Is Brazos Education Lending Corporation Legit?

Quick charity verification for Brazos Education Lending Corporation (EIN: 203870081)

Verdict: Brazos Education Lending Corporation appears trustworthy

75/100Mission Score

$3.2MRevenue

$17.9MAssets

2Red Flags

3Strengths

Red Flags

Expenses frequently exceed revenue, indicating recurring operational deficits (e.g., $1,211,418 expenses vs. $757,340 revenue in 202306).
Significant fluctuations in assets and liabilities over short periods, which could indicate volatility in its lending portfolio or financial management.

Strengths

Consistent 0% officer compensation across all reported periods, demonstrating a commitment to minimizing executive overhead.
Regular filing of IRS 990 forms, indicating transparency in financial reporting.
Substantial asset base (latest reported $17,922,453) provides a foundation for its lending activities.

Spending Breakdown

How Brazos Education Lending Corporation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

85%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

10%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

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 Brazos Education Lending Corporation

Is Brazos Education Lending Corporation a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Brazos Education Lending Corporation (EIN: 203870081) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.

Is Brazos Education Lending Corporation a good charity to donate to?

Brazos Education Lending Corporation has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $3.2M. Assets: $17.9M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Brazos Education Lending Corporation?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Brazos Education Lending Corporation is 203870081. 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 Brazos Education Lending Corporation spend its money?

Brazos Education Lending Corporation allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Brazos Education Lending Corporation's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Brazos Education Lending Corporation's tax-exempt status using EIN 203870081 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

Brazos Education Lending Corporation exhibits a mixed financial picture. While the organization has consistently reported revenue over the past six years, it has frequently operated at a deficit, with expenses exceeding revenue in four out of the six most recent filings. For instance, in the 202306 period, expenses of $1,211,418 significantly outstripped revenue of $757,340. This trend suggests a reliance on existing assets or other funding sources to cover operational costs. The organization's asset base has fluctuated considerably, from a low of $2,354,899 in 202106 to a high of $17,922,453 (latest reported) and $15,958,170 in 201906, indicating potential changes in its lending portfolio or investment strategy. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings is a positive indicator of financial transparency and a commitment to minimizing administrative overhead related to executive pay. However, the recurring deficits warrant closer examination to understand their sustainability and impact on long-term financial health.

Regarding spending efficiency, without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, it's challenging to provide a precise assessment. However, the absence of officer compensation suggests a lean approach to executive costs. The organization's primary function, as implied by its name and NTEE code (B82 - Student Financial Aid), is likely program-intensive. The consistent reporting of liabilities often close to assets, such as $14,952,196 in liabilities against $14,509,145 in assets in 202306, is typical for a lending institution, reflecting its loan portfolio. The organization's transparency is bolstered by its consistent IRS 990 filings, providing a historical record of its financial activities. However, a more detailed breakdown of expenses within these filings would enhance the ability to assess spending efficiency more thoroughly.

View Full Transparency Report →

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.