Quick charity verification for Friends Of Lake Ouachita Inc (EIN: 205393030)
Verdict: Friends Of Lake Ouachita Inc appears trustworthy
95/100Mission Score
$24KRevenue
$198KAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Exceptional program spending ratio, with expenses consistently very low relative to revenue (e.g., $2,280 expenses on $11,068 revenue in 2023).
Zero officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating a strong commitment to directing funds to the mission.
Consistent asset growth from $73,754 in 2015 to $198,320 currently, demonstrating financial stability.
No reported liabilities, indicating a very healthy balance sheet.
Consistent IRS 990 filing history over 13 periods, showing strong transparency and accountability.
Spending Breakdown
How Friends Of Lake Ouachita Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
95%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
3%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
2%
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 Lake Ouachita Inc
Is Friends Of Lake Ouachita Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Friends Of Lake Ouachita Inc (EIN: 205393030) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Friends Of Lake Ouachita Inc a good charity to donate to?
Friends Of Lake Ouachita Inc has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $24K. Assets: $198K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Friends Of Lake Ouachita Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Friends Of Lake Ouachita Inc is 205393030. 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 Lake Ouachita Inc spend its money?
Friends Of Lake Ouachita Inc allocates 95% to programs, 3% to administration, and 2% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Friends Of Lake Ouachita Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Friends Of Lake Ouachita Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 205393030 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 Lake Ouachita Inc demonstrates consistent financial health with a strong focus on program spending and minimal overhead. Over the past several years, the organization has consistently reported very low expenses relative to its revenue, indicating efficient operations. For example, in 2023, expenses were only $2,280 against $11,068 in revenue. The organization's assets have shown steady growth, reaching $198,320, with no reported liabilities, which speaks to a very stable financial position. The absence of officer compensation further enhances its transparency and commitment to directing resources towards its mission.
The organization's spending efficiency is exceptionally high, with the vast majority of its expenditures directly supporting its programs. This is evident in the consistently low expense figures across multiple years, often representing less than 30% of annual revenue. The lack of reported fundraising or administrative costs, beyond what is implicitly covered by program expenses, suggests a volunteer-driven model or very integrated operational structure. This lean operational approach maximizes the impact of donor contributions.
Transparency is excellent, particularly given the consistent reporting of zero officer compensation and no liabilities. The consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over 13 periods further demonstrates a commitment to public accountability. The clear financial statements, showing healthy asset growth and minimal expenses, provide a strong foundation for donor trust.