Quick charity verification for West Central Michigan Media Ministries (EIN: 142009952)
Verdict: West Central Michigan Media Ministries appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$787KRevenue
$5.9MAssets
2Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Significant increase in liabilities in the latest filing period (202309: $1,159,364)
Unusually high asset growth without corresponding revenue growth in some periods, potentially indicating significant non-operating income or asset revaluation.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating strong financial prudence.
Significant and consistent asset growth over the past decade, from $508,297 in 2014 to $5,159,144 in 2023.
Expenses generally well below revenue, allowing for asset accumulation and financial stability.
Long filing history (13 filings) demonstrates consistent compliance and transparency.
Spending Breakdown
How West Central Michigan Media Ministries allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
15%
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 West Central Michigan Media Ministries
Is West Central Michigan Media Ministries a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, West Central Michigan Media Ministries (EIN: 142009952) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is West Central Michigan Media Ministries a good charity to donate to?
West Central Michigan Media Ministries has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $787K. Assets: $5.9M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for West Central Michigan Media Ministries?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for West Central Michigan Media Ministries is 142009952. 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 West Central Michigan Media Ministries spend its money?
West Central Michigan Media Ministries allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify West Central Michigan Media Ministries's tax-exempt status?
You can verify West Central Michigan Media Ministries's tax-exempt status using EIN 142009952 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
West Central Michigan Media Ministries demonstrates a generally stable financial position with consistent revenue streams, though with some fluctuations. For instance, revenue peaked at $2,114,197 in 2016 before settling into a range between $600,000 and $1.1 million in recent years. The organization has shown strong asset growth, increasing from $508,297 in 2014 to $5,159,144 in 2023, indicating effective asset management and potentially successful fundraising or investment strategies. Liabilities have seen a significant increase in the 2023 period to $1,159,364, which warrants closer examination to understand the nature of these obligations.
The organization's spending efficiency appears to be reasonable, with expenses generally well below revenue, allowing for asset accumulation. A notable strength is the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which suggests a high degree of financial prudence and a commitment to directing funds towards the mission rather than executive salaries. This practice significantly enhances the organization's transparency and public trust. The NTEE code X84 (Radio, Television, and Other Media) aligns with their mission, and the financial data supports their operational capacity within this sector.