Quick charity verification for Low Key Arts Incorporated (EIN: 204093585)
Verdict: Low Key Arts Incorporated appears trustworthy
75/100Mission Score
$187KRevenue
$136KAssets
2Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent operational deficits in recent years (e.g., 2023, 2022, 2018) where expenses exceeded revenue.
Significant year-over-year fluctuations in revenue, indicating potential reliance on inconsistent funding streams.
Strengths
Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, indicating efficient use of funds at the leadership level.
Consistent asset growth over the past decade, from $43,438 in 2014 to $113,963 in 2023.
Clear mission alignment with NTEE code A60 (Arts, Culture, and Humanities) and organizational name.
Spending Breakdown
How Low Key Arts Incorporated allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
15%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
5%
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 Low Key Arts Incorporated
Is Low Key Arts Incorporated a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Low Key Arts Incorporated (EIN: 204093585) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Low Key Arts Incorporated a good charity to donate to?
Low Key Arts Incorporated has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $187K. Assets: $136K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Low Key Arts Incorporated?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Low Key Arts Incorporated is 204093585. 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 Low Key Arts Incorporated spend its money?
Low Key Arts Incorporated allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Low Key Arts Incorporated's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Low Key Arts Incorporated's tax-exempt status using EIN 204093585 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
Low Key Arts Incorporated demonstrates a consistent commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its program spending. In the most recent filing (202312), the organization reported expenses of $193,514 against revenues of $156,007, indicating a deficit for the year. This trend of expenses exceeding revenue is also visible in 202212 and 201812, suggesting a need for more stable funding or tighter expense management to maintain long-term financial health. Despite these operational deficits in some years, the organization has managed to grow its assets from $43,438 in 2014 to $113,963 in 2023, showing some capacity for asset accumulation over time.
The organization's transparency is strong, particularly given its consistent reporting and the absence of officer compensation, which simplifies financial scrutiny. The NTEE code A60 (Arts, Culture, and Humanities) aligns with its name, suggesting a clear mission focus. However, the fluctuating revenue and expense figures across years, such as the significant revenue jump in 2021 ($209,340) followed by a drop in 2022 ($132,487), could indicate reliance on variable funding sources. While the organization appears to be lean with no reported officer compensation, a detailed breakdown of other administrative and fundraising costs would provide a clearer picture of spending efficiency beyond program delivery.
Overall, Low Key Arts Incorporated appears to be a mission-driven organization with a lean operational structure. Its financial health, while showing asset growth, is marked by periods of operational deficits, which warrants attention. The lack of officer compensation is a positive indicator of resource allocation towards its mission, but consistent revenue generation remains a key area for improvement to ensure sustained impact.