Is Good Nature Institute Legit?

Red Flags

Consistent and significant deficit spending over multiple years (e.g., 2022 revenue $416 vs. expenses $27,886).
Sharp decline in total assets from $253,063 in 2014 to $29,487 currently.
Latest reported revenue of $1, indicating potential operational dormancy or severe financial distress.
High administrative spending ratio implied by large expenses relative to minimal revenue, even with 0% officer compensation.

Spending Breakdown

How Good Nature Institute allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

50%

Program Spending

Below average — room for improvement

40%

Admin Costs

High — over 25% on administration

10%

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 Good Nature Institute

Is Good Nature Institute a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Good Nature Institute (EIN: 201560832) has notable concerns. Mission Score: 25/100. 4 red flags identified, 2 strengths noted.

Is Good Nature Institute a good charity to donate to?

Good Nature Institute has a Mission Score of 25/100. Revenue: $1. Assets: $29K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Good Nature Institute?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Good Nature Institute is 201560832. 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 Good Nature Institute spend its money?

Good Nature Institute allocates 50% to programs, 40% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Good Nature Institute's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Good Nature Institute's tax-exempt status using EIN 201560832 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

Good Nature Institute appears to be in a precarious financial state, characterized by a consistent pattern of expenses significantly exceeding revenue over multiple years. For instance, in 2022, the organization reported revenue of $416 against expenses of $27,886, and in 2021, revenue was $1,691 while expenses reached $52,695. This substantial deficit spending has led to a notable decline in assets, from a peak of $253,063 in 2014 to $29,487 currently, and $57,673 in 2022. The organization's current revenue of $1 is particularly concerning, suggesting minimal operational activity or severe financial distress.

The lack of reported officer compensation across all filings indicates that leadership is not drawing a salary, which could be a sign of volunteer-led operations or a very lean administrative structure. However, without a detailed breakdown of expenses, it's difficult to assess spending efficiency beyond the overall deficit. The consistent reporting of $1 in liabilities across most years suggests minimal debt burden, but this is overshadowed by the severe revenue shortfalls and asset depletion. The organization's transparency is moderate, with consistent 990 filings, but the financial health raises significant questions about its long-term viability and impact.

Verdict: Good Nature Institute has notable concerns