Consistent operating deficits (expenses exceeding revenue) in recent years.
Significant decline in total assets from $30.4 million in 2018 to $19.8 million in 2023.
Liabilities have fluctuated, reaching $2,320,875 in 2023, indicating some financial obligations.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating no executive salaries paid.
Long history of IRS 990 filings (13 filings), suggesting a commitment to transparency in reporting.
Spending Breakdown
How Auburn Theological Seminary allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
70%
Program Spending
Below average — room for improvement
20%
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 Auburn Theological Seminary
Is Auburn Theological Seminary a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Auburn Theological Seminary (EIN: 150532053) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 60/100. 3 red flags identified, 2 strengths noted.
Is Auburn Theological Seminary a good charity to donate to?
Auburn Theological Seminary has a Mission Score of 60/100. Revenue: $8.6M. Assets: $19.4M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Auburn Theological Seminary?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Auburn Theological Seminary is 150532053. 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 Auburn Theological Seminary spend its money?
Auburn Theological Seminary allocates 70% to programs, 20% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Auburn Theological Seminary's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Auburn Theological Seminary's tax-exempt status using EIN 150532053 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
Auburn Theological Seminary exhibits a concerning trend of operating deficits, with expenses consistently exceeding revenue in recent years. For instance, in 2023, expenses were $6,538,090 against revenues of $3,702,679, and similar patterns are observed in 2022 ($6,470,099 expenses vs. $5,272,218 revenue) and 2021 ($7,474,718 expenses vs. $5,237,023 revenue). This sustained deficit spending has led to a notable decline in assets, from a high of $30,466,697 in 2018 to $19,813,410 in 2023, indicating a reliance on drawing down reserves. While the organization reports 0% officer compensation, which is a positive for transparency regarding executive pay, the overall financial health is challenged by these persistent operating losses and shrinking asset base. The NTEE code B50 suggests a focus on theological education, but without a detailed breakdown of program vs. administrative expenses, it's difficult to fully assess spending efficiency beyond the top-line deficits.