Is Salem Area Special Needs Association Legit?

Quick charity verification for Salem Area Special Needs Association (EIN: 208428288)

Verdict: Salem Area Special Needs Association appears trustworthy

85/100Mission Score
$136KRevenue
$280KAssets
2Red Flags
4Strengths

Red Flags

Strengths

Spending Breakdown

How Salem Area Special Needs Association allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
0%
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 Salem Area Special Needs Association

Is Salem Area Special Needs Association a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Salem Area Special Needs Association (EIN: 208428288) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Salem Area Special Needs Association a good charity to donate to?

Salem Area Special Needs Association has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $136K. Assets: $280K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Salem Area Special Needs Association?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Salem Area Special Needs Association is 208428288. 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 Salem Area Special Needs Association spend its money?

Salem Area Special Needs Association allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Salem Area Special Needs Association's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Salem Area Special Needs Association's tax-exempt status using EIN 208428288 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

Salem Area Special Needs Association demonstrates a consistent commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its stable asset base and zero reported liabilities across all available filings. The organization has shown growth in revenue over the past decade, from $56,553 in 2014 to $105,209 in 2023, indicating increasing support. However, recent years (2022 and 2023) show expenses exceeding revenue, with expenses of $136,191 against $121,726 revenue in 2022 and $137,646 against $105,209 revenue in 2023. This trend of deficit spending, if continued, could impact long-term financial health, despite the current healthy asset base of $305,293 in 2023. The absence of officer compensation reported in all filings suggests a volunteer-driven leadership, which is a strong indicator of efficiency and dedication to program services, enhancing its transparency and public trust. The organization's financial health appears stable due to its accumulated assets, but the recent operational deficits warrant attention. The consistent reporting of zero liabilities is a significant strength, indicating sound financial management in terms of debt. The lack of officer compensation is a notable positive, suggesting that resources are primarily directed towards the organization's mission rather than administrative overhead for leadership salaries. This practice enhances the organization's spending efficiency and transparency, making it an attractive option for donors seeking to maximize the impact of their contributions.

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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