Quick charity verification for Brainerd Lakes Curling Association (EIN: 161759177)
Verdict: Brainerd Lakes Curling Association appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$215KRevenue
$899KAssets
2Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent operating deficits, with expenses exceeding revenue in most recent years (e.g., $142,390 expenses vs. $122,690 revenue in 2023).
Declining asset base over the past decade, from over $1 million to $884,108, suggesting a draw on reserves.
Strengths
Zero officer compensation, indicating a volunteer-led model and high efficiency in directing funds to programs.
Consistent transparency with 12 IRS 990 filings available.
Maintains a substantial asset base ($884,108 in 2023) despite operating deficits.
Consistently reports zero liabilities in recent years, demonstrating strong debt management.
Spending Breakdown
How Brainerd Lakes Curling Association allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
0%
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 Brainerd Lakes Curling Association
Is Brainerd Lakes Curling Association a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Brainerd Lakes Curling Association (EIN: 161759177) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Brainerd Lakes Curling Association a good charity to donate to?
Brainerd Lakes Curling Association has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $215K. Assets: $899K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Brainerd Lakes Curling Association?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Brainerd Lakes Curling Association is 161759177. 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 Brainerd Lakes Curling Association spend its money?
Brainerd Lakes Curling Association allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Brainerd Lakes Curling Association's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Brainerd Lakes Curling Association's tax-exempt status using EIN 161759177 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
The Brainerd Lakes Curling Association demonstrates consistent financial transparency through its regular IRS 990 filings, with 12 filings available. The organization's financial health shows a trend of declining assets over the past decade, from $1,060,664 in 2014 to $884,108 in 2023, indicating that expenses have frequently outpaced revenue. For instance, in 2023, expenses were $142,390 against revenues of $122,690, resulting in a deficit. However, the organization consistently reports zero liabilities in recent years, suggesting a conservative approach to debt. Spending efficiency appears to be focused on program delivery, as there is no reported officer compensation, implying a volunteer-led operational model which minimizes administrative overhead.
The organization's revenue has fluctuated, with a notable dip in 2021 to $30,806, but has since recovered to $122,690 in 2023. Despite the asset decline, the organization maintains a substantial asset base of $884,108, providing a buffer for operations. The absence of officer compensation is a significant indicator of efficiency and a strong commitment to directing funds towards its mission. While the consistent operating deficits are a concern for long-term sustainability, the organization's ability to maintain its asset base without incurring debt is a positive sign of financial management.