Quick charity verification for Epoch Media Midwest (EIN: 200916595)
Verdict: Epoch Media Midwest appears trustworthy
75/100Mission Score
$6.2MRevenue
$2.1MAssets
3Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
No reported officer compensation despite significant revenue, which is unusual for an organization of this size.
Significant increase in liabilities from $0 in 2017 to $1,289,918 in 2023 without clear explanation.
Unknown NTEE code, hindering direct comparison to peer organizations.
Strengths
Strong revenue growth, from $24,468 in 2016 to $5,752,807 in 2023.
Consistent asset growth, from $25,208 in 2016 to $2,151,367 in 2023.
Consistent filing of IRS 990 forms (13 filings), indicating transparency in reporting.
Positive net income in most recent filing ($5,752,807 revenue vs. $5,436,735 expenses in 2023).
Spending Breakdown
How Epoch Media Midwest allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
15%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
5%
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 Epoch Media Midwest
Is Epoch Media Midwest a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Epoch Media Midwest (EIN: 200916595) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 3 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Epoch Media Midwest a good charity to donate to?
Epoch Media Midwest has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $6.2M. Assets: $2.1M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Epoch Media Midwest?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Epoch Media Midwest is 200916595. 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 Epoch Media Midwest spend its money?
Epoch Media Midwest allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Epoch Media Midwest's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Epoch Media Midwest's tax-exempt status using EIN 200916595 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
Epoch Media Midwest demonstrates a fluctuating but generally positive financial trajectory, with recent years showing substantial revenue growth. In 2023, the organization reported revenues of $5,752,807 against expenses of $5,436,735, indicating a surplus. While the NTEE code is unknown, making direct peer comparison difficult, the consistent growth in assets from $36,922 in 2014 to $2,151,367 in 2023 suggests effective financial management and capacity building. The organization's transparency is enhanced by its consistent filing of IRS Form 990s, with 13 filings available, though the lack of reported officer compensation across all filings raises questions about how leadership is compensated or if it's entirely volunteer-based. The significant increase in liabilities from $0 in 2017 to $1,289,918 in 2023 warrants further investigation to understand the nature of these obligations.