Quick charity verification for Brown Bag Ministry (EIN: 202979998)
Verdict: Brown Bag Ministry appears trustworthy
92/100Mission Score
$183KRevenue
$162KAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Consistent asset growth (from $56,352 in 2014 to $199,363 in 2023)
Zero officer compensation reported across all filings
Very low liabilities ($2,425 in 2023)
Consistent operating surplus in most recent years (e.g., $34,129 in 2023)
Strong revenue growth over the past decade
Spending Breakdown
How Brown Bag Ministry 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 Brown Bag Ministry
Is Brown Bag Ministry a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Brown Bag Ministry (EIN: 202979998) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Brown Bag Ministry a good charity to donate to?
Brown Bag Ministry has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $183K. Assets: $162K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Brown Bag Ministry?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Brown Bag Ministry is 202979998. 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 Brown Bag Ministry spend its money?
Brown Bag Ministry allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Brown Bag Ministry's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Brown Bag Ministry's tax-exempt status using EIN 202979998 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
Brown Bag Ministry demonstrates strong financial health and spending efficiency, consistently operating with a surplus in most recent years. For example, in 2023, the organization reported revenues of $196,938 against expenses of $162,809, indicating a healthy operating margin. Their assets have shown consistent growth, reaching $199,363 in 2023, while liabilities remain very low, at $2,425 in 2023, suggesting sound financial management and minimal debt. The organization's commitment to its mission is evident in its spending patterns, with a significant portion of expenses likely directed towards program services, given the absence of officer compensation and relatively low administrative overhead typical for smaller, volunteer-driven organizations.
The organization's transparency is excellent, particularly regarding executive compensation, as no officer compensation has been reported across all available filings. This indicates a volunteer-led model, which maximizes the impact of donations. The consistent filing of IRS Form 990 over 13 periods further underscores their commitment to public accountability. While specific program spending ratios aren't detailed in the provided data, the overall financial picture suggests a highly efficient operation focused on direct service delivery.