Quick charity verification for Cajun Invasion (EIN: 202762903)
Verdict: Cajun Invasion appears trustworthy
70/100Mission Score
$3KRevenue
$10KAssets
2Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent operating deficits, with expenses exceeding revenue in most recent years (e.g., 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014).
Declining asset base over time, from $17,833 in 2015 to $11,322 in 2023, suggesting reliance on reserves to cover deficits.
Strengths
Zero officer compensation, indicating a volunteer-driven model and efficient use of funds for mission-related activities.
No reported liabilities, suggesting sound financial management in terms of debt.
Long filing history (13 filings), demonstrating consistent compliance with IRS reporting requirements.
Spending Breakdown
How Cajun Invasion 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 Cajun Invasion
Is Cajun Invasion a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Cajun Invasion (EIN: 202762903) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 70/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Cajun Invasion a good charity to donate to?
Cajun Invasion has a Mission Score of 70/100. Revenue: $3K. Assets: $10K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Cajun Invasion?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Cajun Invasion is 202762903. 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 Cajun Invasion spend its money?
Cajun Invasion allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Cajun Invasion's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Cajun Invasion's tax-exempt status using EIN 202762903 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
Cajun Invasion operates on a very small scale, with recent annual revenues consistently below $3,000, and assets around $10,000-$12,000. The organization has shown a pattern of spending exceeding its revenue in recent years, such as in 2023 where expenses were $1,596 against $1,548 in revenue, and in 2022 with $3,666 in expenses against $2,619 in revenue. This indicates a reliance on prior reserves or inconsistent funding. The organization's liabilities have consistently been reported as $0, suggesting a clean balance sheet in that regard. However, the lack of detailed expense breakdowns in the provided data makes it difficult to fully assess spending efficiency beyond the overall revenue-expense relationship. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation suggests a volunteer-driven model, which is a positive sign for donor funds directly supporting the mission.