Quick charity verification for Legal Aid Bureau Of Buffalo Inc (EIN: 160743069)
Verdict: Legal Aid Bureau Of Buffalo Inc appears trustworthy
95/100Mission Score
$20.8MRevenue
$9.7MAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Consistent revenue growth, from $8.5M in 2014 to $15.8M in 2023.
Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, indicating high transparency and mission focus.
Healthy asset growth, reaching over $10M in 2023.
Expenses closely track revenue, suggesting efficient use of funds.
Consistent financial surpluses, contributing to organizational stability.
Spending Breakdown
How Legal Aid Bureau Of Buffalo Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
7%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
3%
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 Legal Aid Bureau Of Buffalo Inc
Is Legal Aid Bureau Of Buffalo Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Legal Aid Bureau Of Buffalo Inc (EIN: 160743069) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Legal Aid Bureau Of Buffalo Inc a good charity to donate to?
Legal Aid Bureau Of Buffalo Inc has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $20.8M. Assets: $9.7M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Legal Aid Bureau Of Buffalo Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Legal Aid Bureau Of Buffalo Inc is 160743069. 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 Legal Aid Bureau Of Buffalo Inc spend its money?
Legal Aid Bureau Of Buffalo Inc allocates 90% to programs, 7% to administration, and 3% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Legal Aid Bureau Of Buffalo Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Legal Aid Bureau Of Buffalo Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 160743069 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 Legal Aid Bureau Of Buffalo Inc demonstrates consistent financial growth and strong operational efficiency. Over the past five years, the organization's revenue has increased significantly, from $11,475,078 in 2019 to $15,801,518 in 2023, indicating robust funding and demand for its services. Expenses have generally tracked closely with revenue, suggesting effective budgeting and resource allocation. The organization consistently reports a healthy surplus, for example, $84,373 in 2023, which contributes to its growing asset base, reaching $10,416,796 in 2023 from $3,569,109 in 2019.
Spending efficiency appears high, with expenses closely matching revenue, indicating that funds are being deployed for their intended purpose without excessive accumulation or significant deficits. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings is a notable indicator of transparency and a commitment to directing resources towards programs rather than executive salaries. This practice enhances public trust and suggests a strong focus on mission delivery.
Overall, the Legal Aid Bureau Of Buffalo Inc exhibits sound financial health, efficient spending practices, and a high degree of transparency, particularly concerning executive compensation. Its consistent growth in assets and revenue, coupled with tight expense management, positions it well to continue its mission of providing legal aid.