Is New York City Opera Inc Legit?

Red Flags

Consistent operating deficits in recent years (2020-2023), with expenses exceeding revenue.
Significant decline in assets from $10,529,000 in 2016 to $977,303 in 2023.
Liabilities frequently exceed assets, indicating potential solvency issues (e.g., 2023: Liabilities $2,055,101 vs. Assets $977,303).
Highly volatile revenue streams over the past decade, making financial planning challenging.

Spending Breakdown

How New York City Opera Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

70%

Program Spending

Below average — room for improvement

20%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

10%

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 New York City Opera Inc

Is New York City Opera Inc a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, New York City Opera Inc (EIN: 132974347) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 45/100. 4 red flags identified, 2 strengths noted.

Is New York City Opera Inc a good charity to donate to?

New York City Opera Inc has a Mission Score of 45/100. Revenue: $1.7M. Assets: $269K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for New York City Opera Inc?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for New York City Opera Inc is 132974347. 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 New York City Opera Inc spend its money?

New York City Opera Inc allocates 70% to programs, 20% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify New York City Opera Inc's tax-exempt status?

You can verify New York City Opera Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 132974347 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

New York City Opera Inc. has experienced significant financial volatility over the past decade, with revenues fluctuating wildly from a low of $381,975 in 2015 to a high of $10,250,400 in 2018. More recently, the organization has consistently operated at a deficit, with expenses exceeding revenue in the last four reported periods (2020-2023). For instance, in 2023, expenses were $2,836,476 against revenues of $1,884,323, indicating a substantial operating loss. This trend has led to a concerning decline in assets, from a peak of $10,529,000 in 2016 to $977,303 in 2023, while liabilities have remained high, often exceeding assets. The organization's current assets of $269,459 are significantly lower than its liabilities, suggesting potential solvency issues.

The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings is a notable aspect of their transparency, indicating that no compensation was paid to officers, directors, trustees, or key employees. However, the persistent operating deficits and declining asset base raise questions about long-term financial sustainability and the efficiency of their spending in relation to their mission. While the NTEE code suggests a focus on performing arts, the financial instability could impact program delivery.

The organization's financial health appears precarious, marked by a pattern of spending more than it earns and a shrinking asset base. While transparency regarding executive compensation is high, the overall financial trajectory suggests a need for significant operational and fundraising improvements to achieve stability and ensure the effective use of donor funds.

Verdict: New York City Opera Inc shows mixed signals