Unusually low reported officer compensation (0%) for an organization of this size, which might indicate compensation is reported under other categories or a unique leadership structure.
Strengths
Consistent and substantial revenue growth over a decade, indicating strong demand and operational success.
Healthy and growing asset base, providing financial stability and capacity.
Remarkable 0% reported officer compensation, suggesting a strong commitment to program spending.
High spending efficiency, with expenses closely tracking revenue.
Positive net assets year over year, demonstrating sound financial management.
Spending Breakdown
How Consumer Directed Choices allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
7%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
3%
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 Consumer Directed Choices
Is Consumer Directed Choices a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Consumer Directed Choices (EIN: 161516618) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Consumer Directed Choices a good charity to donate to?
Consumer Directed Choices has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $90.6M. Assets: $33.7M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Consumer Directed Choices?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Consumer Directed Choices is 161516618. 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 Consumer Directed Choices spend its money?
Consumer Directed Choices allocates 90% to programs, 7% to administration, and 3% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Consumer Directed Choices's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Consumer Directed Choices's tax-exempt status using EIN 161516618 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
Consumer Directed Choices demonstrates strong financial growth and appears to be a fiscally sound organization. Over the past decade, its revenue has consistently increased, from $15.4 million in 2014 to $69.8 million in 2023, with the latest reported revenue at $90.5 million. This substantial growth indicates a high demand for its services and effective operational management. The organization consistently maintains a healthy asset base, growing from $4.9 million in 2014 to $33.7 million currently, which provides a solid financial cushion.
The organization's spending efficiency is commendable, with expenses consistently close to revenue, suggesting that most funds are directly utilized for its operations. For instance, in 2023, expenses were $66.1 million against revenues of $69.8 million. A notable aspect of its financial management is the reported 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which significantly enhances its transparency and commitment to program spending. This practice suggests that leadership may be compensated through other means or that the organization relies heavily on volunteer leadership, which is a strong positive indicator for a nonprofit.
Overall, Consumer Directed Choices exhibits robust financial health, efficient spending patterns, and a high degree of transparency, particularly concerning executive compensation. The consistent growth in assets and revenue, coupled with the reported lack of officer compensation, paints a picture of a well-managed and mission-focused organization.