Quick charity verification for Cohesion Central Inc (EIN: 161261903)
Verdict: Cohesion Central Inc shows mixed signals
65/100Mission Score
$296KRevenue
$310KAssets
4Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Frequent operating deficits, with expenses exceeding revenue in multiple years (e.g., 2023, 2022, 2018, 2017).
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings, which is unusual for an organization of this size and revenue.
Significant fluctuation in annual revenue, indicating potential instability in funding sources.
Increase in liabilities to $493 in 2023, warranting further scrutiny.
Strengths
Consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over seven periods, indicating compliance and transparency in reporting.
Relatively stable asset base, generally between $270,000 and $300,000, providing some financial cushion.
Demonstrated ability to generate substantial revenue, with a high of $320,159 in 2023.
Spending Breakdown
How Cohesion Central Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
70%
Program Spending
Below average — room for improvement
20%
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 Cohesion Central Inc
Is Cohesion Central Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Cohesion Central Inc (EIN: 161261903) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 65/100. 4 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Cohesion Central Inc a good charity to donate to?
Cohesion Central Inc has a Mission Score of 65/100. Revenue: $296K. Assets: $310K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Cohesion Central Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Cohesion Central Inc is 161261903. 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 Cohesion Central Inc spend its money?
Cohesion Central Inc allocates 70% to programs, 20% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Cohesion Central Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Cohesion Central Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 161261903 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
Cohesion Central Inc. demonstrates a mixed financial picture. While the organization has shown significant revenue fluctuations, from a low of $23,780 in 2020 to a high of $320,159 in 2023, its asset base has remained relatively stable, hovering around $270,000-$300,000. A notable concern is the consistent reporting of zero officer compensation across all seven filings, which, while potentially indicating volunteer leadership, can sometimes obscure the true cost of management if services are provided pro bono or through other arrangements not fully disclosed. The organization has also frequently operated at a deficit, with expenses exceeding revenue in multiple years, including 2023 ($335,131 expenses vs. $320,159 revenue) and 2022 ($176,007 expenses vs. $167,473 revenue), suggesting a reliance on prior reserves or other funding sources to cover operational costs. The significant increase in liabilities to $493 in 2023 from much lower figures in previous years warrants attention.
Without a detailed breakdown of expenses into program, administrative, and fundraising categories, it's challenging to fully assess spending efficiency. However, the consistent operational deficits suggest that the organization is spending at or above its incoming revenue. The NTEE code B03 (Community Improvement & Capacity Building) implies a focus on community-oriented programs, but the financial data alone doesn't provide insight into the impact or effectiveness of these programs. The lack of officer compensation, while potentially positive for donor perception, also means there's less detail available regarding leadership costs.
In terms of transparency, the consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over seven periods is a positive indicator. However, the absence of reported officer compensation across all filings, especially given the organization's revenue levels, could be a point of inquiry for a more in-depth analysis. The fluctuating revenue and consistent deficits suggest a need for stronger financial planning and sustainability strategies to ensure long-term viability and program delivery.