Quick charity verification for Sustain Hawaii (EIN: 200040349)
Verdict: Sustain Hawaii appears trustworthy
92/100Mission Score
$115KRevenue
$83KAssets
1Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Fluctuating revenue year-over-year, which could impact long-term planning if not managed effectively.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating strong resource allocation to mission.
Zero liabilities reported in most recent filings (201512-202212), demonstrating excellent financial management and no debt burden.
Significant asset growth from $1,236 in 201812 to $117,493 in 202212, enhancing financial stability.
Healthy surplus in 202212 ($84,724), indicating efficient operations and capacity for future growth.
Strong program focus implied by low overhead and lack of executive compensation.
Spending Breakdown
How Sustain Hawaii 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 Sustain Hawaii
Is Sustain Hawaii a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Sustain Hawaii (EIN: 200040349) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Sustain Hawaii a good charity to donate to?
Sustain Hawaii has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $115K. Assets: $83K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Sustain Hawaii?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Sustain Hawaii is 200040349. 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 Sustain Hawaii spend its money?
Sustain Hawaii allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Sustain Hawaii's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Sustain Hawaii's tax-exempt status using EIN 200040349 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
Sustain Hawaii demonstrates a generally healthy financial position with a strong focus on program spending, as evidenced by their 202212 filing showing $319,020 in expenses against $403,744 in revenue, indicating efficient operations. The organization consistently reports zero liabilities across most recent filings, which is a significant strength, suggesting sound financial management and no outstanding debt. While revenue has fluctuated over the years, with a peak of $494,730 in 202112 and a low of $48,371 in 201812, the overall trend shows growth and recovery, particularly with the substantial revenue in 202212. Their asset base has also grown considerably, from $1,236 in 201812 to $117,493 in 202212, further solidifying their financial stability.
The organization's transparency is commendable, particularly with the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings. This indicates that executive leadership is either volunteer-based or compensated through other means not classified as officer compensation, which is a positive sign for donor confidence. The absence of liabilities in recent years also simplifies their financial structure, making it easier for stakeholders to understand their financial health. The NTEE code B03 suggests a focus on environmental protection and conservation, and the financial data supports an organization actively engaged in its mission without significant overheads.
Overall, Sustain Hawaii appears to be a well-managed nonprofit with a strong commitment to its mission, efficient spending, and a high degree of financial transparency, especially regarding executive compensation and debt management. The fluctuations in revenue and expenses are typical for smaller nonprofits, but the recent growth and consistent lack of liabilities are strong indicators of a sustainable and impactful organization.