Quick charity verification for Portland State University Bookstore (EIN: 202951862)
Verdict: Portland State University Bookstore shows mixed signals
65/100Mission Score
$374KRevenue
$1.4MAssets
3Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent operating deficits: Expenses have exceeded revenue in multiple recent periods (e.g., $260,916 expenses vs. $144,715 revenue in 2023).
Significant decline in revenue: Revenue has dropped from over $700,000 in earlier years to $144,715 in 2023.
Decreasing assets: Total assets have declined from $1,855,276 in 2021 to $1,405,419 in 2023, likely due to operating losses.
Strengths
Zero executive compensation: No officer compensation is reported, indicating efficient use of funds in this area.
Strong asset base: Despite recent declines, the organization still holds over $1.4 million in assets, providing some buffer.
Consistent filing history: 11 IRS 990 filings demonstrate good transparency and compliance.
Spending Breakdown
How Portland State University Bookstore 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 Portland State University Bookstore
Is Portland State University Bookstore a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Portland State University Bookstore (EIN: 202951862) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 65/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Portland State University Bookstore a good charity to donate to?
Portland State University Bookstore has a Mission Score of 65/100. Revenue: $374K. Assets: $1.4M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Portland State University Bookstore?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Portland State University Bookstore is 202951862. 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 Portland State University Bookstore spend its money?
Portland State University Bookstore allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Portland State University Bookstore's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Portland State University Bookstore's tax-exempt status using EIN 202951862 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
Portland State University Bookstore, operating under NTEE code B90, appears to be a supporting organization for the university, rather than a traditional public charity. Its financial health shows a concerning trend of declining revenue and consistent operating deficits in recent years. For example, in 2023, revenue was $144,715 against expenses of $260,916, and in 2022, revenue was $308,709 against expenses of $512,348. This indicates that the organization is spending more than it earns, which is unsustainable long-term without external support or a significant change in operations. While assets remain substantial at $1,405,419 in 2023, the consistent net losses are drawing down reserves. The organization's transparency is good, with 11 filings available, and a clear indication of zero officer compensation, which is a positive sign regarding resource allocation.