Is Commons Center For Food Security & Sustainability Legit?

Quick charity verification for Commons Center For Food Security & Sustainability (EIN: 201004201)

Verdict: Commons Center For Food Security & Sustainability appears trustworthy

92/100Mission Score
$411KRevenue
$1.2MAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths

No red flags identified.

Strengths

Spending Breakdown

How Commons Center For Food Security & Sustainability 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 Commons Center For Food Security & Sustainability

Is Commons Center For Food Security & Sustainability a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Commons Center For Food Security & Sustainability (EIN: 201004201) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.

Is Commons Center For Food Security & Sustainability a good charity to donate to?

Commons Center For Food Security & Sustainability has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $411K. Assets: $1.2M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Commons Center For Food Security & Sustainability?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Commons Center For Food Security & Sustainability is 201004201. 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 Commons Center For Food Security & Sustainability spend its money?

Commons Center For Food Security & Sustainability allocates 90% to programs, 8% to administration, and 2% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Commons Center For Food Security & Sustainability's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Commons Center For Food Security & Sustainability's tax-exempt status using EIN 201004201 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

Commons Center For Food Security & Sustainability demonstrates a consistent pattern of financial growth and stability. Over the past five years, the organization's revenue has steadily increased from $187,698 in 2020 to $410,792 in 2024, indicating growing support for its mission. Assets have also shown healthy growth, reaching $1,172,915 in 2024, which provides a strong financial foundation. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, which is a significant indicator of transparency and a commitment to directing funds towards programs rather than executive salaries. Spending efficiency appears strong, with expenses generally tracking below revenue, allowing for asset accumulation. For instance, in 2024, expenses were $394,646 against $410,792 in revenue. The absence of officer compensation suggests a high proportion of spending is likely directed towards program services and essential administrative functions. This structure minimizes overhead related to executive pay, potentially maximizing the impact of donor contributions. Overall, the organization exhibits good financial health, prudent management of resources, and a high degree of transparency regarding executive compensation. The consistent growth in revenue and assets, coupled with zero officer compensation, paints a picture of a well-managed nonprofit focused on its mission.

View Full Transparency Report →

Disclaimer

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

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