Is Chicago Council On Science Andtechnology Legit?
Quick charity verification for Chicago Council On Science Andtechnology (EIN: 208490697)
Verdict: Chicago Council On Science Andtechnology appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$449KRevenue
$124KAssets
2Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Expenses consistently exceeding revenue in recent years (e.g., 2023 and 2022 filings)
Significant decline in assets from $201,898 in 2021 to $69,364 in 2023
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating high efficiency in executive pay
Long operating history with 13 IRS 990 filings, suggesting established operations
Relatively low liabilities compared to assets in most periods, indicating manageable debt
Spending Breakdown
How Chicago Council On Science Andtechnology 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 Chicago Council On Science Andtechnology
Is Chicago Council On Science Andtechnology a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Chicago Council On Science Andtechnology (EIN: 208490697) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Chicago Council On Science Andtechnology a good charity to donate to?
Chicago Council On Science Andtechnology has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $449K. Assets: $124K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Chicago Council On Science Andtechnology?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Chicago Council On Science Andtechnology is 208490697. 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 Chicago Council On Science Andtechnology spend its money?
Chicago Council On Science Andtechnology allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Chicago Council On Science Andtechnology's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Chicago Council On Science Andtechnology's tax-exempt status using EIN 208490697 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 Chicago Council On Science And Technology demonstrates consistent financial activity, with revenues and expenses generally in the range of $300,000 to $400,000 over the past decade. While the organization has experienced fluctuations, such as a revenue dip to $269,032 in 2020 and a high of $482,743 in 2014, its asset base has shown some variability, peaking at $274,310 in 2017 and declining to $69,364 in 2023. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, which is a strong indicator of financial efficiency and a commitment to directing funds towards its mission rather than executive salaries. However, the recent trend of expenses exceeding revenue, as seen in 2023 ($407,128 expenses vs. $372,631 revenue) and 2022 ($348,152 expenses vs. $292,057 revenue), warrants attention to ensure long-term sustainability. The decline in assets from $201,898 in 2021 to $69,364 in 2023 also suggests a need for careful financial management.