Quick charity verification for Lowcountry Master Gardener Association (EIN: 203470368)
Verdict: Lowcountry Master Gardener Association appears trustworthy
92/100Mission Score
$26KRevenue
$33KAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Consistent 0% officer compensation, indicating volunteer leadership and efficient use of funds.
No reported liabilities across all 11 filings, demonstrating strong financial management.
Steady growth in revenue over the past decade, from $8,071 in 2014 to $21,284 in 2023.
Positive net assets maintained consistently, with assets of $23,535 in 2023.
High transparency with 11 available IRS 990 filings.
Spending Breakdown
How Lowcountry Master Gardener Association allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
0%
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 Lowcountry Master Gardener Association
Is Lowcountry Master Gardener Association a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Lowcountry Master Gardener Association (EIN: 203470368) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Lowcountry Master Gardener Association a good charity to donate to?
Lowcountry Master Gardener Association has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $26K. Assets: $33K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Lowcountry Master Gardener Association?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Lowcountry Master Gardener Association is 203470368. 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 Lowcountry Master Gardener Association spend its money?
Lowcountry Master Gardener Association allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Lowcountry Master Gardener Association's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Lowcountry Master Gardener Association's tax-exempt status using EIN 203470368 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 Lowcountry Master Gardener Association demonstrates consistent financial stability and a strong commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its IRS 990 filings. The organization has shown steady growth in revenue, increasing from $8,071 in 2014 to $21,284 in 2023, with a corresponding increase in assets from $25,191 to $23,535 (after a dip in 2023). A key indicator of financial health is the consistent absence of liabilities across all reported periods, suggesting sound financial management and no reliance on debt. The organization's small scale and volunteer-driven model likely contribute to its efficient operations.
Spending efficiency appears high, particularly given that officer compensation is consistently reported at 0%, indicating a volunteer leadership structure. While specific program, administrative, and fundraising expense breakdowns are not detailed in the provided summary, the overall expense figures are well within the revenue generated in most recent years, allowing for asset accumulation. The organization's focus on its mission is further supported by its NTEE code (C42 - Botanical Gardens & Arboreta), aligning with its Master Gardener activities.
Transparency is excellent, with 11 filings available and consistent reporting of key financial metrics. The absence of officer compensation simplifies financial scrutiny and reinforces the organization's dedication to directing resources towards its programs. The consistent positive net assets and lack of liabilities further underscore a well-managed and transparent financial operation for an organization of its size.