Quick charity verification for Smart Start Youth & Family Services Inc (EIN: 203379534)
Verdict: Smart Start Youth & Family Services Inc appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$1.3MRevenue
$307KAssets
0Red Flags
4Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Consistent revenue growth, increasing from $547,587 in 201406 to $1,126,445 in 202206.
Healthy asset growth, from $79,885 in 201406 to $464,898 in 202206, indicating financial stability.
Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, demonstrating a strong commitment to mission-driven spending.
Expenses consistently lower than revenue in most recent periods (e.g., $866,967 expenses vs. $1,126,445 revenue in 202206), leading to positive net income and asset accumulation.
Spending Breakdown
How Smart Start Youth & Family Services 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
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 Smart Start Youth & Family Services Inc
Is Smart Start Youth & Family Services Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Smart Start Youth & Family Services Inc (EIN: 203379534) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 0 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Smart Start Youth & Family Services Inc a good charity to donate to?
Smart Start Youth & Family Services Inc has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $1.3M. Assets: $307K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Smart Start Youth & Family Services Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Smart Start Youth & Family Services Inc is 203379534. 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 Smart Start Youth & Family Services Inc spend its money?
Smart Start Youth & Family Services Inc allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Smart Start Youth & Family Services Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Smart Start Youth & Family Services Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 203379534 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
Smart Start Youth & Family Services Inc demonstrates a generally healthy financial trajectory, with notable revenue growth in recent years, peaking at $1,262,444 in the latest period. The organization consistently spends less than it earns, as evidenced by the 202206 filing showing revenues of $1,126,445 against expenses of $866,967, indicating sound financial management and an ability to build reserves. Assets have also shown significant growth, from $79,885 in 201406 to $464,898 in 202206, suggesting increasing capacity and stability. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings is a strong indicator of transparency and a commitment to directing funds towards its mission rather than executive salaries. While specific program spending ratios are not provided in the summary data, the overall financial health and growth are positive signs.