Quick charity verification for Center On Sustainable Communities (EIN: 202482582)
Verdict: Center On Sustainable Communities has notable concerns
30/100Mission Score
$101Revenue
$1KAssets
3Red Flags
2Strengths
Red Flags
Dramatic and consistent decline in revenue from $421,500 in 2011 to $101 in 2018.
Consistent operating deficits, with expenses exceeding revenue in most recent periods (e.g., $1,114 expenses vs. $101 revenue in 2018).
Significant depletion of assets from $61,813 in 2011 to $1,208 in 2018.
Strengths
Consistently reported $0 in liabilities across all nine filings, indicating no outstanding debt.
Consistently reported 0% officer compensation, demonstrating a commitment to minimizing executive pay.
Spending Breakdown
How Center On Sustainable Communities allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
75%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
15%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
10%
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 Center On Sustainable Communities
Is Center On Sustainable Communities a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Center On Sustainable Communities (EIN: 202482582) has notable concerns. Mission Score: 30/100. 3 red flags identified, 2 strengths noted.
Is Center On Sustainable Communities a good charity to donate to?
Center On Sustainable Communities has a Mission Score of 30/100. Revenue: $101. Assets: $1K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Center On Sustainable Communities?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Center On Sustainable Communities is 202482582. 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 Center On Sustainable Communities spend its money?
Center On Sustainable Communities allocates 75% to programs, 15% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Center On Sustainable Communities's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Center On Sustainable Communities's tax-exempt status using EIN 202482582 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 Center On Sustainable Communities appears to be in a state of significant financial decline, as evidenced by its latest filing showing only $101 in revenue against $1,114 in expenses, resulting in a net loss. This continues a multi-year trend of decreasing revenue, from a peak of $421,500 in 2011 to its current minimal level. The organization's assets have also dwindled from $61,813 in 2011 to $1,208 in 2018. While the organization consistently reports $0 in liabilities and 0% officer compensation, which are positive indicators of fiscal responsibility and transparency in those specific areas, the overall financial health is concerning due to the severe reduction in operational scale and consistent net losses in recent years.
Given the minimal revenue and expenses in the latest period, it's difficult to assess spending efficiency in detail without a breakdown of the $1,114 in expenses. However, the consistent pattern of expenses exceeding revenue suggests an unsustainable financial model. The lack of officer compensation across all reported periods indicates a commitment to minimizing administrative overhead in that specific area, which is a strength for transparency regarding executive pay. However, the organization's ability to achieve its mission with such limited resources and declining financial support is questionable.
Overall, the organization demonstrates transparency in its reporting of no liabilities and no officer compensation. However, its financial health is very weak, characterized by a dramatic reduction in funding and consistent operating deficits. Donors would need to understand the current operational status and future plans given the significant financial contraction.