Quick charity verification for Polaris Charter Academy (EIN: 10874029)
Verdict: Polaris Charter Academy appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$6.1MRevenue
$2.2MAssets
2Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Expenses exceeded revenue by over $560,000 in the 202306 fiscal period.
Significant decline in assets from $3,753,040 in 202206 to $3,012,188 in 202306.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating strong resource allocation to mission.
Steady revenue growth over the past decade, demonstrating sustained support.
Generally low liabilities, suggesting good financial management and limited debt.
Positive net assets in most periods, indicating financial health.
Spending Breakdown
How Polaris Charter Academy allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
7%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
3%
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 Polaris Charter Academy
Is Polaris Charter Academy a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Polaris Charter Academy (EIN: 10874029) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Polaris Charter Academy a good charity to donate to?
Polaris Charter Academy has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $6.1M. Assets: $2.2M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Polaris Charter Academy?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Polaris Charter Academy is 10874029. 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 Polaris Charter Academy spend its money?
Polaris Charter Academy allocates 90% to programs, 7% to administration, and 3% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Polaris Charter Academy's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Polaris Charter Academy's tax-exempt status using EIN 10874029 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
Polaris Charter Academy demonstrates a generally stable financial position, with revenues consistently covering expenses in most recent periods, though the 202306 period showed expenses exceeding revenue by over $560,000. The organization's assets have fluctuated, peaking at $3,753,040 in 202206 before declining to $3,012,188 in 202306. Liabilities have remained relatively low, indicating good financial management and limited debt burden. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings suggests a strong commitment to directing resources towards its mission rather than executive pay, enhancing its transparency and public trust.
While specific program spending ratios are not detailed in the provided summary, the absence of officer compensation is a positive indicator of efficiency. The organization's revenue has shown a steady growth trend over the past decade, from $4,790,895 in 201406 to $5,853,495 in 202306, reflecting sustained support. The dip in net assets in the latest period warrants attention, but overall, the academy appears to be a well-managed entity with a clear focus on its educational mission.