Is Protect Our Winters Legit?

Spending Breakdown

How Protect Our Winters 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 Protect Our Winters

Is Protect Our Winters a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Protect Our Winters (EIN: 208474909) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.

Is Protect Our Winters a good charity to donate to?

Protect Our Winters has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $8.9M. Assets: $7.3M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Protect Our Winters?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Protect Our Winters is 208474909. 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 Protect Our Winters spend its money?

Protect Our Winters allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Protect Our Winters's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Protect Our Winters's tax-exempt status using EIN 208474909 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

Protect Our Winters demonstrates strong financial health and consistent growth, with revenue increasing from $676,481 in 2015 to $6,329,663 in 2023. The organization consistently maintains a healthy asset base, reaching $6,332,882 in 2023, significantly exceeding its liabilities of $202,238. This indicates sound financial management and a strong balance sheet. The organization's spending efficiency appears robust, with expenses generally well below revenue, allowing for asset accumulation and program expansion. For instance, in 2023, expenses were $5,928,412 against revenues of $6,329,663, showing a surplus.

The organization's transparency is bolstered by its consistent filing of IRS Form 990s, with 13 filings available. A notable aspect is the reported 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which suggests that executive leadership may be volunteer-based or compensated through other means not categorized as 'officer compensation' on the 990, or that the organization has a very lean administrative structure at the top. This practice, if it reflects a true lack of executive salaries, could be seen as a strong indicator of dedication to mission and efficient use of donor funds. However, further detail on how leadership is compensated, if at all, would enhance full transparency.

Overall, Protect Our Winters exhibits a positive financial trajectory, responsible asset management, and a commitment to transparency through its regular filings. The consistent growth in revenue and assets, coupled with a low liability profile, positions the organization well for sustained impact. The absence of reported officer compensation is a unique characteristic that warrants further understanding but, on its face, suggests a highly cost-effective leadership model.

Verdict: Protect Our Winters appears trustworthy

Red Flags

Strengths