Is S A Y Detroit Legit?

Quick charity verification for S A Y Detroit (EIN: 204786626)

Verdict: S A Y Detroit appears trustworthy

90/100Mission Score
$3.6MRevenue
$11.6MAssets
1Red Flags
4Strengths

Red Flags

Strengths

Spending Breakdown

How S A Y Detroit 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 S A Y Detroit

Is S A Y Detroit a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, S A Y Detroit (EIN: 204786626) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is S A Y Detroit a good charity to donate to?

S A Y Detroit has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $3.6M. Assets: $11.6M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for S A Y Detroit?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for S A Y Detroit is 204786626. 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 S A Y Detroit spend its money?

S A Y Detroit allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify S A Y Detroit's tax-exempt status?

You can verify S A Y Detroit's tax-exempt status using EIN 204786626 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

S A Y Detroit demonstrates a generally healthy financial position with substantial assets and a consistent history of revenue generation. While revenue has fluctuated, ranging from a high of $6,956,034 in 2016 to $2,868,547 in 2022, the organization has consistently maintained a strong asset base, growing from $463,435 in 2013 to $9,821,876 in 2022. The organization's liabilities have remained relatively low compared to its assets, indicating good financial management. A notable strength is the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which speaks to a high level of financial transparency and a commitment to directing funds towards its mission rather than executive salaries. Spending efficiency appears strong, particularly given the absence of officer compensation. While specific program, administrative, and fundraising expense breakdowns are not provided in the summary data, the overall expense figures suggest a reasonable operational cost relative to the revenue generated. For instance, in 2022, expenses were $3,243,240 against revenues of $2,868,547, indicating a year where expenses slightly exceeded revenue, which can be common for nonprofits utilizing reserves. However, in many other years, such as 2021, revenue significantly outpaced expenses ($4,947,599 vs. $2,858,279), allowing for asset growth. The consistent growth in assets over the decade further supports a picture of sound financial stewardship and the ability to build reserves. Transparency is a significant strength, primarily due to the clear reporting of zero officer compensation. This practice is highly commendable and indicates that the organization's leadership is either volunteer-based or compensated through other means not classified as officer compensation, which would require further investigation but, on its face, suggests a lean operational structure at the top. The consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over 12 periods also demonstrates a commitment to public accountability and transparency regarding its financial activities.

View Full Transparency Report →

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.

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