Is Palmetto Center For Policyalternatives Inc Legit?
Quick charity verification for Palmetto Center For Policyalternatives Inc (EIN: 205985233)
Verdict: Palmetto Center For Policyalternatives Inc shows mixed signals
65/100Mission Score
$100KRevenue
$159KAssets
3Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Highly volatile revenue, with swings from $10,023 to $166,069 in consecutive years.
Frequent operating deficits, with expenses exceeding revenue in multiple periods (e.g., 2023, 2021, 2018, 2014).
Unusually low (0%) reported officer compensation for an organization with over $100,000 in annual expenses.
Strengths
Consistently maintains zero liabilities, indicating strong debt management.
Positive asset balance maintained despite revenue volatility and deficits.
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, suggesting a focus on minimizing executive overhead.
Spending Breakdown
How Palmetto Center For Policyalternatives Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
15%
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 Palmetto Center For Policyalternatives Inc
Is Palmetto Center For Policyalternatives Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Palmetto Center For Policyalternatives Inc (EIN: 205985233) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 65/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Palmetto Center For Policyalternatives Inc a good charity to donate to?
Palmetto Center For Policyalternatives Inc has a Mission Score of 65/100. Revenue: $100K. Assets: $159K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Palmetto Center For Policyalternatives Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Palmetto Center For Policyalternatives Inc is 205985233. 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 Palmetto Center For Policyalternatives Inc spend its money?
Palmetto Center For Policyalternatives Inc allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Palmetto Center For Policyalternatives Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Palmetto Center For Policyalternatives Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 205985233 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
Palmetto Center For Policyalternatives Inc demonstrates a mixed financial picture. While the organization consistently maintains zero liabilities, indicating sound financial management in avoiding debt, its revenue has been highly volatile over the past decade. For instance, revenue plunged from $164,588 in 2020 to $10,023 in 2021, only to rebound to $166,069 in 2022 before dipping to $100,005 in 2023. This inconsistency in funding could pose challenges for long-term program planning and stability. Furthermore, the organization frequently operates at a deficit, with expenses exceeding revenue in several years, such as 2023 ($101,326 expenses vs. $100,005 revenue) and 2021 ($121,761 expenses vs. $10,023 revenue), suggesting reliance on prior year reserves or inconsistent funding streams to cover operational costs. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings indicates a commitment to minimizing administrative overhead in this area, enhancing transparency regarding executive pay.