Sudden cessation of operations with $0 reported revenue and assets in the latest filing, without clear public explanation of the wind-down process.
Strengths
Consistent financial growth and positive net income during its active years (e.g., $708,501 revenue in 2016).
Strong program spending ratio (75% in 2016) indicating efficient use of funds towards its mission.
No reported officer compensation, suggesting highly efficient executive leadership or volunteer-based management.
Low liabilities throughout its operational history (e.g., $0 in 2016), indicating sound financial management.
Consistent IRS 990 filing history demonstrating transparency during its active period.
Spending Breakdown
How Online Trust Alliance allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
75%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
15%
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 Online Trust Alliance
Is Online Trust Alliance a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Online Trust Alliance (EIN: 205610601) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Online Trust Alliance a good charity to donate to?
Online Trust Alliance has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $0. Assets: $0. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Online Trust Alliance?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Online Trust Alliance is 205610601. 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 Online Trust Alliance spend its money?
Online Trust Alliance allocates 75% to programs, 15% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Online Trust Alliance's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Online Trust Alliance's tax-exempt status using EIN 205610601 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 Online Trust Alliance appears to have ceased operations, as indicated by its latest filing showing $0 in revenue and assets. Prior to this, the organization demonstrated consistent financial growth and stability. In 2016, it reported revenues of $708,501 and expenses of $636,377, resulting in a healthy surplus. Its assets grew steadily from $239,065 in 2011 to $429,891 in 2016, with minimal liabilities, suggesting sound financial management during its active years. The organization consistently operated with a positive net income, indicating it was financially sustainable.
During its operational period, the Online Trust Alliance maintained a strong focus on program spending, with 75% of its expenses dedicated to programs in its last active year (2016). This indicates an efficient use of donor funds towards its mission. Administrative and fundraising costs were kept at reasonable levels, at 15% and 10% respectively, which is generally considered good practice for nonprofits. The absence of reported officer compensation throughout its filing history suggests a volunteer-led or very lean executive structure, further enhancing its spending efficiency.
Transparency appears to have been high, with consistent IRS 990 filings showing clear financial data. The lack of executive compensation reporting, while potentially indicating volunteer leadership, also means there's no data to analyze for potential overpayment. The sudden cessation of activity, however, raises questions about the organization's wind-down process and the disposition of its remaining assets, if any, given the $0 reported in the latest filing.