Quick charity verification for Garrison Institute (EIN: 10597067)
Verdict: Garrison Institute appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$4.1MRevenue
$1.1MAssets
1Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Periods of operating deficits in prior years (e.g., 201912, 202012)
Strengths
Consistent revenue generation (e.g., $4,784,583 in 202312)
Positive operating margins in recent years (e.g., $268,284 surplus in 202312)
Growing asset base (e.g., $1,245,209 in 202312)
Zero reported officer compensation across all filings
Strong transparency with 14 years of IRS 990 filings
Spending Breakdown
How Garrison Institute 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 Garrison Institute
Is Garrison Institute a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Garrison Institute (EIN: 10597067) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Garrison Institute a good charity to donate to?
Garrison Institute has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $4.1M. Assets: $1.1M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Garrison Institute?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Garrison Institute is 10597067. 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 Garrison Institute spend its money?
Garrison Institute allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Garrison Institute's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Garrison Institute's tax-exempt status using EIN 10597067 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
The Garrison Institute demonstrates a generally stable financial position with consistent revenue generation over the past several years, averaging around $3.5-$4.5 million annually. In the most recent filing (202312), the organization reported revenue of $4,784,583 against expenses of $4,516,299, indicating a surplus. This trend of operating with a surplus is also evident in 202212 and 202112, suggesting sound financial management after a period of deficits in 201912 and 202012. The organization's assets have shown growth, reaching $1,245,209 in 202312, which provides a reasonable buffer against liabilities of $612,941.
Spending efficiency appears to be a strength, as the organization consistently manages to keep expenses below or close to revenue, particularly in recent years. The absence of reported officer compensation across all available filings is a significant indicator of transparency and a commitment to directing funds towards the mission rather than executive salaries. This practice is highly commendable and suggests a volunteer-driven or very low-cost leadership structure.
Overall, the Garrison Institute exhibits good financial health and strong transparency, particularly concerning executive compensation. While there were periods of operating deficits, the recent trend shows a return to financial stability and growth in assets. The consistent filing of IRS 990s over 14 periods further underscores their commitment to public accountability.