Quick charity verification for Imagine Los Angeles Inc (EIN: 204637089)
Verdict: Imagine Los Angeles Inc appears trustworthy
92/100Mission Score
$2.6MRevenue
$1.6MAssets
2Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Expenses exceeded revenue in the most recent fiscal year (2023), leading to a deficit of over $200,000.
Consistent 0% officer compensation is unusual for an organization of this scale and warrants further inquiry into how leadership is supported or compensated.
Strengths
Consistent revenue growth over the past decade, from $907,315 in 2014 to $2,844,455 in 2023.
Significant and sustained asset growth, increasing from $306,449 in 2014 to $2,184,128 in 2023.
Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, indicating a strong commitment to directing funds to programs.
Generally efficient spending with revenue often exceeding expenses in most years.
Spending Breakdown
How Imagine Los Angeles Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
7%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
3%
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 Imagine Los Angeles Inc
Is Imagine Los Angeles Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Imagine Los Angeles Inc (EIN: 204637089) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 2 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Imagine Los Angeles Inc a good charity to donate to?
Imagine Los Angeles Inc has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $2.6M. Assets: $1.6M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Imagine Los Angeles Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Imagine Los Angeles Inc is 204637089. 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 Imagine Los Angeles Inc spend its money?
Imagine Los Angeles Inc allocates 90% to programs, 7% to administration, and 3% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Imagine Los Angeles Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Imagine Los Angeles Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 204637089 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
Imagine Los Angeles Inc demonstrates a generally healthy financial trajectory, with consistent revenue growth over the past decade, increasing from $907,315 in 2014 to $2,844,455 in 2023. The organization has also built up its asset base significantly, from $306,449 in 2014 to $2,184,128 in 2023, indicating sound financial management and capacity building. While the most recent filing (2023) shows expenses exceeding revenue by approximately $200,000, this appears to be an anomaly in a trend of generally balanced or surplus operations, as seen in 2022 where revenue exceeded expenses by nearly $700,000.
The organization's spending efficiency appears strong, particularly given the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which suggests a high proportion of funds are directed towards programmatic activities rather than executive salaries. The absence of reported officer compensation also points to a high degree of transparency regarding how funds are allocated. The growth in assets relative to liabilities also indicates prudent financial stewardship and a strong balance sheet.