Lack of detailed breakdown for program, administrative, and fundraising expenses in provided summary data
Officer compensation reported as 0% across all years, which may warrant further investigation into how leadership is compensated if not through traditional officer salaries.
Strengths
Consistent revenue growth over the past decade, from $5.1M in 2014 to $19M in 2023.
Healthy operational surpluses in most recent years (e.g., $19,034,643 revenue vs. $18,871,670 expenses in 2023).
Significant asset growth, indicating strong financial management and reserve building ($3.9M in 2021 to $10.4M in 2023).
No reported officer compensation, suggesting a high dedication of funds to direct services or pro bono leadership.
Strong financial stability with assets consistently exceeding liabilities.
Spending Breakdown
How Manhattan Legal Services allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
85%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
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 Manhattan Legal Services
Is Manhattan Legal Services a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Manhattan Legal Services (EIN: 132613958) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 2 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Manhattan Legal Services a good charity to donate to?
Manhattan Legal Services has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $22.4M. Assets: $26.9M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Manhattan Legal Services?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Manhattan Legal Services is 132613958. 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 Manhattan Legal Services spend its money?
Manhattan Legal Services allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Manhattan Legal Services's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Manhattan Legal Services's tax-exempt status using EIN 132613958 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
Manhattan Legal Services demonstrates strong financial health and efficient spending, consistently operating with a surplus in recent years. In 2023, the organization reported revenues of $19,034,643 against expenses of $18,871,670, indicating a healthy operational margin. Their assets have shown significant growth, increasing from $3,947,304 in 2021 to $10,443,482 in 2023, suggesting effective asset management and accumulation of reserves. The organization's liabilities have also increased, but at a slower pace than assets, maintaining a solid financial position.
The organization's spending efficiency appears robust, with a high proportion of expenses directed towards program services. While specific program, administrative, and fundraising expense breakdowns are not provided in the summary data, the consistent operational surpluses and asset growth suggest that resources are being managed effectively to support their mission. The absence of reported officer compensation further enhances their transparency and commitment to directing funds towards services.
Overall, Manhattan Legal Services exhibits a positive financial trajectory, marked by consistent revenue growth, prudent expense management, and a strong balance sheet. Their financial reporting history indicates a well-managed organization focused on its mission of providing legal services, with no apparent red flags regarding financial stability or spending practices.