Is Commission On Independent Colleges & Universities Legit?
Quick charity verification for Commission On Independent Colleges & Universities (EIN: 132707879)
Verdict: Commission On Independent Colleges & Universities appears trustworthy
92/100Mission Score
$2.8MRevenue
$9.6MAssets
1Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Unusually low or zero reported officer compensation for an organization of this size, which might warrant further inquiry into how leadership is supported or compensated through other means not captured in 'officer compensation'.
Strengths
Consistent asset growth, increasing from $7,230,543 in 2019 to $9,246,059 in 2024.
Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, indicating a strong commitment to mission-focused spending.
Generally operates with a revenue surplus, demonstrating sound financial management.
Excellent transparency with 14 consistent IRS 990 filings.
Stable financial operations with manageable liabilities relative to assets.
Spending Breakdown
How Commission On Independent Colleges & Universities allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
8%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
2%
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 Commission On Independent Colleges & Universities
Is Commission On Independent Colleges & Universities a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Commission On Independent Colleges & Universities (EIN: 132707879) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Commission On Independent Colleges & Universities a good charity to donate to?
Commission On Independent Colleges & Universities has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $2.8M. Assets: $9.6M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Commission On Independent Colleges & Universities?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Commission On Independent Colleges & Universities is 132707879. 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 Commission On Independent Colleges & Universities spend its money?
Commission On Independent Colleges & Universities allocates 90% to programs, 8% to administration, and 2% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Commission On Independent Colleges & Universities's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Commission On Independent Colleges & Universities's tax-exempt status using EIN 132707879 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 Commission On Independent Colleges & Universities demonstrates consistent financial health, with assets steadily growing from $7,230,543 in 2019 to $9,246,059 in 2024. The organization generally operates with a surplus, as seen in 2024 where revenue of $2,624,953 exceeded expenses of $2,358,177. While there was a slight deficit in 2023, this appears to be an anomaly in an otherwise stable financial trend.
The organization's spending efficiency is commendable, particularly given the reported 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that executive leadership is not drawing a salary from the organization. This suggests a strong commitment to directing resources towards its mission. The consistent growth in assets, alongside manageable liabilities, further reinforces a picture of responsible financial stewardship.
Transparency is a significant strength, evidenced by the readily available and consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over 14 periods. The absence of reported officer compensation is a key indicator of transparency and a focus on mission-driven spending. The detailed financial data provided across multiple years allows for a clear understanding of the organization's financial operations and trends.