Quick charity verification for Waterways (EIN: 201065856)
Verdict: Waterways appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$446KRevenue
$357KAssets
1Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Lack of detailed expense breakdown (program, admin, fundraising) in provided data
Strengths
Consistent and significant revenue growth (from $67,953 in 2013 to $652,187 in 2023)
Strong asset growth ($32,719 in 2013 to $362,599 in 2023)
Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, indicating high efficiency and transparency regarding executive pay
Low liabilities relative to assets, suggesting good financial management
Consistent IRS 990 filing history (12 filings), demonstrating transparency and compliance
Spending Breakdown
How Waterways 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 Waterways
Is Waterways a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Waterways (EIN: 201065856) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Waterways a good charity to donate to?
Waterways has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $446K. Assets: $357K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Waterways?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Waterways is 201065856. 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 Waterways spend its money?
Waterways allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Waterways's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Waterways's tax-exempt status using EIN 201065856 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
Waterways demonstrates a generally healthy financial trajectory, marked by significant revenue growth over the past decade. From $67,953 in 2013 to $652,187 in 2023, the organization has expanded its financial capacity considerably. Its asset base has also grown substantially, reaching $362,599 in 2023, indicating good financial stewardship and accumulation of resources. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, which is a strong indicator of transparency and a commitment to directing funds towards its mission rather than executive salaries. This practice also suggests a reliance on volunteer leadership or modest, non-officer salaries, which can be very efficient.
Spending efficiency appears strong, particularly given the consistent growth in assets and the low liability figures. For instance, in 2023, expenses were $532,575 against revenues of $652,187, resulting in a surplus that contributed to asset growth. The absence of officer compensation further enhances the perception of efficiency. However, without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, a precise assessment of spending efficiency is challenging. The organization's consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over 12 periods demonstrates a commitment to regulatory compliance and financial transparency.
Overall, Waterways appears to be a financially sound and growing organization with a strong commitment to transparency regarding executive compensation. Its consistent growth in revenue and assets, coupled with minimal liabilities, paints a positive picture of its financial health. Further detailed expense breakdowns would provide even greater insight into its operational efficiency and program impact.