Quick charity verification for Friends Of Ithemba (EIN: 200925522)
Verdict: Friends Of Ithemba appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$32KRevenue
$34KAssets
1Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Significant revenue volatility over the past decade, with a substantial decline from peak years.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of zero liabilities, indicating strong financial management and no debt.
Zero officer compensation reported across all filings, suggesting a volunteer-driven model and high efficiency in executive costs.
Positive net assets growth in recent years, from $14,221 in 2022 to $35,790 in 2023.
Strong expense control, particularly in 2023 where expenses ($15,700) were significantly lower than revenue ($43,342).
Spending Breakdown
How Friends Of Ithemba allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
85%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
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 Ithemba
Is Friends Of Ithemba a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Friends Of Ithemba (EIN: 200925522) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Friends Of Ithemba a good charity to donate to?
Friends Of Ithemba has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $32K. Assets: $34K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Friends Of Ithemba?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Friends Of Ithemba is 200925522. 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 Ithemba spend its money?
Friends Of Ithemba allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Friends Of Ithemba's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Friends Of Ithemba's tax-exempt status using EIN 200925522 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 Ithemba demonstrates a fluctuating financial history, with recent years showing significantly lower revenue compared to earlier periods. For instance, revenue in 2023 was $43,342, a stark contrast to $256,869 in 2015. Despite this variability, the organization consistently reports zero liabilities and zero officer compensation across all available filings, indicating a strong commitment to financial prudence and a volunteer-driven leadership model. The organization's assets have shown growth in recent years, reaching $35,790 in 2023, up from $14,221 in 2022, suggesting a rebuilding of its financial reserves. The absence of officer compensation also points to a high degree of transparency regarding executive pay, as there is none to report.
Spending efficiency appears to be strong, particularly in the latest filing where expenses were $15,700 against revenue of $43,342, leaving a substantial surplus. While specific program, administrative, and fundraising breakdowns are not provided in the raw data, the overall low expense figures relative to revenue in recent years suggest a lean operational model. The consistent reporting of zero liabilities further reinforces a responsible approach to financial management, avoiding debt. The organization's transparency is commendable given the detailed filing history and the clear indication of no executive compensation, which is a key indicator for many donors.
However, the significant decline in revenue from its peak in 2015 ($256,869) to its current level ($43,342 in 2023) is a notable trend. While the organization has adapted by reducing expenses, this revenue volatility could impact its long-term program capacity if not addressed. The consistent lack of liabilities and officer compensation are strong positive indicators of sound financial governance and a focus on mission over executive pay.