Quick charity verification for San Luis Obispo Classical Academy (EIN: 203131883)
Verdict: San Luis Obispo Classical Academy appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$10.8MRevenue
$4.1MAssets
2Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Expenses exceeded revenue in the 202306 period, indicating a deficit.
Significant increase in liabilities from $307,049 in 202206 to $1,720,545 in 202306.
Strengths
Consistent revenue growth over the past decade, from $1,621,316 in 201406 to $10,812,864 latest revenue.
Zero officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating high efficiency and dedication of resources to mission.
Strong asset growth, from $108,286 in 201406 to $4,050,886 latest assets.
Spending Breakdown
How San Luis Obispo Classical Academy 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 San Luis Obispo Classical Academy
Is San Luis Obispo Classical Academy a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, San Luis Obispo Classical Academy (EIN: 203131883) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is San Luis Obispo Classical Academy a good charity to donate to?
San Luis Obispo Classical Academy has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $10.8M. Assets: $4.1M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for San Luis Obispo Classical Academy?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for San Luis Obispo Classical Academy is 203131883. 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 San Luis Obispo Classical Academy spend its money?
San Luis Obispo Classical Academy allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify San Luis Obispo Classical Academy's tax-exempt status?
You can verify San Luis Obispo Classical Academy's tax-exempt status using EIN 203131883 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
San Luis Obispo Classical Academy demonstrates a pattern of consistent growth in revenue and assets over the past decade, with latest revenue reported at $10,812,864 and assets at $4,050,886. The organization has generally managed its expenses well, often operating with a surplus, as seen in 202206 where revenue was $5,378,042 against expenses of $4,989,908. However, the 202306 filing shows expenses ($5,732,924) exceeding revenue ($5,441,930), indicating a slight deficit for that period. The organization's liabilities have also seen a significant increase, from $307,049 in 202206 to $1,720,545 in 202306, which warrants closer examination.
The academy's financial health appears stable given its growth trajectory, but the recent increase in liabilities and the deficit in the latest reported period suggest a need for careful monitoring of financial management. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings indicates a strong commitment to directing resources towards its mission rather than executive pay, which is a positive sign for transparency and efficiency. Further details on program spending versus administrative and fundraising costs would provide a more complete picture of spending efficiency, as this data is not explicitly provided in the summary.