Quick charity verification for Friends Of Harbison State Forest Inc (EIN: 201272169)
Verdict: Friends Of Harbison State Forest Inc appears trustworthy
70/100Mission Score
$10KRevenue
$45KAssets
3Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Significant deficit in 2024 ($174,618) where expenses ($185,165) far exceeded revenue ($10,547).
High financial volatility with revenue fluctuating from $5,671 (2015) to $263,489 (2023) and then to $10,547 (2024).
Expenses in 2024 ($185,165) are disproportionately high compared to the organization's typical operating budget and recent revenues, without clear explanation in the provided data.
Strengths
Consistent 0% officer compensation, indicating strong volunteer leadership and efficient use of funds at the executive level.
Maintained zero liabilities across all reported periods, demonstrating fiscal prudence and no reliance on debt.
Significant asset growth in 2023 to $300,575, providing a financial buffer despite recent volatility.
Spending Breakdown
How Friends Of Harbison State Forest Inc 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 Friends Of Harbison State Forest Inc
Is Friends Of Harbison State Forest Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Friends Of Harbison State Forest Inc (EIN: 201272169) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 70/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Friends Of Harbison State Forest Inc a good charity to donate to?
Friends Of Harbison State Forest Inc has a Mission Score of 70/100. Revenue: $10K. Assets: $45K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Friends Of Harbison State Forest Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Friends Of Harbison State Forest Inc is 201272169. 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 Friends Of Harbison State Forest Inc spend its money?
Friends Of Harbison State Forest Inc allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Friends Of Harbison State Forest Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Friends Of Harbison State Forest Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 201272169 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
Friends Of Harbison State Forest Inc exhibits inconsistent financial performance over the past several years. While the organization reported a significant revenue spike in 2023 ($263,489) and a healthy asset base ($300,575), the most recent filing (2024) shows a dramatic drop in revenue to $10,547 and disproportionately high expenses of $185,165, leading to a substantial deficit. This recent period's expenses far exceed any prior year's revenue, raising questions about the sustainability of their operations or if this represents a one-time project. The organization consistently reports zero officer compensation, which is a positive indicator of volunteer leadership and efficient use of funds for administrative overhead.
The organization's financial health appears volatile, with large fluctuations in both revenue and expenses. The significant expense in 2024 without corresponding revenue is a concern, potentially indicating a draw-down on reserves or a temporary funding gap. However, the consistent reporting of zero liabilities across all periods suggests a prudent approach to debt management. Transparency is good regarding executive compensation, as it is consistently reported as 0%. Further detail on the nature of the 2024 expenses would be crucial for a complete understanding of their financial strategy and health.
Spending efficiency is difficult to fully assess without a detailed breakdown of program vs. administrative expenses from the filings. However, the consistent reporting of zero officer compensation suggests a lean administrative structure at the leadership level. The large expense in 2024, if primarily program-related, could indicate significant activity, but if it's administrative, it would be a major red flag. The organization's assets have grown significantly in 2023, providing a buffer, but the 2024 deficit is substantial relative to recent revenues.