Is School Of Applied Arts Legit?

Spending Breakdown

How School Of Applied Arts 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 School Of Applied Arts

Is School Of Applied Arts a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, School Of Applied Arts (EIN: 204025519) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 65/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.

Is School Of Applied Arts a good charity to donate to?

School Of Applied Arts has a Mission Score of 65/100. Revenue: $141K. Assets: $95K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for School Of Applied Arts?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for School Of Applied Arts is 204025519. 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 School Of Applied Arts spend its money?

School Of Applied Arts allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify School Of Applied Arts's tax-exempt status?

You can verify School Of Applied Arts's tax-exempt status using EIN 204025519 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

The School Of Applied Arts, based in Fort Collins, CO, demonstrates a consistent commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its NTEE code B30. The organization has experienced fluctuating revenues over the past decade, with a recent revenue of $141,490 in 2021, a decrease from its peak of $230,874 in 2014. A notable concern is the organization's financial stability, as expenses have frequently exceeded revenue in recent years, leading to a net deficit. For instance, in 2021, expenses were $204,611 against revenues of $141,490, and in 2020, expenses were $132,998 against revenues of $95,613. This trend of operating at a deficit could impact long-term sustainability if not addressed. 

The organization's assets have shown growth, reaching $95,358 in 2021, up from $41,882 in 2020. However, liabilities have also significantly increased, reaching $157,101 in 2021, which now exceed total assets. This indicates a potentially precarious financial position where the organization owes more than it owns. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings suggests a dedication to directing funds towards programs rather than executive salaries, which is a positive indicator of financial stewardship and transparency. However, the lack of detailed expense breakdowns in the provided data makes a precise assessment of spending efficiency challenging beyond the overall revenue-expense comparison.

Verdict: School Of Applied Arts shows mixed signals

Red Flags

Strengths