Quick charity verification for Serve Spokane (EIN: 204040980)
Verdict: Serve Spokane appears trustworthy
88/100Mission Score
$2.2MRevenue
$116KAssets
2Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, which, while positive for program spending, can sometimes obscure how leadership is truly compensated or sustained.
Expenses slightly exceeding revenue in the latest filing ($1,868,896 vs $1,864,415), indicating a potential deficit for the period.
Strengths
Strong revenue growth, increasing from $438,831 in 2015 to $1,864,415 in 2023, demonstrating expanding capacity and impact.
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings, suggesting a high dedication of funds to programs and low administrative overhead at the executive level.
Assets have shown steady growth over time, indicating increasing financial stability.
Expenses consistently align closely with revenue, suggesting efficient resource utilization and careful budgeting.
Spending Breakdown
How Serve Spokane 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 Serve Spokane
Is Serve Spokane a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Serve Spokane (EIN: 204040980) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 88/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Serve Spokane a good charity to donate to?
Serve Spokane has a Mission Score of 88/100. Revenue: $2.2M. Assets: $116K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Serve Spokane?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Serve Spokane is 204040980. 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 Serve Spokane spend its money?
Serve Spokane allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Serve Spokane's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Serve Spokane's tax-exempt status using EIN 204040980 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
Serve Spokane demonstrates a consistent operational pattern, with expenses closely tracking revenue across its nine-year filing history. The organization has shown significant growth, with revenue increasing from $438,831 in 2015 to $1,864,415 in 2023. While the latest filing shows expenses slightly exceeding revenue ($1,868,896 vs $1,864,415), this is a common occurrence for nonprofits managing cash flow and program delivery. The organization's assets have also grown steadily, indicating some financial stability, though liabilities have also increased, suggesting careful management is required. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings is a strong indicator of financial transparency and a commitment to directing funds towards its mission.