Quick charity verification for South Buffalo Charter School (EIN: 161586423)
Verdict: South Buffalo Charter School appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$16.2MRevenue
$37.8MAssets
1Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Unclear executive compensation reporting (0% officer comp for a large organization)
Strengths
Consistent revenue growth over the past decade (from $9.06M in 2014 to $16.22M currently)
Strong and growing asset base ($28.18M in 2014 to $37.85M currently)
Consistent positive operating margins (e.g., $1.49M surplus in 2023)
Low liabilities relative to assets (e.g., $1.74M liabilities vs. $35.04M assets in 2023)
Spending Breakdown
How South Buffalo Charter School 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 South Buffalo Charter School
Is South Buffalo Charter School a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, South Buffalo Charter School (EIN: 161586423) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is South Buffalo Charter School a good charity to donate to?
South Buffalo Charter School has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $16.2M. Assets: $37.8M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for South Buffalo Charter School?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for South Buffalo Charter School is 161586423. 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 South Buffalo Charter School spend its money?
South Buffalo Charter School allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify South Buffalo Charter School's tax-exempt status?
You can verify South Buffalo Charter School's tax-exempt status using EIN 161586423 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
South Buffalo Charter School demonstrates consistent financial growth and a strong asset base. Over the past decade, its assets have grown from $28.18 million in 2014 to $37.85 million currently, indicating sound financial management and reinvestment. The organization consistently operates with a surplus, as seen in 2023 where revenue of $15.58 million exceeded expenses of $14.09 million, contributing to its robust financial health. This sustained growth in assets and positive operating margins suggest a well-managed and financially stable institution.
The school's spending efficiency appears strong, with a significant portion of its expenses likely directed towards its educational programs, typical for a charter school. The consistent positive net income across multiple years allows for the accumulation of assets, which can be crucial for long-term stability and facility improvements. The absence of reported officer compensation is a notable aspect, suggesting that leadership compensation is either covered by other entities or not reported in a way that is visible in the 'Officer Comp' field, which warrants further investigation for full transparency.
Regarding transparency, the consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over 12 periods indicates a commitment to public disclosure. However, the 'Officer Comp=0%' across all filings is unusual for an organization of this size and revenue, potentially indicating that executive compensation is either very low, paid by a related entity, or not categorized under 'officer compensation' in the way the data is presented. Clarification on this point would enhance overall transparency and provide a clearer picture of administrative costs.