Is Childrens Odyssey Legit?

Quick charity verification for Childrens Odyssey (EIN: 10475374)

Verdict: Childrens Odyssey appears trustworthy

88/100Mission Score
$3.8MRevenue
$601KAssets
1Red Flags
4Strengths

Red Flags

Strengths

Spending Breakdown

How Childrens Odyssey 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 Childrens Odyssey

Is Childrens Odyssey a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Childrens Odyssey (EIN: 10475374) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 88/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Childrens Odyssey a good charity to donate to?

Childrens Odyssey has a Mission Score of 88/100. Revenue: $3.8M. Assets: $601K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Childrens Odyssey?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Childrens Odyssey is 10475374. 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 Childrens Odyssey spend its money?

Childrens Odyssey allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Childrens Odyssey's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Childrens Odyssey's tax-exempt status using EIN 10475374 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

Childrens Odyssey demonstrates a consistent operational history with fluctuating financial performance. In the most recent filing (202308), the organization reported expenses of $2,585,617 against revenues of $2,477,892, indicating a deficit for the period. This trend of expenses exceeding revenue is also observed in 202208 and 202008, suggesting potential challenges in maintaining financial equilibrium. However, the organization has also shown periods of surplus, such as in 202108, 201908, 201808, and 201708, indicating a variable financial landscape. The organization's assets have generally been robust, peaking at $1,152,104 in 202108, though they have seen a decline to $982,612 in 202308. Liabilities have remained relatively stable and manageable compared to assets, suggesting a healthy balance sheet. A significant positive aspect is the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which speaks to a strong commitment to directing funds towards the mission rather than executive salaries. This practice enhances the organization's transparency and trustworthiness. Overall, Childrens Odyssey appears to be a financially stable organization with a strong commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its executive compensation practices. While there are periods of operational deficits, these are balanced by periods of surplus, and the asset base remains solid. The consistent filing of IRS 990s over many years also indicates good governance and transparency.

View Full Transparency Report →

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.

Related Pages