Is Seneca Zoological Society Legit? —…

Strengths

Consistent operational surpluses, with revenues generally exceeding expenses (e.g., $4,822,023 revenue vs. $4,219,506 expenses in 2023).
Steady growth in assets over the past decade, from $2,558,073 in 2014 to $5,288,342 in 2023.
No reported officer compensation across all filings, suggesting efficient use of funds or a volunteer-led executive team.
Liabilities are well-managed and significantly lower than assets, indicating strong financial solvency (e.g., $464,695 liabilities vs. $5,288,342 assets in 2023).

Spending Breakdown

How Seneca Zoological Society 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 Seneca Zoological Society

Is Seneca Zoological Society a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Seneca Zoological Society (EIN: 160905390) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Seneca Zoological Society a good charity to donate to?

Seneca Zoological Society has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $5.7M. Assets: $6.7M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Seneca Zoological Society?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Seneca Zoological Society is 160905390. 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 Seneca Zoological Society spend its money?

Seneca Zoological Society allocates 80% to programs, 10% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Seneca Zoological Society's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Seneca Zoological Society's tax-exempt status using EIN 160905390 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 Seneca Zoological Society demonstrates consistent financial health, with revenues generally exceeding expenses over the past decade, contributing to a steady growth in assets. For instance, in the 202312 period, the organization reported revenues of $4,822,023 against expenses of $4,219,506, resulting in a surplus. This trend is visible across most years, indicating sound financial management and an ability to maintain operations and build reserves. The organization's assets have grown from $2,558,073 in 2014 to $5,288,342 in 2023, reflecting a healthy accumulation of resources.

Regarding spending efficiency, without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses from the provided data, a precise assessment is challenging. However, the consistent operational surpluses suggest that overall spending is managed within the organization's means. The absence of reported officer compensation across all filings is a significant indicator of transparency and potentially efficient use of funds, as it suggests that top leadership may be volunteer-based or compensated through other means not categorized as 'Officer Comp' on the 990, which warrants further investigation for full clarity.

Overall, the Seneca Zoological Society appears to be a financially stable organization with a positive trend in asset growth and responsible management of its liabilities. The lack of reported officer compensation is a notable point for transparency, suggesting a commitment to directing funds towards its mission. Further detailed expense breakdowns would provide a more complete picture of spending efficiency across program, administrative, and fundraising categories.

Is Seneca Zoological Society Legit?

Verdict: Seneca Zoological Society appears trustworthy

Red Flags