Quick charity verification for Upstream Arts (EIN: 204451219)
Verdict: Upstream Arts appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$1.1MRevenue
$602KAssets
1Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent 0% officer compensation reported, which is highly unusual for an organization of this size and could warrant further inquiry into executive compensation structure.
Strengths
Consistent revenue generation, demonstrating stable donor support and program demand.
Healthy asset growth over the past decade, indicating increasing financial capacity.
Low liabilities relative to assets, suggesting strong financial management and minimal debt.
Consistent filing of IRS Form 990s, indicating good transparency and compliance.
No reported officer compensation, suggesting a high proportion of funds are directed to programs (assuming executive roles are volunteer or compensated through other means).
Spending Breakdown
How Upstream Arts 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 Upstream Arts
Is Upstream Arts a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Upstream Arts (EIN: 204451219) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Upstream Arts a good charity to donate to?
Upstream Arts has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $1.1M. Assets: $602K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Upstream Arts?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Upstream Arts is 204451219. 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 Upstream Arts spend its money?
Upstream Arts allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Upstream Arts's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Upstream Arts's tax-exempt status using EIN 204451219 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
Upstream Arts demonstrates consistent financial activity, with revenues generally exceeding or closely matching expenses over the past decade. For instance, in 2024, expenses slightly outpaced revenue ($962,267 vs. $949,057), while in 2022, revenue exceeded expenses ($982,473 vs. $912,302). The organization's assets have shown growth over time, from $333,807 in 2015 to $586,157 in 2024, indicating a stable financial position. Liabilities have remained relatively low, suggesting good financial management and minimal debt burden.
Spending efficiency appears strong, as the organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, indicating 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. While specific program, administrative, and fundraising expense breakdowns are not provided in the raw data, the overall financial trends suggest a focus on mission delivery given the consistent revenue and expense levels. The organization's NTEE code A25 (Arts, Culture & Humanities) aligns with its mission, and the consistent filing history demonstrates good transparency.
Overall, Upstream Arts appears to be a financially stable and well-managed nonprofit. Its consistent revenue generation, controlled expenses, and lack of reported officer compensation contribute to a positive assessment of its financial health and commitment to its mission. The organization's assets have grown steadily, providing a solid foundation for future operations.