Quick charity verification for Consumer Reports Inc (EIN: 131776434)
Verdict: Consumer Reports Inc appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$308.8MRevenue
$473.5MAssets
1Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Recent operating deficit in 202305 (expenses exceeding revenue)
Strengths
Consistently strong asset base (e.g., $462,111,873 in 202305)
No reported officer compensation across all filings, indicating efficient resource allocation
Consistent history of IRS 990 filings, demonstrating transparency
Historically strong revenue generation, often exceeding expenses
Clear alignment with NTEE code W900 (Consumer Protection, Legal Aid & Services)
Spending Breakdown
How Consumer Reports Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
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 Consumer Reports Inc
Is Consumer Reports Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Consumer Reports Inc (EIN: 131776434) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Consumer Reports Inc a good charity to donate to?
Consumer Reports Inc has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $308.8M. Assets: $473.5M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Consumer Reports Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Consumer Reports Inc is 131776434. 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 Reports Inc spend its money?
Consumer Reports Inc allocates 80% to programs, 10% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Consumer Reports Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Consumer Reports Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 131776434 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 Reports Inc. demonstrates a generally stable financial position with consistent revenue streams over the past decade, typically exceeding expenses. For instance, in 202205, revenue was $288,765,703 against expenses of $250,470,441, indicating a healthy surplus. However, the most recent filing (202305) shows expenses ($253,939,574) slightly exceeding revenue ($249,675,955), resulting in a deficit for that period. Despite this, the organization maintains substantial assets, reported at $462,111,873 in 202305, which provides a strong financial cushion.
The organization's transparency is commendable, particularly regarding executive compensation, which is consistently reported as 0% for officers across all available filings. This suggests that the highest-ranking individuals are not receiving direct compensation from the organization, or it is reported under different categories not captured by 'Officer Comp' in this data. The consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over 13 periods further enhances its transparency, allowing for detailed financial scrutiny. The NTEE code W900 (Consumer Protection, Legal Aid & Services) aligns well with its mission, suggesting a clear programmatic focus.
While the overall financial health appears robust due to significant assets and historical surpluses, the recent dip into a deficit in 202305 warrants monitoring. The organization's ability to manage its expenses relative to its revenue in future periods will be key to maintaining its strong financial standing. The absence of reported officer compensation is a significant positive indicator of efficient resource allocation and a focus on mission over executive enrichment.