Is Going Coastal Inc Legit?

Spending Breakdown

How Going Coastal Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

90%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

10%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

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 Going Coastal Inc

Is Going Coastal Inc a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Going Coastal Inc (EIN: 161666507) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Going Coastal Inc a good charity to donate to?

Going Coastal Inc has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $13K. Assets: $584K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Going Coastal Inc?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Going Coastal Inc is 161666507. 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 Going Coastal Inc spend its money?

Going Coastal Inc allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Going Coastal Inc's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Going Coastal Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 161666507 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

Going Coastal Inc. demonstrates a fluctuating financial performance over the past decade, with a notable surge in revenue in the latest filing period (202312) to $621,725, significantly higher than previous years which typically ranged from $50,000 to $112,000. This substantial increase in revenue, coupled with relatively low expenses of $75,217 in the same period, suggests a strong financial position and efficient management of resources for that year. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating a volunteer-led or very lean executive structure, which is a positive sign for donor confidence and resource allocation directly to mission-related activities.

However, the organization's assets have grown considerably, from $172,448 in 2014 to $597,426 in 2023, while liabilities have been reduced to $0 in the latest filing, indicating improved financial stability. The NTEE code C32 (Marine Mammal Protection) suggests a clear program focus. The significant increase in net assets and the absence of liabilities in the most recent period are strong indicators of financial health and responsible stewardship of funds. The consistent filing of IRS 990 forms over 13 periods also points to a commitment to transparency.

Despite the positive trends in the latest year, the historical data shows periods where expenses exceeded revenue (e.g., 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014), which could indicate reliance on reserves or prior year surpluses. The dramatic shift in revenue in 2023 warrants further investigation to understand its source and sustainability. Overall, the organization appears to be in a strong financial position as of its latest filing, with good transparency through consistent reporting and a clear commitment to its mission without executive compensation.

Verdict: Going Coastal Inc appears trustworthy

Red Flags

Strengths