Is Cornerstone Policy Research Legit? —…

Spending Breakdown

How Cornerstone Policy Research 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 Cornerstone Policy Research

Is Cornerstone Policy Research a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Cornerstone Policy Research (EIN: 20516032) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 65/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.

Is Cornerstone Policy Research a good charity to donate to?

Cornerstone Policy Research has a Mission Score of 65/100. Revenue: $309K. Assets: $312K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Cornerstone Policy Research?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Cornerstone Policy Research is 20516032. 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 Cornerstone Policy Research spend its money?

Cornerstone Policy Research allocates 70% to programs, 20% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Cornerstone Policy Research's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Cornerstone Policy Research's tax-exempt status using EIN 20516032 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

Cornerstone Policy Research demonstrates a fluctuating financial picture over the past several years. While the organization has seen periods of strong revenue growth, such as in 2021 ($446,948), it has also experienced significant deficits, notably in 2023 where expenses ($364,483) exceeded revenue ($290,112) by over $74,000, and in 2022 where expenses ($400,821) outpaced revenue ($333,732) by over $67,000. This pattern of spending more than it earns in recent years raises concerns about long-term financial sustainability if not addressed. The organization's assets have also shown volatility, peaking at $413,974 in 2021 and declining to $273,723 by 2023.

Regarding spending efficiency, without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses from the provided data, it's challenging to fully assess. However, the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings suggests a lean approach to executive pay, which is a positive indicator for donor confidence. The organization's NTEE code P30 (Public Policy, Research, Education) implies a focus on advocacy and research, which often entails significant operational costs. The lack of reported liabilities in most years is also a positive sign of fiscal management.

Transparency appears to be adequate given the availability of 14 years of IRS 990 filings. However, a more detailed breakdown of expenses within the filings would allow for a deeper analysis of how funds are allocated between direct program activities, administrative overhead, and fundraising efforts. The consistent deficits in recent years warrant closer scrutiny to understand the underlying causes and the organization's strategy to return to financial stability.

Is Cornerstone Policy Research Legit?

Verdict: Cornerstone Policy Research shows mixed signals

Red Flags

Strengths