Is Fidelis Legit?

Spending Breakdown

How Fidelis allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

80%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

15%

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 Fidelis

Is Fidelis a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Fidelis (EIN: 202603413) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 65/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.

Is Fidelis a good charity to donate to?

Fidelis has a Mission Score of 65/100. Revenue: $4.5M. Assets: $2.9M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Fidelis?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Fidelis is 202603413. 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 Fidelis spend its money?

Fidelis allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Fidelis's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Fidelis's tax-exempt status using EIN 202603413 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

Fidelis demonstrates a fluctuating financial performance over the past decade. While the organization reported a significant revenue spike to $13,141,319 in 2020, its latest filing for 2021 shows revenue at $4,754,241, which is a substantial decrease and less than its expenses of $4,920,251, indicating a deficit for that period. This pattern of revenue volatility, including several years where expenses exceeded revenue (e.g., 2021, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013), suggests potential challenges in consistent financial stability. However, the organization has shown growth in assets, from $61,529 in 2015 to $2,636,949 in 2021, which is a positive indicator of long-term capacity building.

The absence of reported officer compensation across all filings is a notable aspect of its financial structure, suggesting either a volunteer-led executive team or compensation being reported under different categories not immediately apparent as 'officer compensation'. This could be interpreted as a commitment to minimizing administrative overhead, though further detail would be needed to fully assess. The organization's ability to manage its liabilities, which have remained relatively stable and low compared to assets, is a strength. However, the consistent operational deficits in several years warrant closer examination of its funding model and expenditure management to ensure long-term sustainability.

Verdict: Fidelis shows mixed signals

Red Flags

Strengths