Declining revenue trend from $785,615 in 2015 to $431,880 in 2017.
Reporting $0 in assets and liabilities in the latest two filings (2016 and 2017), which is highly unusual and suggests a lack of financial transparency or severe financial distress.
No reported officer compensation, which could obscure executive pay practices if compensation is embedded in other expense categories.
Strengths
Clear program focus as an Elementary & Secondary School (NTEE B240).
Spending Breakdown
How Cambridge School Of Chicago Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
15%
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 Cambridge School Of Chicago Inc
Is Cambridge School Of Chicago Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Cambridge School Of Chicago Inc (EIN: 202684379) has notable concerns. Mission Score: 35/100. 4 red flags identified, 1 strength noted.
Is Cambridge School Of Chicago Inc a good charity to donate to?
Cambridge School Of Chicago Inc has a Mission Score of 35/100. Revenue: $432K. Assets: $0. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Cambridge School Of Chicago Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Cambridge School Of Chicago Inc is 202684379. 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 Cambridge School Of Chicago Inc spend its money?
Cambridge School Of Chicago Inc allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Cambridge School Of Chicago Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Cambridge School Of Chicago Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 202684379 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
Cambridge School Of Chicago Inc exhibits a concerning financial trend with declining revenue and persistent negative net assets. In 2017, revenue was $431,880, a significant drop from $785,615 in 2015. The organization consistently spends more than it earns, as evidenced by expenses exceeding revenue in most reported periods, such as $745,234 in expenses against $712,437 in revenue in 2016. The organization reports $0 in assets and liabilities in its latest filings (2016 and 2017), which is unusual for an active entity and could indicate incomplete reporting or a very precarious financial position. The lack of reported officer compensation across all filings suggests either a fully volunteer-run leadership or that compensation is reported under other expense categories, which could impact transparency regarding executive pay.
The organization's financial health appears weak, with a history of operating deficits and no reported assets to buffer against future shortfalls. The consistent reporting of $0 assets and liabilities in recent years is a significant red flag for transparency and financial stability. While the NTEE code B240 (Elementary & Secondary Schools) suggests a clear program focus, the financial instability raises questions about the long-term sustainability of its programs. Without more detailed expense breakdowns, it's difficult to fully assess spending efficiency beyond the overall deficit spending.