Quick charity verification for Higher Living Inc (EIN: 10601868)
Verdict: Higher Living Inc appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$290KRevenue
$717KAssets
1Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent decline in total assets over the past nine years, from $1,109,047 in 2015 to $764,798 in 2023, which could impact long-term stability.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all nine years, indicating volunteer leadership and efficient use of funds.
Revenues and expenses are generally well-matched, suggesting tight financial management and that funds are being utilized for operations.
Consistent filing of IRS 990 forms over nine years demonstrates a commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance.
Spending Breakdown
How Higher Living Inc 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 Higher Living Inc
Is Higher Living Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Higher Living Inc (EIN: 10601868) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 1 red flag identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Higher Living Inc a good charity to donate to?
Higher Living Inc has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $290K. Assets: $717K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Higher Living Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Higher Living Inc is 10601868. 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 Higher Living Inc spend its money?
Higher Living Inc allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Higher Living Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Higher Living Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 10601868 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
Higher Living Inc. demonstrates consistent financial activity with revenues and expenses generally in balance over the past nine years. For example, in 2023, revenues were $278,813 against expenses of $276,035, indicating a tight operational margin. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, which is a strong indicator of volunteer leadership and efficient use of donor funds, enhancing its transparency and public trust. However, the organization's assets have shown a steady decline from $1,109,047 in 2015 to $764,798 in 2023, while liabilities have also decreased from $538,270 to $173,793 over the same period. This trend suggests a potential reduction in overall scale or a strategic shift in asset management, which warrants further investigation into the nature of these assets and liabilities.
Spending efficiency appears high given the minimal difference between revenues and expenses, suggesting that most incoming funds are directly utilized for operations. The consistent reporting of no officer compensation further reinforces this efficiency. While specific program spending percentages are not provided in the raw data, the overall financial picture points to an organization that operates leanly. The declining asset base, even with decreasing liabilities, could be a concern if it impacts long-term sustainability or program capacity, but without more detailed expense breakdowns, it's difficult to fully assess the impact on program delivery. The consistent filing of IRS 990 forms over nine years indicates a commitment to regulatory compliance and transparency.