Frequent operational deficits (e.g., $502,411 in 2022, $523,378 in 2021) where expenses exceed revenue.
Lack of clarity on executive compensation reporting, consistently showing 0% officer compensation.
Strengths
Strong and growing asset base, increasing from $45.4 million in 2015 to $62.8 million in 2023.
Consistent revenue generation, generally above $3 million annually in recent years.
Stable liabilities relative to assets, indicating good financial control.
Spending Breakdown
How Lakewood Cemetery Assn 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 Lakewood Cemetery Assn
Is Lakewood Cemetery Assn a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Lakewood Cemetery Assn (EIN: 130941995) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Lakewood Cemetery Assn a good charity to donate to?
Lakewood Cemetery Assn has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $3.7M. Assets: $67.3M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Lakewood Cemetery Assn?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Lakewood Cemetery Assn is 130941995. 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 Lakewood Cemetery Assn spend its money?
Lakewood Cemetery Assn allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Lakewood Cemetery Assn's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Lakewood Cemetery Assn's tax-exempt status using EIN 130941995 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
Lakewood Cemetery Assn demonstrates consistent financial operations with revenues generally keeping pace with expenses over the past decade. While the organization reported a slight surplus in 2023 ($3,724,532 revenue vs. $3,721,628 expenses), it has frequently operated with deficits in prior years, such as in 2022 where expenses exceeded revenue by over $500,000. Despite these operational deficits, the organization maintains substantial assets, growing from $45.4 million in 2015 to over $62.8 million in 2023, indicating a strong underlying financial base. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings suggests either a fully volunteer board or that compensation is reported under other expense categories, which could impact transparency regarding leadership costs if not clearly disclosed elsewhere. The organization's primary function as a cemetery association inherently implies a focus on program services related to cemetery operations and maintenance.