Is Sonshine Center Legit?

Quick charity verification for Sonshine Center (EIN: 203285082)

Verdict: Sonshine Center shows mixed signals

60/100Mission Score

$566KRevenue

$907KAssets

4Red Flags

3Strengths

Red Flags

Recurring annual deficits (e.g., 2023, 2022, 2021, 2018, 2017)
High liabilities relative to total assets (e.g., 76% in 2023)
Significant and unexplained revenue drop in 2019 ($3,917)
Declining asset base over recent years

Strengths

Consistent IRS 990 filing history (13 filings)
0% reported officer compensation across all years
Long operational history (since at least 2014)

Spending Breakdown

How Sonshine Center allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

70%

Program Spending

Below average — room for improvement

20%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

10%

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 Sonshine Center

Is Sonshine Center a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Sonshine Center (EIN: 203285082) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 60/100. 4 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.

Is Sonshine Center a good charity to donate to?

Sonshine Center has a Mission Score of 60/100. Revenue: $566K. Assets: $907K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Sonshine Center?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Sonshine Center is 203285082. 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 Sonshine Center spend its money?

Sonshine Center allocates 70% to programs, 20% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Sonshine Center's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Sonshine Center's tax-exempt status using EIN 203285082 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

Sonshine Center demonstrates consistent financial activity, with revenues and expenses generally in the range of $500,000 to $650,000 over the past several years. The organization has experienced a slight decline in assets from a peak of $1,109,465 in 2016 to $969,212 in 2023, while liabilities have remained substantial, often exceeding 70% of assets. For instance, in 2023, liabilities were $738,549 against assets of $969,212, indicating a high reliance on debt or restricted funds.

The organization's spending efficiency appears to be a concern, as expenses have frequently exceeded revenue in recent years, leading to net deficits. For example, in 2023, expenses were $638,003 against revenues of $600,904, resulting in a deficit. This trend, observed in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2018, and 2017, suggests that the organization is consistently spending more than it brings in, which is not sustainable long-term. The significant revenue drop in 2019 to just $3,917, while expenses remained high at $538,822, is particularly alarming and warrants further investigation.

Transparency is positively impacted by the consistent filing of IRS Form 990s, with 13 filings available. The reported 0% officer compensation across all years indicates that executive leadership is not drawing a salary, which can be a positive sign for donor confidence regarding administrative costs. However, the high liabilities relative to assets and the recurring deficits raise questions about the organization's financial stability and long-term viability, despite the consistent reporting.

View Full Transparency Report →

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.