Quick charity verification for Ascencia (EIN: 204233822)
Verdict: Ascencia appears trustworthy
92/100Mission Score
$6.1MRevenue
$5.7MAssets
1Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Operating deficit in the most recent fiscal year (202306), with expenses exceeding revenue by $319,809.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating high efficiency in executive pay.
Significant revenue growth over the past decade, from $1.8M in 2015 to $5.5M in 2023.
Strong asset base, growing to over $6.3 million in 2023, providing financial stability.
Consistent filing history of IRS 990s, demonstrating transparency.
Multiple years of operating surpluses (e.g., 2021 and 2022) prior to the recent deficit.
Spending Breakdown
How Ascencia allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
7%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
3%
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 Ascencia
Is Ascencia a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Ascencia (EIN: 204233822) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Ascencia a good charity to donate to?
Ascencia has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $6.1M. Assets: $5.7M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Ascencia?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Ascencia is 204233822. 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 Ascencia spend its money?
Ascencia allocates 90% to programs, 7% to administration, and 3% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Ascencia's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Ascencia's tax-exempt status using EIN 204233822 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
Ascencia demonstrates generally sound financial health, with consistent revenue growth over the past decade, increasing from $1.8 million in 2015 to over $5.5 million in 2023. While the organization experienced a deficit in the 2023 fiscal year, with expenses exceeding revenue by approximately $320,000, this follows several years of surpluses, notably in 2021 and 2022. The organization's assets have also shown steady growth, reaching over $6.3 million in 2023, indicating a solid financial foundation. Their liabilities have fluctuated but remain manageable relative to assets.
Spending efficiency appears strong, particularly given the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings, suggesting that executive salaries are not a significant drain on resources. This allows a greater proportion of funds to be directed towards program services. The organization's NTEE code (L40 - Homeless Services) aligns well with its mission, and the financial data supports a focus on delivering these services.
Transparency is excellent, as evidenced by the readily available and consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over a long period, with no reported officer compensation. This level of detail and the absence of executive compensation indicate a commitment to directing resources to its mission and being open about its financial practices.