Is Peterborough Historical Soc Legit? —…

Spending Breakdown

How Peterborough Historical Soc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

85%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

10%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

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 Peterborough Historical Soc

Is Peterborough Historical Soc a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Peterborough Historical Soc (EIN: 20333624) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Peterborough Historical Soc a good charity to donate to?

Peterborough Historical Soc has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $219K. Assets: $1.3M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Peterborough Historical Soc?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Peterborough Historical Soc is 20333624. 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 Peterborough Historical Soc spend its money?

Peterborough Historical Soc allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Peterborough Historical Soc's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Peterborough Historical Soc's tax-exempt status using EIN 20333624 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 Peterborough Historical Society demonstrates a consistent commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its stable asset base and generally low liabilities over the past decade. While revenue has fluctuated, with a notable peak of $225,587 in 2015 and a recent high of $214,356 in 2022, the organization has managed its expenses, typically keeping them within a reasonable range relative to its size. The latest filing (202307) shows expenses exceeding revenue ($168,910 vs. $121,197), which resulted in a net loss for that period, a trend also observed in several prior years. However, the organization's substantial assets, currently at $1,305,176, provide a strong financial cushion.

The society's spending efficiency appears to be strong, particularly given the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that resources are directed towards operational and programmatic activities rather than executive salaries. This suggests a volunteer-driven or very lean administrative structure. The organization's transparency is high, with a complete history of 990 filings readily available, allowing for thorough financial review.

Overall, the Peterborough Historical Society exhibits sound financial management for a small nonprofit, maintaining a healthy asset-to-liability ratio and demonstrating a clear focus on its mission through its spending patterns. The occasional operating deficits are offset by its robust asset base, suggesting a sustainable model for its historical preservation and educational activities.

Is Peterborough Historical Soc Legit?

Verdict: Peterborough Historical Soc appears trustworthy

Red Flags

Strengths