Quick charity verification for Choices (EIN: 10496745)
Verdict: Choices shows mixed signals
65/100Mission Score
$582KRevenue
$48KAssets
3Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent operating deficits in recent years (e.g., 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015)
Significant decline in total assets from $333,840 in 2014 to $47,687 in 2019
Low asset base relative to annual expenses, indicating limited financial reserves
Strengths
Consistent IRS 990 filing history over 10 periods, indicating good compliance
No reported officer compensation, suggesting a lean administrative structure at the top
Stable revenue generation over the past decade, generally above $500,000 annually
Spending Breakdown
How Choices allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
15%
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 Choices
Is Choices a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Choices (EIN: 10496745) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 65/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Choices a good charity to donate to?
Choices has a Mission Score of 65/100. Revenue: $582K. Assets: $48K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Choices?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Choices is 10496745. 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 Choices spend its money?
Choices allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Choices's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Choices's tax-exempt status using EIN 10496745 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
Choices has demonstrated consistent financial operations over the past decade, with revenues generally ranging from $500,000 to $800,000. However, the organization has experienced a trend of declining assets, from a high of $333,840 in 2014 to $47,687 in the latest filing (2019). This significant reduction in assets, coupled with expenses frequently exceeding revenue in recent years (e.g., $602,718 expenses vs. $582,403 revenue in 2019), suggests a potential strain on financial reserves. The organization's transparency is commendable given its consistent filing history and the clear reporting of zero officer compensation, which simplifies the analysis of its spending priorities. While specific program, administrative, and fundraising expense breakdowns are not provided in the summary data, the overall financial trend indicates a need for careful management of resources to rebuild its asset base and ensure long-term sustainability.