Quick charity verification for Linked Together (EIN: 20490043)
Verdict: Linked Together shows mixed signals
65/100Mission Score
$166KRevenue
$506KAssets
4Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Persistent operating deficits in recent fiscal years (e.g., $27,544 deficit in 2023).
Significant decline in total assets from $761,988 in 2020 to $505,668 currently.
Substantial drop in revenue from $322,442 in 2019 to $31,189 in 2021, indicating revenue instability.
Lack of detailed functional expense breakdown (program, admin, fundraising) in the provided data, hindering full spending efficiency analysis.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating efficient use of funds at the executive level.
Maintains a substantial asset base ($505,668), providing a buffer despite recent deficits.
Long filing history (13 filings) suggests established operations and compliance.
Spending Breakdown
How Linked Together 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 Linked Together
Is Linked Together a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Linked Together (EIN: 20490043) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 65/100. 4 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Linked Together a good charity to donate to?
Linked Together has a Mission Score of 65/100. Revenue: $166K. Assets: $506K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Linked Together?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Linked Together is 20490043. 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 Linked Together spend its money?
Linked Together allocates 70% to programs, 20% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Linked Together's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Linked Together's tax-exempt status using EIN 20490043 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
Linked Together, based in Newmarket, NH, demonstrates a concerning trend of operating deficits in recent years, with expenses consistently exceeding revenue. For instance, in fiscal year 2023, the organization reported revenue of $156,555 against expenses of $184,099, resulting in a deficit of $27,544. This pattern is also evident in 2022 ($109,151 revenue vs. $177,758 expenses) and 2021 ($31,189 revenue vs. $141,926 expenses), indicating a potential reliance on drawing down assets or inconsistent funding.
While the organization's assets have remained substantial, at $505,668 currently, they have been steadily declining from a peak of $761,988 in 2020. This decline, coupled with persistent operating deficits, raises questions about the long-term financial sustainability if revenue generation does not improve to cover expenses. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings is a positive indicator of efficient use of funds at the executive level, suggesting that resources are not being diverted to high salaries.
However, without a detailed breakdown of expenses into program, administrative, and fundraising categories, it's challenging to fully assess spending efficiency. The overall financial health appears to be under pressure due to the recurring deficits, despite the current asset base providing some buffer. Improved revenue stability and a clearer expense allocation would enhance transparency and provide a more robust picture of financial management.