Is Horizon Science Academy Springfield Legit?

Quick charity verification for Horizon Science Academy Springfield (EIN: 202004609)

Verdict: Horizon Science Academy Springfield appears trustworthy

85/100Mission Score

$5.9MRevenue

$12.2MAssets

1Red Flags

4Strengths

Red Flags

Historically high liabilities, often exceeding assets, though this trend has reversed in the latest filing (2023).

Strengths

Consistent and strong revenue growth, reaching $7,627,007 in 2023.
Significant increase in assets over the past decade, from $367,978 in 2014 to $12,401,284 in 2023.
0% officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating strong financial transparency and mission focus.
Expenses consistently lower than revenue in recent years, leading to positive net assets.

Spending Breakdown

How Horizon Science Academy Springfield allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

85%

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 Horizon Science Academy Springfield

Is Horizon Science Academy Springfield a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Horizon Science Academy Springfield (EIN: 202004609) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Horizon Science Academy Springfield a good charity to donate to?

Horizon Science Academy Springfield has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $5.9M. Assets: $12.2M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Horizon Science Academy Springfield?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Horizon Science Academy Springfield is 202004609. 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 Horizon Science Academy Springfield spend its money?

Horizon Science Academy Springfield allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Horizon Science Academy Springfield's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Horizon Science Academy Springfield's tax-exempt status using EIN 202004609 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

Horizon Science Academy Springfield demonstrates a generally stable financial trajectory, with consistent revenue growth over the past several years, culminating in $7,627,007 in revenue for the period ending June 2023. The organization has also significantly increased its assets, from $367,978 in 2014 to $12,401,284 in 2023, indicating substantial growth and investment. However, a notable aspect is the high level of liabilities, which have consistently exceeded assets in many periods, though the gap has narrowed in recent years, with liabilities at $11,562,093 against assets of $12,401,284 in 2023. This suggests a reliance on debt or other obligations to finance operations and growth.

Spending efficiency appears reasonable, with expenses generally lower than revenue, allowing for accumulation of net assets. For instance, in 2023, expenses were $5,680,369 against revenues of $7,627,007, indicating a surplus. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings is a strong indicator of transparency and a focus on mission-related spending rather than executive enrichment. This practice enhances public trust and suggests that resources are being directed towards the organization's educational programs.

Overall, while the organization has shown robust growth in revenue and assets, the historical and current high liabilities warrant attention. The consistent lack of officer compensation is a significant positive for transparency and efficiency. The organization's financial health appears to be improving, with recent periods showing positive net assets, but the long-term management of liabilities will be key to sustained financial stability.

View Full Transparency Report →

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.