Quick charity verification for Shepherds Pantry Inc (EIN: 161770348)
Verdict: Shepherds Pantry Inc appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$58KRevenue
$4KAssets
3Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Recurring deficits (expenses exceeding revenue) in multiple periods (e.g., 2017, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011)
Very low asset base ($4,365 in 2017) with minimal reserves
Reported negative assets in 2015 ($-124)
Strengths
100% of expenses allocated to program services, demonstrating high efficiency
Zero officer compensation, indicating strong mission focus and volunteer-driven leadership
No reported liabilities across all filing periods, showing fiscal responsibility in avoiding debt
Spending Breakdown
How Shepherds Pantry Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
100%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
0%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
0%
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 Shepherds Pantry Inc
Is Shepherds Pantry Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Shepherds Pantry Inc (EIN: 161770348) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Shepherds Pantry Inc a good charity to donate to?
Shepherds Pantry Inc has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $58K. Assets: $4K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Shepherds Pantry Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Shepherds Pantry Inc is 161770348. 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 Shepherds Pantry Inc spend its money?
Shepherds Pantry Inc allocates 100% to programs, 0% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Shepherds Pantry Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Shepherds Pantry Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 161770348 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
Shepherds Pantry Inc, operating in Lynch, KY, demonstrates a consistent commitment to its mission with 100% of its expenses allocated to program services, as indicated by the 0% officer compensation and the nature of a pantry operation. This suggests a highly efficient spending model focused directly on beneficiaries. However, the organization's financial health shows some volatility. In 2017, expenses ($59,124) exceeded revenue ($57,871), leading to a net deficit for the year. This trend of expenses occasionally surpassing revenue has been observed in multiple periods, such as 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011, which could impact long-term sustainability if not managed effectively. The organization's asset base is relatively small ($4,365 in 2017), and it even reported negative assets in 2015 ($-124), indicating a very lean operational structure with minimal reserves. The consistent reporting of zero liabilities across all filings is a positive sign of fiscal responsibility, avoiding debt accumulation.