Quick charity verification for Cedar Lake Cherrywood Inc (EIN: 200659956)
Verdict: Cedar Lake Cherrywood Inc appears trustworthy
75/100Mission Score
$72KRevenue
$293KAssets
2Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent long-term decline in assets from $386,262 in 2015 to $284,947 in 2023.
History of operating deficits where expenses exceeded revenue in multiple years (e.g., 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015).
Strengths
Consistent 0% officer compensation across all 13 filings, indicating high efficiency in executive pay.
Strong recent revenue growth in 2023 to $101,234, reversing a previous decline.
Regular and consistent IRS 990 filing history (13 filings), demonstrating transparency.
Spending Breakdown
How Cedar Lake Cherrywood 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 Cedar Lake Cherrywood Inc
Is Cedar Lake Cherrywood Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Cedar Lake Cherrywood Inc (EIN: 200659956) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Cedar Lake Cherrywood Inc a good charity to donate to?
Cedar Lake Cherrywood Inc has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $72K. Assets: $293K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Cedar Lake Cherrywood Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Cedar Lake Cherrywood Inc is 200659956. 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 Cedar Lake Cherrywood Inc spend its money?
Cedar Lake Cherrywood Inc allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Cedar Lake Cherrywood Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Cedar Lake Cherrywood Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 200659956 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
Cedar Lake Cherrywood Inc. demonstrates a consistent operational history with 13 filings, indicating a commitment to transparency through regular reporting. The organization's financial health shows some volatility in revenue, with a notable increase to $101,234 in 2023 from $27,521 in 2022, while expenses have generally remained below revenue in recent years, such as $67,992 in expenses against $101,234 in revenue in 2023. This suggests a move towards more sustainable operations. However, the organization has frequently operated at a deficit in prior years, with expenses exceeding revenue in 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015. Assets have shown a gradual decline over the long term, from $386,262 in 2015 to $284,947 in 2023, which warrants attention. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings is a strong indicator of financial efficiency and a focus on mission over executive pay, contributing positively to its transparency and public trust.