Quick charity verification for Vermont Independent Media Inc (EIN: 202140604)
Verdict: Vermont Independent Media Inc appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$535KRevenue
$247KAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Consistent revenue generation, averaging around $450k-$500k annually in recent years.
Significant growth in net assets from $0 in 2018 to $211,334 in 2023, indicating improved financial health.
0% officer compensation reported across all filings, demonstrating a strong commitment to mission-focused spending.
Expenses consistently below revenue in recent periods (e.g., 2023: Revenue $527,802, Expenses $470,881), allowing for asset accumulation.
Clear NTEE code (A33) indicating a focus on media and publishing, aligning with its name.
Spending Breakdown
How Vermont Independent Media Inc 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 Vermont Independent Media Inc
Is Vermont Independent Media Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Vermont Independent Media Inc (EIN: 202140604) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Vermont Independent Media Inc a good charity to donate to?
Vermont Independent Media Inc has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $535K. Assets: $247K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Vermont Independent Media Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Vermont Independent Media Inc is 202140604. 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 Vermont Independent Media Inc spend its money?
Vermont Independent Media Inc allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Vermont Independent Media Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Vermont Independent Media Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 202140604 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
Vermont Independent Media Inc. demonstrates a generally stable financial trajectory, with consistent revenue generation around the half-million dollar mark in recent years. The organization has shown a positive trend in net assets, growing from a deficit in 2018 to $211,334 in 2023, indicating improved financial health and sustainability. Their liabilities have also been managed effectively, showing a decrease relative to assets. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings is a significant indicator of transparency and a commitment to directing funds towards the mission rather than executive salaries. This practice, coupled with a clear NTEE code (A33 - Radio, Television, and Publishing), suggests a strong program focus. The organization's spending efficiency appears sound, with expenses generally below revenue in recent periods, allowing for asset accumulation. The absence of officer compensation also simplifies the analysis of their spending priorities, as a major potential area of concern is entirely absent.