Is Effingham Preservation Society Legit? —…

Quick charity verification for Effingham Preservation Society (EIN: 20509786)

Spending Breakdown

How Effingham Preservation Society allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

85%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

10%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

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 Effingham Preservation Society

Is Effingham Preservation Society a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Effingham Preservation Society (EIN: 20509786) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.

Is Effingham Preservation Society a good charity to donate to?

Effingham Preservation Society has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $87K. Assets: $359K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Effingham Preservation Society?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Effingham Preservation Society is 20509786. 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 Effingham Preservation Society spend its money?

Effingham Preservation Society allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Effingham Preservation Society's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Effingham Preservation Society's tax-exempt status using EIN 20509786 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 Effingham Preservation Society demonstrates a generally healthy financial position with consistent asset growth over the past five years, increasing from $238,138 in 2019 to $370,407 in 2023. Their revenue has fluctuated significantly, ranging from $28,920 in 2019 to $124,113 in 2020, indicating reliance on variable funding sources. However, their expenses have remained relatively low and stable, often significantly less than their revenue, allowing for asset accumulation. The organization reports zero liabilities across all filings, which is a strong indicator of financial stability and responsible management.

The organization's spending efficiency appears strong, as evidenced by their low expenses relative to revenue in most years. For instance, in 2023, they spent only $15,702 against $49,737 in revenue. The absence of reported officer compensation across all filings suggests that leadership is either volunteer-based or compensated through other means not categorized as officer compensation, which can contribute to lower administrative overhead. This structure, combined with zero liabilities, points to a fiscally conservative approach.

Transparency is high given the availability of their 990 filings and the clear reporting of zero officer compensation and liabilities. While a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses isn't explicitly provided in the summary data, the overall low expense figures suggest a lean operation. The consistent growth in assets without incurring debt further reinforces a positive outlook on their financial health and stewardship.

Is Effingham Preservation Society Legit?

Verdict: Effingham Preservation Society appears trustworthy

Strengths