Quick charity verification for Seacoast Science Center Inc (EIN: 20526488)
Verdict: Seacoast Science Center Inc appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$2.9MRevenue
$3.2MAssets
2Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Significant year-over-year revenue volatility (e.g., $4.3M in 2022 to $1.9M in 2023)
Expenses exceeding revenue in the most recent filing (2023: Expenses $2,259,130 vs. Revenue $1,952,847)
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating strong resource allocation to mission.
Strong asset base consistently exceeding liabilities, demonstrating financial stability (e.g., 2023 assets $5,285,324 vs. liabilities $243,339).
Significant growth in assets over the past decade, from $2,486,189 in 2014 to $5,285,324 in 2023.
Spending Breakdown
How Seacoast Science Center Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
10%
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 Seacoast Science Center Inc
Is Seacoast Science Center Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Seacoast Science Center Inc (EIN: 20526488) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Seacoast Science Center Inc a good charity to donate to?
Seacoast Science Center Inc has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $2.9M. Assets: $3.2M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Seacoast Science Center Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Seacoast Science Center Inc is 20526488. 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 Seacoast Science Center Inc spend its money?
Seacoast Science Center Inc allocates 80% to programs, 10% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Seacoast Science Center Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Seacoast Science Center Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 20526488 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 Seacoast Science Center Inc. demonstrates a generally healthy financial position with fluctuating but often positive net assets over the past decade. While revenue has varied significantly, from a low of $1,214,957 in 2016 to a high of $4,321,753 in 2022, the organization has consistently maintained assets well above liabilities, indicating good financial stability. For instance, in 2023, assets were $5,285,324 against liabilities of $243,339. The organization's spending efficiency appears reasonable, though specific program, administrative, and fundraising expense breakdowns are not provided in the raw data. However, the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings suggests a strong commitment to directing funds towards its mission rather than executive salaries, which is a positive indicator of transparency and efficiency. The significant revenue spike in 2022 to $4,321,753, followed by a decrease to $1,952,847 in 2023, warrants further investigation to understand the underlying causes and whether this volatility is sustainable or indicative of specific project funding cycles. Overall, the center appears to be a financially stable organization with a commendable approach to executive compensation.