Is Natural Resources Defense Council Inc Legit?

Quick charity verification for Natural Resources Defense Council Inc (EIN: 132654926)

Verdict: Natural Resources Defense Council Inc appears trustworthy

85/100Mission Score
$505.3MRevenue
$600.6MAssets
2Red Flags
4Strengths

Red Flags

Strengths

Spending Breakdown

How Natural Resources Defense Council Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
12%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
8%
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 Natural Resources Defense Council Inc

Is Natural Resources Defense Council Inc a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Natural Resources Defense Council Inc (EIN: 132654926) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Natural Resources Defense Council Inc a good charity to donate to?

Natural Resources Defense Council Inc has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $505.3M. Assets: $600.6M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Natural Resources Defense Council Inc?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Natural Resources Defense Council Inc is 132654926. 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 Natural Resources Defense Council Inc spend its money?

Natural Resources Defense Council Inc allocates 80% to programs, 12% to administration, and 8% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Natural Resources Defense Council Inc's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Natural Resources Defense Council Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 132654926 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 Natural Resources Defense Council Inc (NRDC) demonstrates a generally strong financial position, with assets consistently exceeding liabilities. While the organization experienced a significant revenue spike to $505,265,131 in its latest reported period, its expenses have also been substantial, sometimes exceeding revenue as seen in 2023 ($226,866,168 expenses vs. $193,144,386 revenue) and 2022 ($211,994,021 expenses vs. $186,185,838 revenue). This indicates a reliance on prior year surpluses or investment income to cover operational costs in some periods. The organization's asset base has grown considerably over the past decade, from $293,669,408 in 2014 to $600,593,128 currently, suggesting good financial stewardship and capacity building. Spending efficiency appears to be a key focus, with a significant portion of expenses directed towards program services. The consistent reporting of 0% for officer compensation across all available filings is a notable aspect of its transparency, indicating that executive compensation is not reported in this specific field, or is covered by other expense categories, which warrants further investigation for a complete picture. The organization's substantial revenue and asset base suggest a well-established and impactful operation in the environmental sector. Overall, NRDC appears to be a financially robust organization with a strong commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its substantial program expenditures and growing asset base. However, the occasional deficit spending and the lack of specific officer compensation figures in the provided data suggest areas where deeper scrutiny could provide even greater clarity on financial management and transparency.

View Full Transparency Report →

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.

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