona Chess Central appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$55KRevenue
$31KAssets
1Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Expenses exceeded revenue by approximately $20,000 in the latest fiscal period (202312), leading to a decrease in assets from $57,930 to $37,660.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all 13 filings, indicating a volunteer-driven leadership.
Zero liabilities reported in all fiscal periods, demonstrating strong financial management and no debt.
High transparency with consistent IRS 990 filings over a long period.
Strong program focus, with resources not diverted to executive salaries.
Spending Breakdown
How Arizona Chess Central 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 Arizona Chess Central
Is Arizona Chess Central a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Arizona Chess Central (EIN: 204185005) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Arizona Chess Central a good charity to donate to?
Arizona Chess Central has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $55K. Assets: $31K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Arizona Chess Central?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Arizona Chess Central is 204185005. 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 Arizona Chess Central spend its money?
Arizona Chess Central allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Arizona Chess Central's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Arizona Chess Central's tax-exempt status using EIN 204185005 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
Arizona Chess Central demonstrates a commitment to its mission with a strong program spending ratio, as evidenced by its consistent financial reporting. The organization has maintained zero liabilities across all reported periods, indicating sound financial management and a lack of debt. While revenue has fluctuated significantly over the years, from a high of $184,661 in 2018 to a low of $21,582 in 2021, the organization has generally managed its expenses to align with its income, though the most recent period (202312) shows expenses exceeding revenue by approximately $20,000. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings suggests a volunteer-driven leadership, which is a positive indicator for donor confidence and efficient use of funds.
The organization's assets have shown growth over time, from $15,567 in 2014 to $37,660 in 2023, providing a modest but stable financial base. The absence of liabilities further reinforces its financial stability. The fluctuation in revenue and expenses suggests that the organization's activities or funding sources may vary year-to-year, which is common for smaller nonprofits. However, the overall trend of managing expenses within reasonable bounds of revenue, coupled with no executive compensation, points to a financially responsible and transparent operation.
Given the NTEE code N70 (Recreational, Sports, Leisure, & Athletics), Arizona Chess Central's focus on promoting chess aligns with its financial activities. The organization's transparency is high due to its consistent 990 filings and the clear indication of no paid officers, which minimizes potential conflicts of interest and ensures that funds are directed towards programmatic efforts. The recent deficit in 2023 bears watching, but the overall historical pattern suggests a well-managed, mission-focused entity.