Is North Star Self Directed Learning For Teens Inc Legit?

Quick charity verification for North Star Self Directed Learning For Teens Inc (EIN: 10613583)

Verdict: North Star Self Directed Learning For Teens Inc appears trustworthy

85/100Mission Score
$466KRevenue
$148KAssets
3Red Flags
4Strengths

Red Flags

Strengths

Spending Breakdown

How North Star Self Directed Learning For Teens Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
5%
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 North Star Self Directed Learning For Teens Inc

Is North Star Self Directed Learning For Teens Inc a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, North Star Self Directed Learning For Teens Inc (EIN: 10613583) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 3 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is North Star Self Directed Learning For Teens Inc a good charity to donate to?

North Star Self Directed Learning For Teens Inc has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $466K. Assets: $148K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for North Star Self Directed Learning For Teens Inc?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for North Star Self Directed Learning For Teens Inc is 10613583. 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 North Star Self Directed Learning For Teens Inc spend its money?

North Star Self Directed Learning For Teens Inc allocates 90% to programs, 5% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify North Star Self Directed Learning For Teens Inc's tax-exempt status?

You can verify North Star Self Directed Learning For Teens Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 10613583 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

North Star Self Directed Learning For Teens Inc demonstrates consistent operational activity, with revenues and expenses generally in a similar range over the past decade. For instance, in the 202407 period, expenses slightly exceeded revenue ($401,552 vs. $396,175), a trend observed in several other years (e.g., 202307, 202207, 201907, 201807, 201707, 201507). This indicates a tight operational margin, but not necessarily financial distress given the relatively stable asset base. The organization's assets have fluctuated, reaching a high of $294,428 in 202207 before declining to $208,628 in 202407, while liabilities have shown an increasing trend in recent years, peaking at $181,459 in 202207 and remaining substantial at $123,380 in 202407. This rise in liabilities relative to assets warrants attention, as it could impact long-term financial flexibility. Regarding spending efficiency, the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings is a significant positive indicator of resource allocation directly towards the mission rather than executive salaries. This suggests a strong commitment to program delivery. However, without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, a precise assessment of spending efficiency is challenging. The organization's NTEE code B80 (Youth Development Programs) suggests a direct service focus, which typically aligns with higher program spending. In terms of transparency, the availability of 14 years of IRS 990 filings is excellent, providing a comprehensive historical view of the organization's financial activities. The consistent reporting of key financial metrics over this extended period enhances accountability. The absence of reported officer compensation further contributes to a perception of transparency and mission-driven focus, as it indicates that leadership is either unpaid or compensated through other means not classified as officer compensation on the 990, which is a strong positive for a nonprofit of this size.

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Disclaimer

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

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