Quick charity verification for Third Rail Repertory Theatre (EIN: 200092657)
Verdict: Third Rail Repertory Theatre appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$527KRevenue
$101KAssets
2Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Significant deficit in the most recent filing period (202306: Expenses $678,592 vs. Revenue $570,440)
Fluctuating revenue and expense figures year-over-year, indicating potential instability in funding or operational costs.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings, demonstrating strong financial stewardship regarding executive pay.
Long history of IRS 990 filings (12 filings), indicating transparency and compliance.
Periods of strong financial surplus (e.g., 202106: Revenue $358,220 vs. Expenses $275,286), showing capacity for effective financial management.
Spending Breakdown
How Third Rail Repertory Theatre allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
15%
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 Third Rail Repertory Theatre
Is Third Rail Repertory Theatre a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Third Rail Repertory Theatre (EIN: 200092657) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Third Rail Repertory Theatre a good charity to donate to?
Third Rail Repertory Theatre has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $527K. Assets: $101K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Third Rail Repertory Theatre?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Third Rail Repertory Theatre is 200092657. 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 Third Rail Repertory Theatre spend its money?
Third Rail Repertory Theatre allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Third Rail Repertory Theatre's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Third Rail Repertory Theatre's tax-exempt status using EIN 200092657 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
Third Rail Repertory Theatre demonstrates a generally stable financial position, though with some fluctuations in recent years. In the 202306 period, the organization reported expenses exceeding revenue by over $100,000 ($678,592 in expenses vs. $570,440 in revenue), leading to a net deficit for that year. However, prior periods like 202106 and 202006 showed healthy surpluses, indicating a variable financial performance typical of arts organizations. The organization's assets have fluctuated, with a notable decrease from $227,813 in 202106 to $98,656 in 202306, while liabilities have remained relatively low, suggesting a manageable debt load.
The organization's transparency is strong, particularly regarding executive compensation, which has consistently been reported as 0% across all available filings. This indicates that the leadership is either volunteer-based or compensated through other means not classified as officer compensation, which is a positive sign for donor confidence. While specific program spending ratios are not provided in the summary data, the consistent reporting of financial information over 12 periods reflects a commitment to public accountability. The recent deficit warrants monitoring, but the overall trend suggests a resilient organization.
Overall, Third Rail Repertory Theatre appears to be a financially responsible organization with a strong commitment to transparency, particularly concerning executive compensation. While the 202306 deficit is a concern, the historical data shows periods of strong financial health. Donors should review the full 990 filings for detailed expense breakdowns to fully assess spending efficiency.