Quick charity verification for Sheridan Community Land Trust (EIN: 204385635)
Verdict: Sheridan Community Land Trust appears trustworthy
95/100Mission Score
$3.7MRevenue
$5.6MAssets
2Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Unusually low liabilities, which could indicate a lack of transparency if certain obligations are not fully reported.
The consistent 0% officer compensation is highly unusual for an organization of this size and could warrant further investigation into how leadership is compensated or if key roles are entirely volunteer-based.
Strengths
Consistent asset growth, from $4,056,348 in 2019 to $5,287,348 in 2023, demonstrating strong financial health.
Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, indicating a strong commitment to directing funds towards the mission.
Expenses consistently well below revenue, leading to significant surpluses for reinvestment.
Very low liabilities relative to assets, indicating a healthy and stable financial position.
Strong revenue growth in recent years, with 2023 revenue at $1,742,166, up from $625,188 in 2021.
Spending Breakdown
How Sheridan Community Land Trust allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
7%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
3%
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 Sheridan Community Land Trust
Is Sheridan Community Land Trust a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Sheridan Community Land Trust (EIN: 204385635) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 2 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Sheridan Community Land Trust a good charity to donate to?
Sheridan Community Land Trust has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $3.7M. Assets: $5.6M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Sheridan Community Land Trust?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Sheridan Community Land Trust is 204385635. 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 Sheridan Community Land Trust spend its money?
Sheridan Community Land Trust allocates 90% to programs, 7% to administration, and 3% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Sheridan Community Land Trust's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Sheridan Community Land Trust's tax-exempt status using EIN 204385635 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
Sheridan Community Land Trust demonstrates strong financial health and a clear commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its consistent growth in assets and revenue. Over the past five years, the organization has seen its assets grow from $4,056,348 in 2019 to $5,287,348 in 2023, indicating effective asset management and accumulation. Revenue has also shown significant fluctuations but a general upward trend, with a notable peak of $1,742,166 in 2023. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, which is a strong indicator of transparency and a focus on directing funds towards programmatic activities rather than executive salaries. This practice suggests a high level of volunteer leadership or a compensation structure that does not include traditional officer salaries, which is commendable for a nonprofit.
The spending efficiency appears robust, with expenses generally well below revenue, allowing for asset growth. For instance, in 2023, expenses were $758,881 against revenues of $1,742,166, demonstrating a significant surplus that can be reinvested into programs or reserves. The absence of reported officer compensation across all available filings further reinforces the impression of efficient resource allocation and a strong program-first approach. The organization's financial stability, coupled with its transparent compensation practices, positions it as a financially sound and trustworthy charity.