Quick charity verification for Rooted Wisdom Africa (EIN: 208595073)
Verdict: Rooted Wisdom Africa appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$255KRevenue
$261KAssets
1Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Slight deficit in 2023 ($17,127) where expenses exceeded revenue, though this is not a consistent trend.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating high program focus.
Steady growth in assets from $59,069 in 2015 to $226,200 in 2023.
Minimal to no liabilities reported in most years, demonstrating strong financial health.
Long history of 13 IRS 990 filings, indicating strong transparency and compliance.
Stable revenue stream over the past decade, showing consistent donor support.
Spending Breakdown
How Rooted Wisdom Africa allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
85%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
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 Rooted Wisdom Africa
Is Rooted Wisdom Africa a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Rooted Wisdom Africa (EIN: 208595073) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Rooted Wisdom Africa a good charity to donate to?
Rooted Wisdom Africa has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $255K. Assets: $261K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Rooted Wisdom Africa?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Rooted Wisdom Africa is 208595073. 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 Rooted Wisdom Africa spend its money?
Rooted Wisdom Africa allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Rooted Wisdom Africa's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Rooted Wisdom Africa's tax-exempt status using EIN 208595073 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
Rooted Wisdom Africa demonstrates a generally stable financial position with consistent revenue streams over the past decade, averaging around $220,000 annually. The organization has shown a healthy growth in assets, increasing from $59,069 in 2015 to $226,200 in 2023, indicating effective asset management and accumulation. While the organization experienced a slight deficit in 2023, with expenses exceeding revenue by $17,127, this appears to be an anomaly rather than a trend, as most prior years show a surplus or near break-even. The consistent reporting of zero officer compensation across all filings suggests a strong commitment to directing funds towards programmatic activities rather than executive salaries, enhancing its spending efficiency.
The organization's transparency is commendable, with 13 filings available, providing a comprehensive financial history. The absence of liabilities in most years, including the latest filing, indicates sound financial management and a low-risk profile. The NTEE code Q30 (International Development, Relief, and Peace) suggests a focus on program areas that typically require significant operational expenses, making the efficient use of funds crucial. The consistent financial reporting and lack of significant liabilities contribute positively to its overall transparency and accountability.