Quick charity verification for Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra (EIN: 20423559)
Verdict: Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra appears trustworthy
95/100Mission Score
$144KRevenue
$197KAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Consistent revenue growth, from $44,952 in 2015 to $136,452 in 2024.
Zero liabilities reported across all filing periods, indicating excellent financial management.
No officer compensation reported, maximizing funds for programmatic activities.
Strong asset growth, from $34,631 in 2015 to $165,424 in 2024.
Expenses consistently well below revenue, leading to healthy surpluses.
Spending Breakdown
How Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
5%
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 Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra
Is Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra (EIN: 20423559) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra a good charity to donate to?
Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $144K. Assets: $197K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra is 20423559. 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 Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra spend its money?
Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra allocates 90% to programs, 5% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra's tax-exempt status using EIN 20423559 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
The Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra demonstrates sound financial health and consistent growth over the past decade. Revenue has steadily increased from $44,952 in 2015 to $136,452 in 2024, indicating growing community support and successful fundraising efforts. The organization consistently maintains zero liabilities, reflecting excellent financial management and a strong balance sheet. Their assets have also grown significantly, from $34,631 in 2015 to $165,424 in 2024, providing a solid foundation for future operations.
Spending efficiency appears strong, with expenses generally well below revenue, allowing for asset accumulation. For instance, in 2024, expenses were $90,405 against revenues of $136,452, resulting in a surplus. The absence of officer compensation across all reported periods is a significant indicator of volunteer-driven leadership, which maximizes resources for programmatic activities. This commitment to volunteerism enhances their spending efficiency and ensures that donor contributions directly support their mission.
Transparency is high, as evidenced by their consistent IRS 990 filings and the clear financial picture presented. The detailed breakdown of revenue, expenses, and assets over many years allows for a comprehensive understanding of their financial trajectory. The lack of officer compensation further underscores a transparent and mission-focused approach to governance.