Recent operating deficits (expenses exceeding revenue in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017) could indicate a need for closer monitoring of financial sustainability if trends continue without sufficient reserves.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating high efficiency and mission focus.
How Friction Materials Standards allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
0%
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 Friction Materials Standards
Is Friction Materials Standards a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Friction Materials Standards (EIN: 131606491) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Friction Materials Standards a good charity to donate to?
Friction Materials Standards has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $739K. Assets: $929K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Friction Materials Standards?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Friction Materials Standards is 131606491. 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 Friction Materials Standards spend its money?
Friction Materials Standards allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Friction Materials Standards's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Friction Materials Standards's tax-exempt status using EIN 131606491 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
Friction Materials Standards (FMS) demonstrates consistent financial operations, with revenues and expenses generally in the range of $400,000 to $700,000 over the past decade. The organization has maintained a healthy asset base, typically around $900,000 to $1.1 million, indicating good financial stability. While there have been periods where expenses exceeded revenue, such as in 2023 ($705,043 expenses vs. $618,367 revenue) and 2022 ($637,598 expenses vs. $575,953 revenue), these appear to be managed within the context of their overall assets and do not suggest immediate distress. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, which is a strong indicator of transparency and a focus on mission-related spending rather than executive enrichment.
FMS's financial health appears stable, with a solid asset foundation. The consistent reporting of no officer compensation is a significant positive for transparency and suggests that resources are directed towards the organization's objectives. The NTEE code U40Z (Standards Setting Organizations) aligns with an operational model that might involve significant program-related expenses for research, development, and dissemination of standards, which would be reflected in their spending patterns. The organization's long filing history (13 filings) further suggests a well-established and consistently reporting entity.