Quick charity verification for High Lakes Outdoor Alliance (EIN: 205408405)
Verdict: High Lakes Outdoor Alliance appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$223KRevenue
$179KAssets
1Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Significant expense exceeding revenue in 2022 ($147,281 expenses vs. $99,027 revenue), though this appears to be an isolated event.
Strengths
Consistent 0% officer compensation, indicating high dedication of resources to mission.
Zero liabilities reported across all filing periods, demonstrating strong financial management and no debt.
Healthy and growing asset base, with assets of $129,838 in 2023, providing financial stability.
Consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over 13 periods, indicating strong transparency and compliance.
Generally operates with a surplus, allowing for asset growth and future program investment.
Spending Breakdown
How High Lakes Outdoor Alliance 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 High Lakes Outdoor Alliance
Is High Lakes Outdoor Alliance a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, High Lakes Outdoor Alliance (EIN: 205408405) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is High Lakes Outdoor Alliance a good charity to donate to?
High Lakes Outdoor Alliance has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $223K. Assets: $179K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for High Lakes Outdoor Alliance?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for High Lakes Outdoor Alliance is 205408405. 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 High Lakes Outdoor Alliance spend its money?
High Lakes Outdoor Alliance allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify High Lakes Outdoor Alliance's tax-exempt status?
You can verify High Lakes Outdoor Alliance's tax-exempt status using EIN 205408405 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
High Lakes Outdoor Alliance demonstrates consistent financial stability with a healthy asset base relative to its revenue. In 2023, the organization reported revenues of $107,357 against expenses of $74,643, resulting in a surplus that contributed to its growing assets of $129,838. While the organization experienced a deficit in 2022 with expenses exceeding revenue ($147,281 vs. $99,027), this appears to be an anomaly in its recent history, as most other years show revenues comfortably covering expenses. The organization's liabilities consistently remain at $0, indicating strong financial management and no reliance on debt.
The organization's spending efficiency appears strong, particularly given the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings. This suggests that resources are primarily directed towards programmatic activities and operational costs rather than executive salaries. The absence of liabilities further reinforces a lean and responsible financial approach. The NTEE code N32 (Environmental Protection & Conservation) aligns with an organization that would likely have significant program expenses related to outdoor activities and conservation efforts.
Transparency is high, as evidenced by the consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over 13 periods and the clear reporting of financial metrics. The consistent 0% officer compensation is a significant indicator of transparency and a commitment to directing funds to the mission. The organization's financial health, characterized by positive net assets and no debt, combined with its operational efficiency and clear reporting, paints a picture of a well-managed and accountable nonprofit.