Quick charity verification for Lion Project (EIN: 200216168)
Verdict: Lion Project shows mixed signals
65/100Mission Score
$322KRevenue
$34KAssets
4Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Significant liabilities exceeding assets in 2022 ($406,703 liabilities vs. $286,592 assets).
Dramatic revenue decrease in 2022 ($31,314) compared to 2021 ($440,759).
Expenses frequently exceeding revenue, notably in 2022 ($318,808 expenses vs. $31,314 revenue) and 2020 ($217,894 expenses vs. $165,467 revenue).
Inconsistent financial performance with large year-over-year fluctuations in revenue and expenses.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, potentially indicating a volunteer-driven leadership.
Demonstrated ability to raise significant funds in certain periods, such as $440,759 in 2021.
Long filing history (8 filings) indicating sustained operation over time.
Spending Breakdown
How Lion Project 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 Lion Project
Is Lion Project a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Lion Project (EIN: 200216168) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 65/100. 4 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Lion Project a good charity to donate to?
Lion Project has a Mission Score of 65/100. Revenue: $322K. Assets: $34K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Lion Project?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Lion Project is 200216168. 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 Lion Project spend its money?
Lion Project allocates 70% to programs, 20% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Lion Project's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Lion Project's tax-exempt status using EIN 200216168 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 Lion Project exhibits inconsistent financial health, with significant fluctuations in revenue and expenses over its filing history. While the organization reported $321,577 in latest revenue, its 2022 expenses of $318,808 nearly consumed all revenue, and in 2022, liabilities ($406,703) significantly exceeded assets ($286,592), indicating potential financial strain. The organization has also experienced periods where expenses substantially outpaced revenue, such as in 2022 ($31,314 revenue vs. $318,808 expenses) and 2020 ($165,467 revenue vs. $217,894 expenses). The lack of reported officer compensation across all filings suggests a potential reliance on volunteer leadership or that compensation is reported under other expense categories, which could impact transparency regarding leadership costs. The organization's assets have grown over time, but the recent increase in liabilities is a concern.