Quick charity verification for Friends Of The Center (EIN: 201219019)
Verdict: Friends Of The Center appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$124KRevenue
$1.2MAssets
1Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Inconsistent annual operating results, with expenses exceeding revenue in some periods (e.g., 2024: $141,834 expenses vs. $120,203 revenue).
Strengths
Strong asset base ($1,244,124) relative to annual revenue and expenses.
Consistent reporting of $0 liabilities across all 14 filings, indicating excellent financial health.
Zero officer compensation, suggesting a volunteer-driven leadership and efficient use of funds.
Long history of IRS 990 filings (14 periods), demonstrating transparency and compliance.
Spending Breakdown
How Friends Of The Center 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 The Center
Is Friends Of The Center a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Friends Of The Center (EIN: 201219019) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Friends Of The Center a good charity to donate to?
Friends Of The Center has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $124K. Assets: $1.2M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Friends Of The Center?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Friends Of The Center is 201219019. 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 The Center spend its money?
Friends Of The Center allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Friends Of The Center's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Friends Of The Center's tax-exempt status using EIN 201219019 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 The Center demonstrates a generally stable financial position with consistent revenue streams, averaging around $120,000 annually over the past several years. The organization maintains a healthy asset base, currently at $1,244,124, significantly exceeding its annual revenue and expenses, indicating strong financial reserves. Liabilities have consistently been reported as $0 across all available filings, which is a strong indicator of financial health and low risk.
Spending efficiency appears to fluctuate. For instance, in 2024, expenses ($141,834) exceeded revenue ($120,203), leading to a deficit. However, in 2023, expenses ($42,282) were significantly lower than revenue ($140,817), resulting in a substantial surplus. This variability suggests that while the organization can operate efficiently, there are periods where spending outpaces income. The consistent reporting of zero officer compensation across all filings suggests a volunteer-driven leadership, which can contribute to lower administrative costs.
Transparency is high given the consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over 14 periods and the clear reporting of financial metrics. The absence of liabilities and officer compensation simplifies the financial picture, making it easier for stakeholders to understand the organization's financial commitments and resource allocation. The organization's NTEE code P12 (Community Development Corporations) suggests a focus on local community benefit, which aligns with the typical mission of such non-profits.