Is South Carolina State University Advancement Foundation Inc Legit?
Quick charity verification for South Carolina State University Advancement Foundation Inc (EIN: 203004987)
Verdict: South Carolina State University Advancement Foundation Inc appears trustworthy
75/100Mission Score
$135KRevenue
$327KAssets
2Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Lack of detailed functional expense breakdown in provided data makes efficiency assessment difficult
Significant year-to-year fluctuations in revenue and expenses without clear explanation
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation
Stable asset base over the past decade
No reported liabilities in recent fiscal periods
Consistent IRS 990 filing history demonstrates transparency
Spending Breakdown
How South Carolina State University Advancement Foundation Inc 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 South Carolina State University Advancement Foundation Inc
Is South Carolina State University Advancement Foundation Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, South Carolina State University Advancement Foundation Inc (EIN: 203004987) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is South Carolina State University Advancement Foundation Inc a good charity to donate to?
South Carolina State University Advancement Foundation Inc has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $135K. Assets: $327K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for South Carolina State University Advancement Foundation Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for South Carolina State University Advancement Foundation Inc is 203004987. 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 Carolina State University Advancement Foundation Inc spend its money?
South Carolina State University Advancement Foundation Inc allocates 70% to programs, 20% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify South Carolina State University Advancement Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify South Carolina State University Advancement Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 203004987 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
The South Carolina State University Advancement Foundation Inc. appears to be a small organization with relatively stable assets around $300,000 over the past decade. Its revenue and expenses have fluctuated significantly, with the latest reported revenue at $135,256 and assets at $326,505. The organization consistently reports zero liabilities in recent years, indicating a healthy balance sheet. However, the provided data lacks a detailed breakdown of expenses into program, administrative, and fundraising categories, making a precise assessment of spending efficiency challenging. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation suggests either a volunteer-led board or that compensation is covered by the university directly, which would be a positive indicator for donor funds being directed towards the mission.
Without a functional expense statement, it's difficult to definitively assess spending efficiency. However, the organization's consistent financial reporting through IRS 990 filings demonstrates a commitment to transparency. The lack of liabilities and stable asset base are positive signs of financial stability. To fully understand its financial health and spending efficiency, more detailed expense breakdowns would be necessary, particularly regarding how its expenses relate to its stated advancement mission for South Carolina State University.