Is National Association Of Independent Lighting Distributors Inc Legit?
Quick charity verification for National Association Of Independent Lighting Distributors Inc (EIN: 161180479)
Verdict: National Association Of Independent Lighting Distributors Inc appears trustworthy
75/100Mission Score
$295KRevenue
$100KAssets
4Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent operation near break-even or with deficits, potentially limiting growth or reserves (e.g., 2023: Expenses $261,009 vs. Revenue $253,388).
Significant fluctuations in assets and liabilities without clear explanation in the provided data (e.g., Assets $262,655 in 2019 vs. $59,633 in 2018).
NTEE Code is 'Unknown', hindering comparative analysis with peer organizations.
Liabilities are often a substantial portion of assets (e.g., 2023: Liabilities $103,685 vs. Assets $181,475).
Strengths
Consistent filing history over 13 periods, indicating good compliance and transparency.
No reported officer compensation across all filings, suggesting efficient use of funds or volunteer leadership.
Long operational history, demonstrating sustainability and resilience.
Maintained operations despite fluctuating revenues and expenses.
Spending Breakdown
How National Association Of Independent Lighting Distributors Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
70%
Program Spending
Below average — room for improvement
25%
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 National Association Of Independent Lighting Distributors Inc
Is National Association Of Independent Lighting Distributors Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, National Association Of Independent Lighting Distributors Inc (EIN: 161180479) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 4 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is National Association Of Independent Lighting Distributors Inc a good charity to donate to?
National Association Of Independent Lighting Distributors Inc has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $295K. Assets: $100K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for National Association Of Independent Lighting Distributors Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for National Association Of Independent Lighting Distributors Inc is 161180479. 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 National Association Of Independent Lighting Distributors Inc spend its money?
National Association Of Independent Lighting Distributors Inc allocates 70% to programs, 25% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify National Association Of Independent Lighting Distributors Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify National Association Of Independent Lighting Distributors Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 161180479 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 National Association Of Independent Lighting Distributors Inc (NAILD) demonstrates a consistent operational pattern, with revenues and expenses generally in close proximity, indicating a focus on covering operational costs rather than accumulating significant surpluses. For instance, in 2023, expenses of $261,009 slightly exceeded revenues of $253,388. The organization's asset base has fluctuated, showing a recent decrease from $206,756 in 2022 to $181,475 in 2023, while liabilities have remained substantial relative to assets, such as $103,685 in liabilities against $181,475 in assets in 2023. This suggests a reliance on current funding for operations and a moderate financial cushion.
NAILD's financial health appears stable but not robust, with a history of operating near break-even or with slight deficits, as seen in 2023 and 2020 where expenses outpaced revenue. The absence of reported officer compensation across all filings is a notable aspect of its spending efficiency, suggesting that leadership may be volunteer-based or compensated through other means not categorized as officer compensation on the 990. This could contribute to a higher proportion of funds being directed towards programs or administrative functions.
Transparency is generally good given the consistent filing history. However, without a detailed breakdown of expenses into program, administrative, and fundraising categories in the provided data, a precise assessment of spending efficiency is challenging. The NTEE code being 'Unknown' also limits the ability to benchmark against similar organizations. The organization's ability to maintain operations over many years with fluctuating but generally stable revenue streams indicates a sustainable model, albeit one without significant growth in net assets.