Quick charity verification for Georgia Watch (EIN: 161639971)
Verdict: Georgia Watch appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$1.0MRevenue
$495KAssets
1Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Operating deficit in the most recent fiscal year (2023), with expenses exceeding revenue by $57,498.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating very low or no executive pay from the organization.
Significant growth in assets over the past few years, from $76,972 in 2020 to $328,205 in 2023.
History of consistent IRS 990 filings (13 filings), demonstrating strong transparency and compliance.
Positive operating surplus in 2022 ($179,885), indicating financial health in prior periods.
Spending Breakdown
How Georgia Watch 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 Georgia Watch
Is Georgia Watch a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Georgia Watch (EIN: 161639971) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Georgia Watch a good charity to donate to?
Georgia Watch has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $1.0M. Assets: $495K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Georgia Watch?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Georgia Watch is 161639971. 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 Georgia Watch spend its money?
Georgia Watch allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Georgia Watch's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Georgia Watch's tax-exempt status using EIN 161639971 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
Georgia Watch demonstrates a generally stable financial position, with recent revenue fluctuations but a positive trend in assets. In 2023, the organization experienced a deficit, with expenses exceeding revenue ($579,605 vs. $522,107), which is a point to monitor. However, the previous year (2022) showed a healthy surplus of over $180,000. The organization's assets have grown significantly over the past few years, from $76,972 in 2020 to $328,205 in 2023, indicating improved financial reserves. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings suggests a commitment to minimizing administrative overhead in this area, enhancing transparency regarding executive pay.
Spending efficiency appears to be a strength, particularly given the reported 0% officer compensation. While specific program, administrative, and fundraising expense breakdowns are not provided in the summary data, the absence of officer compensation suggests a lean operational structure at the top. The organization's NTEE code (W90 - Consumer Protection & Safety) aligns with its mission, and the financial data supports its ongoing operations in this area. The consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over 13 periods demonstrates a commitment to regulatory compliance and financial transparency.
Overall, Georgia Watch appears to be a financially sound organization with a good track record of transparency, particularly concerning executive compensation. While the 2023 deficit warrants attention, the overall trend in assets and historical surpluses suggest a resilient financial model. Further detailed analysis of expense categories would provide a more granular view of spending efficiency.