Is Lamaze International Legit?

Spending Breakdown

How Lamaze International allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

70%

Program Spending

Below average — room for improvement

20%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

10%

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 Lamaze International

Is Lamaze International a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Lamaze International (EIN: 136104296) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 65/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.

Is Lamaze International a good charity to donate to?

Lamaze International has a Mission Score of 65/100. Revenue: $1.2M. Assets: $1.2M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Lamaze International?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Lamaze International is 136104296. 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 Lamaze International spend its money?

Lamaze International allocates 70% to programs, 20% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Lamaze International's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Lamaze International's tax-exempt status using EIN 136104296 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

Lamaze International demonstrates a consistent commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its NTEE code E400 (Reproductive Health Care). The organization has maintained a healthy asset base, with assets of $1,848,621 in 2023, significantly exceeding its liabilities of $235,746. However, recent years show a trend of expenses exceeding revenue, with a deficit of $199,924 in 2023 ($1,238,159 revenue vs. $1,438,083 expenses) and $111,953 in 2022. This trend, if continued, could impact long-term financial stability, despite the current strong asset-to-liability ratio.

The organization's transparency is bolstered by its consistent filing of IRS Form 990s, with 13 filings available. A notable aspect is the reported 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which suggests either a volunteer-led executive team or compensation being reported under other categories, warranting further investigation for complete transparency. The decline in revenue from a peak of $2,499,236 in 2014 to $1,238,159 in 2023 is a significant financial trend that needs to be monitored.

While the organization appears to manage its assets responsibly, the sustained operational deficits in recent years are a concern for spending efficiency. A detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses would provide a clearer picture of how efficiently funds are being utilized to achieve its mission. The lack of reported officer compensation, while potentially positive, could also be a red flag if executive leadership is compensated through other means not clearly disclosed.

Verdict: Lamaze International shows mixed signals

Red Flags

Strengths