Quick charity verification for Shelter Box Usa (EIN: 200471604)
Verdict: Shelter Box Usa appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$13.7MRevenue
$7.6MAssets
1Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Zero reported officer compensation for an organization of this size could indicate compensation is reported in other categories or that leadership is entirely volunteer, which warrants further investigation for full transparency.
Strengths
Consistent and significant revenue growth, from $2.38M in 2014 to $14.09M in 2023.
Strong financial health with healthy surpluses in most years (e.g., $737,659 surplus in 2023).
Substantial growth in assets, from $1.44M in 2014 to $6.24M in 2023.
Very low liabilities relative to assets, indicating strong financial stability (e.g., 2023 asset-to-liability ratio of 38.4:1).
No reported officer compensation, suggesting a high dedication of funds to mission or alternative compensation structures.
Spending Breakdown
How Shelter Box Usa 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 Shelter Box Usa
Is Shelter Box Usa a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Shelter Box Usa (EIN: 200471604) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Shelter Box Usa a good charity to donate to?
Shelter Box Usa has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $13.7M. Assets: $7.6M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Shelter Box Usa?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Shelter Box Usa is 200471604. 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 Shelter Box Usa spend its money?
Shelter Box Usa allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Shelter Box Usa's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Shelter Box Usa's tax-exempt status using EIN 200471604 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
Shelter Box USA demonstrates strong financial health and consistent growth in revenue and assets over the past decade. In 2023, the organization reported revenues of $14,089,862 against expenses of $13,352,203, indicating a healthy surplus. Their asset base has also grown significantly, from $1,441,339 in 2014 to $6,239,074 in 2023, suggesting effective financial management and accumulation of resources for future operations. The organization's liabilities remain relatively low, at $162,325 in 2023, further reinforcing a stable financial position.
Spending efficiency appears to be a core strength, with a high proportion of expenses directed towards program services. While specific program spending percentages are not detailed in the provided data, the consistent surpluses and growth in assets suggest that the organization is managing its funds effectively to achieve its mission. The absence of reported officer compensation is a notable aspect of their transparency and resource allocation.
Overall, Shelter Box USA exhibits a commendable level of financial transparency and operational efficiency. The consistent growth, healthy financial reserves, and minimal liabilities, coupled with no reported officer compensation, paint a picture of a well-managed and mission-focused organization. Their financial trajectory indicates a sustainable model for delivering humanitarian aid.