Quick charity verification for Media Rating Council Inc (EIN: 131996451)
Verdict: Media Rating Council Inc appears trustworthy
75/100Mission Score
$3.2MRevenue
$3.9MAssets
3Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, which is unusual for an organization of this scale and warrants further investigation into executive compensation practices.
Lack of detailed expense breakdown (program, admin, fundraising) in the provided data, hindering a full assessment of spending efficiency.
Occasional deficit spending, such as in 2023 where expenses ($3,230,222) exceeded revenue ($3,210,723), indicating potential for unsustainable spending if not managed.
Strengths
Stable revenue generation, consistently in the $2.5M - $3.2M range over the past decade, indicating a reliable funding base.
Healthy asset base ($2,654,665 in 2023) relative to annual expenses, providing financial stability.
Consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over 13 periods, demonstrating a commitment to regulatory compliance and transparency in reporting.
Spending Breakdown
How Media Rating Council Inc 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 Media Rating Council Inc
Is Media Rating Council Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Media Rating Council Inc (EIN: 131996451) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Media Rating Council Inc a good charity to donate to?
Media Rating Council Inc has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $3.2M. Assets: $3.9M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Media Rating Council Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Media Rating Council Inc is 131996451. 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 Media Rating Council Inc spend its money?
Media Rating Council Inc allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Media Rating Council Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Media Rating Council Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 131996451 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
Media Rating Council Inc. demonstrates consistent financial activity, with revenues and expenses generally in the $2.5M - $3.2M range over the past decade. The organization's assets have fluctuated, reaching a high of $4.1M in 2021 and currently standing at $2.65M as of the 2023 filing. While the organization has experienced periods of deficit spending, such as in 2023 where expenses ($3,230,222) slightly exceeded revenue ($3,210,723), its asset base remains healthy relative to its annual operating budget. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings suggests a potential reliance on volunteer leadership or that compensation is structured in a way not reported under 'officer compensation' on the 990, which warrants further investigation for full transparency.
The organization's financial health appears stable, with sufficient assets to cover liabilities and maintain operations. However, without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, it's challenging to fully assess spending efficiency. The consistent reporting of no officer compensation is a notable point for transparency, indicating either a highly volunteer-driven executive structure or a different compensation reporting method. Further details on how expenses are categorized would provide a clearer picture of their operational efficiency and program focus.