Quick charity verification for L Roy Gardens (EIN: 201648395)
Verdict: L Roy Gardens appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$187KRevenue
$1.2MAssets
2Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Lack of detailed expense breakdown (program vs. admin vs. fundraising) in provided data makes precise efficiency calculation difficult.
Zero reported officer compensation is unusual and might warrant further inquiry into how leadership is sustained or if compensation is reported differently.
Strengths
Consistent financial surplus, with revenue exceeding expenses in nearly all reported periods.
Steady growth in assets, from $885,209 in 2014 to $1,234,007 in 2023, indicating strong financial management.
Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, suggesting high efficiency and dedication of funds to mission.
Low liabilities relative to assets, indicating a strong balance sheet.
Consistent IRS 990 filing history (13 filings) demonstrates transparency and compliance.
Spending Breakdown
How L Roy Gardens 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 L Roy Gardens
Is L Roy Gardens a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, L Roy Gardens (EIN: 201648395) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 2 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is L Roy Gardens a good charity to donate to?
L Roy Gardens has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $187K. Assets: $1.2M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for L Roy Gardens?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for L Roy Gardens is 201648395. 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 L Roy Gardens spend its money?
L Roy Gardens allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify L Roy Gardens's tax-exempt status?
You can verify L Roy Gardens's tax-exempt status using EIN 201648395 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
L Roy Gardens demonstrates consistent financial health with a stable revenue stream and growing asset base over the past decade. In the latest filing (202306), the organization reported revenues of $197,687 against expenses of $152,348, indicating a surplus that contributes to its increasing assets, which stood at $1,234,007. The organization consistently spends less than its revenue, allowing for asset growth and financial stability. A key indicator of efficiency is the absence of reported officer compensation across all available filings, suggesting a volunteer-led or very lean executive structure, which can free up more funds for programmatic activities. The consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over 13 periods also points to a commitment to transparency.
The organization's spending efficiency appears strong, particularly given the lack of officer compensation. While a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses isn't provided in the summary data, the overall financial picture suggests a well-managed operation. The consistent growth in assets from $885,209 in 2014 to $1,234,007 in 2023, alongside relatively low liabilities, further reinforces a positive financial outlook. The NTEE code L20 (Botanical Gardens & Arboreta) suggests a focus on maintaining and developing physical assets, which aligns with the observed asset growth.