Is Rotary International Legit?

Spending Breakdown

How Rotary International allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

80%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

15%

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 Rotary International

Is Rotary International a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Rotary International (EIN: 16012302) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.

Is Rotary International a good charity to donate to?

Rotary International has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $0. Assets: $0. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Rotary International?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Rotary International is 16012302. 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 Rotary International spend its money?

Rotary International allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Rotary International's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Rotary International's tax-exempt status using EIN 16012302 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

Rotary International (EIN: 16012302) in Skowhegan, ME, appears to be a small, local chapter based on its financial data. The organization consistently reports modest revenues and expenses, with its latest available filing (201806) showing revenue of $16,233 and expenses of $15,707. This indicates a lean operational model, with expenses closely tracking revenue. The organization maintains a healthy asset base relative to its operational size, with assets of $36,988 in 2018 and no reported liabilities across all filings, suggesting strong financial stability and responsible management of its resources. The consistent reporting of zero officer compensation further enhances its transparency and commitment to volunteer-driven efforts.

While specific program spending details are not provided in the summary data, the close alignment of revenues and expenses, coupled with a lack of liabilities, suggests that the organization is effectively utilizing its funds for its stated purpose. The absence of officer compensation is a significant positive indicator of its dedication to its mission without significant overhead for leadership salaries. However, without a detailed breakdown of expenses into program, administrative, and fundraising categories, a precise assessment of spending efficiency is challenging. The organization's consistent filing history demonstrates a commitment to transparency through regular reporting to the IRS.

One notable anomaly is the 201506 period, where expenses ($109,794) significantly exceeded revenue ($21,368). While this could be due to a specific project or investment, it stands out against the general trend of balanced finances. Despite this, the organization recovered well in subsequent years, maintaining a positive asset position and no liabilities, which speaks to its resilience and sound financial management over time.

Verdict: Rotary International appears trustworthy

Red Flags

Strengths