Is Shore Legal Access Inc Legit?

Strengths

Consistently high program spending ratio (85% in 202306) indicates strong mission focus.
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings, suggesting efficient use of funds at the leadership level.
Significant growth in revenue and assets over the past decade, demonstrating organizational expansion and sustainability.
Long history of IRS 990 filings (13 filings) indicates strong commitment to transparency and compliance.

Spending Breakdown

How Shore Legal Access Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

85%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

10%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

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 Shore Legal Access Inc

Is Shore Legal Access Inc a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Shore Legal Access Inc (EIN: 161779280) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 88/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Shore Legal Access Inc a good charity to donate to?

Shore Legal Access Inc has a Mission Score of 88/100. Revenue: $1.9M. Assets: $1.6M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Shore Legal Access Inc?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Shore Legal Access Inc is 161779280. 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 Shore Legal Access Inc spend its money?

Shore Legal Access Inc allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Shore Legal Access Inc's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Shore Legal Access Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 161779280 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

Shore Legal Access Inc demonstrates a consistent commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its program spending. Over the past several years, the organization has maintained a strong focus on program delivery, with a significant portion of its expenses dedicated to direct services. For instance, in the 202306 period, out of total expenses of $1,690,410, a substantial 85% was allocated to program services, indicating efficient use of donor funds for its stated purpose. This strong program spending ratio is a positive indicator of the organization's operational efficiency.

The organization's financial health shows a pattern of growth in both revenue and assets over the past decade, from $694,880 in revenue and $326,757 in assets in 201406 to $1,588,655 in revenue and $1,804,399 in assets in 202306. While the 202306 period saw expenses ($1,690,410) slightly exceed revenue ($1,588,655), leading to a net deficit for that year, the overall trend of asset growth suggests a generally stable financial position. The increase in liabilities in 202306 to $780,371 from $136,926 in 202206 warrants closer examination to understand its nature and impact on long-term financial stability.

Transparency is a strong point for Shore Legal Access Inc, as indicated by the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings. This suggests that the organization's leadership is either volunteer-based or compensated through other means not categorized as officer compensation, which can be a positive signal for donors regarding resource allocation. The consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over 13 periods further demonstrates a commitment to public accountability and transparency.

Verdict: Shore Legal Access Inc appears trustworthy

Red Flags