Quick charity verification for Starting Arts Inc (EIN: 10552155)
Verdict: Starting Arts Inc appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$2.4MRevenue
$1.1MAssets
2Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Operating deficit in 2023 ($2,344,948 revenue vs. $2,438,673 expenses)
Significant increase in liabilities in 2023 to $486,641, up from $88,994 in 2022
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings
Strong asset growth over the past decade, reaching $1,510,887 in 2023
Consistent revenue generation, generally exceeding $1 million annually
Regular and transparent IRS 990 filing history (12 filings)
Rebound in revenue and assets after a dip in 2021
Spending Breakdown
How Starting Arts 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 Starting Arts Inc
Is Starting Arts Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Starting Arts Inc (EIN: 10552155) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 2 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Starting Arts Inc a good charity to donate to?
Starting Arts Inc has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $2.4M. Assets: $1.1M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Starting Arts Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Starting Arts Inc is 10552155. 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 Starting Arts Inc spend its money?
Starting Arts Inc allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Starting Arts Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Starting Arts Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 10552155 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
Starting Arts Inc. demonstrates a generally sound financial position with consistent revenue generation over the past decade, peaking at over $3 million in 2019. While the organization experienced a dip in revenue and an operating deficit in 2021, it has since rebounded, with 2023 revenue at $2,344,948 and expenses at $2,438,673, indicating a slight deficit but manageable. The organization's assets have shown growth, reaching $1,510,887 in 2023, which provides a solid financial cushion. Liabilities have fluctuated, with a notable increase in 2023 to $486,641, which warrants monitoring but is still well-covered by assets.
Spending efficiency appears to be a strength, as the organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, suggesting that resources are directed towards programs and operational needs rather than high executive salaries. This commitment to minimizing administrative overhead is a positive indicator of financial stewardship. The consistent filing of IRS 990 forms over 12 periods also points to a good level of transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements.
Overall, Starting Arts Inc. appears to be a financially stable organization with a strong commitment to its mission, evidenced by its spending patterns and lack of executive compensation. While the recent operating deficit in 2023 and increased liabilities should be observed, the overall trend of asset growth and consistent revenue generation suggests a healthy financial outlook.