Quick charity verification for Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Inc (EIN: 201549485)
Verdict: Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Inc appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$37.5MRevenue
$48.4MAssets
2Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Lack of detailed breakdown for program, administrative, and fundraising expenses in summary data (though overall spending is high for programs)
Unusual 0% officer compensation for an organization of this size, which might warrant further investigation into how leadership is compensated or structured.
Strengths
Strong program spending ratio (expenses consistently close to revenue, indicating direct mission focus)
Consistent growth in revenue and assets over the past decade
No reported officer compensation, suggesting high efficiency and dedication of funds to public service
Clear alignment with NTEE code (Mass Transit) and operational data
Spending Breakdown
How Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
98%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
2%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
0%
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 Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Inc
Is Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Inc (EIN: 201549485) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 2 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Inc a good charity to donate to?
Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Inc has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $37.5M. Assets: $48.4M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Inc is 201549485. 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 Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Inc spend its money?
Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Inc allocates 98% to programs, 2% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 201549485 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
Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Inc (TCAT) demonstrates consistent financial operations as a public transit provider. Over the past decade, TCAT has shown steady growth in both revenue and assets, with revenue increasing from $13.85 million in 2014 to $21.07 million in 2023. The organization consistently expends nearly all its revenue on its programs, indicating a strong focus on its mission of providing transportation services. For instance, in 2023, expenses were $20.60 million against revenues of $21.07 million, showing efficient use of funds.
TCAT's financial health appears stable, with assets consistently exceeding liabilities. In 2023, assets stood at $41.26 million against liabilities of $13.73 million, indicating a healthy balance sheet. The organization's NTEE code (W40 - Mass Transit and Commuter Transportation) aligns well with its operational data, suggesting a clear programmatic focus. The absence of reported officer compensation across all filings further enhances its transparency and commitment to directing funds towards its public service mission.
While specific breakdowns of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses are not detailed in the provided summary, the overall expenditure patterns suggest that the vast majority of funds are directly applied to operational costs associated with providing transit services. This operational efficiency, combined with no reported officer compensation, points to a well-managed and mission-driven organization.