Quick charity verification for Oregon Cheese Guild (EIN: 161755180)
Verdict: Oregon Cheese Guild appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$218KRevenue
$215KAssets
1Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Lack of detailed program vs. administrative vs. fundraising expense breakdown in provided data, making precise efficiency analysis difficult.
Strengths
Consistent financial surpluses in most years, contributing to asset growth.
Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, indicating highly efficient use of funds.
Strong asset growth from $33,941 in 2014 to $215,727 in 2023.
Consistently low or zero liabilities, demonstrating strong financial management and minimal debt.
Regular and consistent IRS 990 filing history, indicating good transparency.
Spending Breakdown
How Oregon Cheese Guild allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
85%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
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 Oregon Cheese Guild
Is Oregon Cheese Guild a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Oregon Cheese Guild (EIN: 161755180) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Oregon Cheese Guild a good charity to donate to?
Oregon Cheese Guild has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $218K. Assets: $215K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Oregon Cheese Guild?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Oregon Cheese Guild is 161755180. 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 Oregon Cheese Guild spend its money?
Oregon Cheese Guild allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Oregon Cheese Guild's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Oregon Cheese Guild's tax-exempt status using EIN 161755180 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 Oregon Cheese Guild demonstrates consistent financial health, with revenues generally exceeding expenses over the past decade, leading to a steady growth in assets. For instance, in 2023, the organization reported revenue of $273,002 against expenses of $173,764, resulting in a significant surplus that contributed to its asset base of $215,727. The organization's liabilities have consistently been very low or zero, indicating strong financial management and a lack of reliance on debt. This financial stability suggests a well-managed operation capable of sustaining its mission.
The Guild's spending efficiency appears strong, particularly given its consistent surpluses and asset growth. Without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, it's challenging to provide precise ratios. However, the absence of reported officer compensation across all filings is a notable indicator of efficient use of funds, suggesting that leadership is either volunteer-based or compensated through other means not categorized as officer compensation, which can free up resources for programmatic activities. The consistent growth in assets from $33,941 in 2014 to $215,727 in 2023 further supports a picture of financial prudence and effective resource allocation.
In terms of transparency, the Oregon Cheese Guild files its IRS Form 990s regularly, providing public access to its financial data. The consistent reporting of zero officer compensation across all available filings enhances transparency by clearly indicating how leadership is (or isn't) compensated. The lack of significant liabilities also simplifies its financial structure, making it easier for stakeholders to understand its financial position. Overall, the organization appears to operate with a good degree of financial transparency.