Is Tompkins County Spca Legit?

Quick charity verification for Tompkins County Spca (EIN: 150624378)

Verdict: Tompkins County Spca appears trustworthy

85/100Mission Score

$1.9MRevenue

$2.3MAssets

2Red Flags

4Strengths

Red Flags

Recurring operational deficits, with expenses exceeding revenue in multiple recent years (e.g., 2023, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014).
A notable decrease in assets from $2,887,185 in 2021 to $2,436,012 in 2023, potentially indicating reliance on reserves to cover deficits.

Strengths

Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, suggesting highly efficient use of funds for leadership or volunteer-led executive roles.
Strong asset base, with assets of $2,436,012 in 2023, providing a buffer against operational deficits.
Consistent IRS 990 filing history over 13 periods, indicating good governance and transparency.
Low liabilities relative to assets, with liabilities at $205,435 in 2023 against assets of $2,436,012.

Spending Breakdown

How Tompkins County Spca allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

85%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

10%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

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 County Spca

Is Tompkins County Spca a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Tompkins County Spca (EIN: 150624378) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Tompkins County Spca a good charity to donate to?

Tompkins County Spca has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $1.9M. Assets: $2.3M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Tompkins County Spca?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Tompkins County Spca is 150624378. 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 County Spca spend its money?

Tompkins County Spca allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Tompkins County Spca's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Tompkins County Spca's tax-exempt status using EIN 150624378 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 County SPCA demonstrates a generally stable financial position, though recent years show expenses exceeding revenue. In 2023, the organization reported revenue of $1,709,317 against expenses of $2,035,380, resulting in a deficit. This trend of expenses outpacing revenue has been observed in several recent periods, including 2022 ($1,643,841 revenue vs. $1,839,777 expenses) and 2020 ($1,522,320 revenue vs. $1,579,795 expenses). While the organization maintains healthy assets, reported at $2,436,012 in 2023, the consistent operational deficits could be a concern if not addressed through increased fundraising or expense management.

The organization's transparency is commendable, particularly regarding executive compensation. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings indicates that the highest-ranking individuals are not receiving salaries, which is a strong indicator of volunteer leadership or that compensation is reported under other categories, but the 0% figure is notable. This practice, if accurate, significantly reduces administrative overhead and maximizes funds available for programs. The NTEE code D200 (Animal Protection & Welfare) aligns well with the organization's name and mission, suggesting a clear programmatic focus.

Overall, Tompkins County SPCA appears to be a well-intentioned organization with a strong commitment to its mission, evidenced by its low reported officer compensation. However, the recurring operational deficits warrant closer examination to ensure long-term financial sustainability, despite a solid asset base. The organization's consistent filing of IRS 990 forms over many years also points to good governance and transparency practices.

View Full Transparency Report →

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.