Quick charity verification for Kalamazoo Promise (EIN: 204604504)
Verdict: Kalamazoo Promise appears trustworthy
95/100Mission Score
$59.2MRevenue
$22.0MAssets
1Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Unusually low liabilities across multiple years, sometimes negative, which could indicate accounting anomalies or specific financial structures that warrant further investigation.
Strengths
Consistent revenue growth over the past decade, from $8.7M in 2011 to $28.1M in 2023.
Significant asset accumulation, growing from $63,253 in 2011 to $11,120,656 in 2023.
Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, indicating high efficiency and dedication to mission.
Consistent surpluses in recent years (e.g., $3.8M in 2023, $2.4M in 2022), demonstrating sound financial management.
Strong program focus implied by the NTEE code and the absence of executive compensation.
Spending Breakdown
How Kalamazoo Promise 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 Kalamazoo Promise
Is Kalamazoo Promise a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Kalamazoo Promise (EIN: 204604504) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Kalamazoo Promise a good charity to donate to?
Kalamazoo Promise has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $59.2M. Assets: $22.0M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Kalamazoo Promise?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Kalamazoo Promise is 204604504. 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 Kalamazoo Promise spend its money?
Kalamazoo Promise allocates 90% to programs, 7% to administration, and 3% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Kalamazoo Promise's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Kalamazoo Promise's tax-exempt status using EIN 204604504 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
Kalamazoo Promise demonstrates strong financial health and a clear commitment to its programmatic mission, as evidenced by its consistent growth in revenue and assets over the past decade. In the latest filing (202312), the organization reported revenues of $28,103,665 against expenses of $24,234,111, indicating a healthy surplus. The organization's assets have also grown significantly, reaching $11,120,656 in 2023, up from $63,253 in 2011, suggesting effective financial management and accumulation of resources to support its long-term goals.
The spending efficiency appears robust, with a substantial portion of expenses likely directed towards program services, given the nature of its mission (NTEE Code B82 - Scholarships, Student Financial Aid). The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings is a notable indicator of transparency and a focus on directing funds to the mission rather than executive salaries. This practice significantly enhances the organization's perceived trustworthiness and efficiency.
Overall, Kalamazoo Promise exhibits a strong financial trajectory, efficient resource allocation, and a high degree of transparency regarding executive compensation. Its ability to consistently generate surpluses and grow its asset base while maintaining zero officer compensation points to a well-managed and mission-driven entity.