Quick charity verification for Montessori Farm School (EIN: 208319194)
Verdict: Montessori Farm School appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$278KRevenue
$70KAssets
3Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Recurring operational deficits in recent fiscal periods (e.g., 202407, 202307).
Fluctuating asset base without a clear upward trend, indicating limited reserve building.
Variability in liabilities, reaching $33,606 in 202107, which could pose a financial risk.
Strengths
Consistent 0% officer compensation across all filings, demonstrating strong commitment to mission spending.
Long history of IRS 990 filings (14 filings), indicating good transparency.
Stable revenue generation over the past decade, averaging around $200,000 annually.
Spending Breakdown
How Montessori Farm School 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 Montessori Farm School
Is Montessori Farm School a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Montessori Farm School (EIN: 208319194) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Montessori Farm School a good charity to donate to?
Montessori Farm School has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $278K. Assets: $70K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Montessori Farm School?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Montessori Farm School is 208319194. 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 Montessori Farm School spend its money?
Montessori Farm School allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Montessori Farm School's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Montessori Farm School's tax-exempt status using EIN 208319194 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
Montessori Farm School demonstrates a consistent operational history with generally stable revenue streams, averaging around $200,000 annually over the past decade. While the organization has experienced periods of deficit spending, such as in 202407 where expenses ($251,459) exceeded revenue ($237,988), and in 202307 where expenses ($228,061) exceeded revenue ($200,802), its asset base has shown fluctuations but remains modest, with $91,541 in assets as of 202407. The absence of reported officer compensation across all filings indicates a strong commitment to directing funds towards its mission rather than executive salaries, which is a positive sign for donor confidence. However, the organization's liabilities have varied, reaching a high of $33,606 in 202107, which warrants attention to ensure long-term financial stability.
The organization's financial health appears to be managed on a relatively tight budget, with expenses often closely mirroring or slightly exceeding revenue in recent years. This suggests a need for careful financial planning to build reserves and mitigate future deficits. The consistent filing of IRS 990 forms over 14 periods indicates good transparency regarding its financial operations. The lack of reported officer compensation is a significant strength, suggesting that the vast majority of funds are allocated to program delivery and operational costs.
Overall, Montessori Farm School appears to be a lean operation focused on its mission, with a good track record of transparency through its consistent IRS filings. While its financial margins are often thin, the absence of executive compensation is a strong indicator of efficient resource allocation. Donors should be aware of the fluctuating financial performance and the need for consistent revenue generation to support its ongoing programs.