Is Shriners International Legit?

Strengths

Consistent asset growth, from $1,587,960 in 2014 to $2,254,677 in 2023.
No reported officer compensation across all 13 filings, indicating volunteer leadership and efficient use of funds.
Generally operates with a revenue surplus, demonstrating sound financial management (e.g., $545,364 revenue vs. $430,185 expenses in 2023).
Strong financial stability with assets significantly exceeding liabilities (e.g., $2,254,677 assets vs. $114,576 liabilities in 2023).
Consistent filing of IRS 990 forms over 13 periods, indicating good transparency.

Spending Breakdown

How Shriners International 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 Shriners International

Is Shriners International a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Shriners International (EIN: 10116390) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.

Is Shriners International a good charity to donate to?

Shriners International has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $1.6M. Assets: $2.6M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Shriners International?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Shriners International is 10116390. 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 Shriners International spend its money?

Shriners International allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Shriners International's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Shriners International's tax-exempt status using EIN 10116390 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

Shriners International, based in Lewiston, ME, demonstrates consistent financial health with a positive trend in assets over the past decade, growing from $1,587,960 in 2014 to $2,254,677 in 2023. The organization generally operates with a surplus, as seen in 2023 where revenue of $545,364 exceeded expenses of $430,185. This indicates sound financial management and an ability to build reserves. The absence of reported officer compensation across all available filings suggests a volunteer-driven leadership structure, which can contribute to lower administrative costs and higher program efficiency.

While specific program spending ratios are not detailed in the provided data, the consistent surpluses and lack of executive compensation are positive indicators for spending efficiency. The organization's financial stability, with assets consistently exceeding liabilities (e.g., $2,254,677 in assets vs. $114,576 in liabilities in 2023), suggests a robust financial foundation. The consistent filing of IRS 990 forms over 13 periods also points to a commitment to transparency.

Overall, Shriners International appears to be a financially stable organization with a good track record of managing its resources. The lack of reported officer compensation is a significant strength, implying that a substantial portion of funds can be directed towards its mission. Further analysis of detailed expense breakdowns would provide a more precise understanding of program spending efficiency.

Verdict: Shriners International appears trustworthy