Is Lazarus Project Legit?

Strengths

Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating strong commitment to mission spending.
Long and consistent IRS 990 filing history (13 filings), demonstrating transparency.
Positive trend in asset growth, increasing from $230,502 in 201712 to $566,549 in 202312.
Rebounded from a deficit in 202212 to a surplus in 202312, showing financial resilience.
Revenues consistently around $1 million for most of the past decade, indicating a stable funding base.

Spending Breakdown

How Lazarus Project allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

85%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

10%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

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 Lazarus Project

Is Lazarus Project a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Lazarus Project (EIN: 10759717) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.

Is Lazarus Project a good charity to donate to?

Lazarus Project has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $892K. Assets: $640K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Lazarus Project?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Lazarus Project is 10759717. 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 Lazarus Project spend its money?

Lazarus Project allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Lazarus Project's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Lazarus Project's tax-exempt status using EIN 10759717 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 Lazarus Project demonstrates a generally stable financial position, with revenues consistently around the $1 million mark over the past decade. In the latest filing (202312), the organization reported revenue of $1,115,832 against expenses of $1,036,769, indicating a surplus for the year. However, there was a notable dip in revenue to $794,742 in 202212, which resulted in expenses exceeding revenue by approximately $247,881. Despite this, the organization's assets have shown growth, increasing from $230,502 in 201712 to $566,549 in 202312, suggesting prudent management of resources over time.

The organization's spending efficiency appears solid, with total expenses generally aligning closely with total revenues, indicating that funds are being utilized for operations. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings is a strong indicator of financial transparency and a commitment to directing funds towards the mission rather than executive salaries. This practice significantly enhances donor confidence and suggests a volunteer-driven or very lean leadership structure.

Overall, The Lazarus Project exhibits good financial health with a consistent revenue stream and growing assets. The absence of officer compensation is a significant positive for transparency and efficiency. While there was a deficit in 202212, the organization rebounded in 202312, demonstrating resilience. The long filing history further contributes to its transparency, allowing for a comprehensive review of its financial trajectory.

Verdict: Lazarus Project appears trustworthy

Red Flags