Quick charity verification for Lake Ellen Bible Camp & Retreat Center (EIN: 200378645)
Verdict: Lake Ellen Bible Camp & Retreat Center appears trustworthy
75/100Mission Score
$409KRevenue
$180KAssets
2Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Recurring operational deficits in multiple years (e.g., 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2011)
Declining asset base over the past eight years, from $284,435 in 2011 to $179,956 in 2018
Strengths
Consistent IRS 990 filing history (8 filings) demonstrating transparency
Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, indicating a volunteer-led executive structure
Stable revenue generation over the past eight years, consistently above $300,000
Spending Breakdown
How Lake Ellen Bible Camp & Retreat Center 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 Lake Ellen Bible Camp & Retreat Center
Is Lake Ellen Bible Camp & Retreat Center a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Lake Ellen Bible Camp & Retreat Center (EIN: 200378645) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Lake Ellen Bible Camp & Retreat Center a good charity to donate to?
Lake Ellen Bible Camp & Retreat Center has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $409K. Assets: $180K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Lake Ellen Bible Camp & Retreat Center?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Lake Ellen Bible Camp & Retreat Center is 200378645. 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 Lake Ellen Bible Camp & Retreat Center spend its money?
Lake Ellen Bible Camp & Retreat Center allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Lake Ellen Bible Camp & Retreat Center's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Lake Ellen Bible Camp & Retreat Center's tax-exempt status using EIN 200378645 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
Lake Ellen Bible Camp & Retreat Center demonstrates consistent financial activity, with revenues and expenses hovering around the $350,000-$400,000 range over the past eight years. The organization has experienced a slight decline in assets, from $284,435 in 2011 to $179,956 in 2018, while liabilities have remained relatively stable. In 2018, the organization reported expenses of $435,532 against revenues of $409,340, indicating a deficit for that year. This trend of expenses occasionally exceeding revenue is visible in several past filings, suggesting a need for careful financial management to maintain long-term sustainability.
The organization's spending efficiency appears to be reasonable, though specific program spending details are not provided in the summary data. The consistent reporting of zero officer compensation across all available filings is a notable aspect of its financial structure, suggesting a volunteer-led or very lean administrative model at the executive level. This could contribute to a higher proportion of funds being directed towards its mission. However, without a detailed breakdown of expenses, it's challenging to fully assess the efficiency of its program delivery versus administrative overhead.
Transparency is generally good, with eight years of consistent IRS 990 filings available. The absence of officer compensation is a clear indicator of how executive leadership is structured. To further enhance transparency, a more detailed public breakdown of program activities and their associated costs would be beneficial for donors and stakeholders.