Is Carroll Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc Legit?
Quick charity verification for Carroll Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc (EIN: 201704788)
Verdict: Carroll Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$213KRevenue
$1KAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Consistent revenue growth, from $54,228 in 2014 to $192,272 in 2023, indicating increasing support.
Strong financial health with growing assets ($37,310 in 2023) and minimal liabilities ($0 in 2023).
Efficient use of funds with 0% reported officer compensation across all filings.
Positive operating margins in recent years, such as a $31,172 surplus in 2023 ($192,272 revenue - $161,100 expenses).
Long history of consistent IRS 990 filings, demonstrating transparency.
Spending Breakdown
How Carroll Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc 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 Carroll Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc
Is Carroll Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Carroll Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc (EIN: 201704788) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Carroll Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc a good charity to donate to?
Carroll Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $213K. Assets: $1K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Carroll Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Carroll Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc is 201704788. 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 Carroll Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc spend its money?
Carroll Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Carroll Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Carroll Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 201704788 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 Carroll Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc. demonstrates a consistent commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its program spending. In the most recent filing (202312), the organization reported expenses of $161,100 against revenues of $192,272, indicating a healthy operating surplus. Over the past several years, the organization has shown growth in revenue, from $54,228 in 2014 to $192,272 in 2023, suggesting increasing community support and operational capacity. The organization's assets have also seen significant growth, reaching $37,310 in 2023, a substantial increase from $1,390 in 2014, which provides a stronger financial foundation.
Spending efficiency appears strong, with a significant portion of expenses directed towards programs. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings indicates that leadership is likely volunteer-based or compensated through other means not classified as officer compensation, which can be a positive sign for donor confidence. The organization's liabilities have consistently been low or zero, indicating sound financial management and a lack of significant debt burden. The overall financial trajectory shows a growing and stable organization.
Transparency is generally good, with consistent IRS 990 filings available. The absence of officer compensation reported in any filing suggests either a volunteer board or that compensation is categorized differently, which could warrant further inquiry for complete transparency, though it's not necessarily a red flag for an organization of this size. The organization's financial health appears robust, with a positive trend in revenue and assets, and efficient use of funds towards its stated purpose.