Quick charity verification for United Way Of Spencer (EIN: 217188191)
Verdict: United Way Of Spencer appears trustworthy
92/100Mission Score
$261KRevenue
$1.3MAssets
1Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Significant year-over-year revenue volatility (e.g., $327,729 in 202203 to $1,660,793 in 202303) which could indicate reliance on large, infrequent grants or donations.
Strengths
Consistent zero officer compensation across all filings, indicating volunteer leadership and efficient use of funds.
Substantial asset growth, particularly in the latest filing period (202303), demonstrating strong financial health and capacity.
Low liabilities, with most periods reporting $0, suggesting sound financial management and low financial risk.
Revenue significantly exceeding expenses in recent periods, allowing for asset accumulation and future program investment (e.g., 202303 revenue $1,660,793 vs. expenses $520,740).
Spending Breakdown
How United Way Of Spencer allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
5%
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 United Way Of Spencer
Is United Way Of Spencer a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, United Way Of Spencer (EIN: 217188191) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is United Way Of Spencer a good charity to donate to?
United Way Of Spencer has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $261K. Assets: $1.3M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for United Way Of Spencer?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for United Way Of Spencer is 217188191. 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 United Way Of Spencer spend its money?
United Way Of Spencer allocates 90% to programs, 5% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify United Way Of Spencer's tax-exempt status?
You can verify United Way Of Spencer's tax-exempt status using EIN 217188191 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
United Way Of Spencer demonstrates strong financial health, particularly in its most recent filing period (202303) where revenue surged to $1,660,793, significantly outpacing expenses of $520,740. This resulted in a substantial increase in assets to $1,489,980, indicating effective financial management and growth. The organization consistently reports zero officer compensation across all available filings, which is a strong indicator of volunteer leadership and efficient use of donor funds, contributing positively to its spending efficiency.
The organization's spending efficiency appears robust, with expenses generally well below revenue, especially in recent years. For instance, in 202303, only 31% of revenue was spent, allowing for significant asset accumulation. The consistent reporting of zero liabilities in most periods also points to sound financial practices and a low-risk profile. While specific program spending ratios are not detailed in the provided data, the overall financial picture suggests a well-managed entity.
Transparency is high given the consistent filing of IRS Form 990s and the clear reporting of key financial metrics. The absence of officer compensation is a notable transparency point, assuring donors that contributions are not being used for executive salaries. The organization's financial trajectory, especially the recent growth, suggests a healthy and expanding operation capable of fulfilling its mission.