Quick charity verification for West Hartford Symphony Orchestra Inc (EIN: 20561321)
Verdict: West Hartford Symphony Orchestra Inc appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$68KRevenue
$275KAssets
1Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Significant year-over-year revenue volatility (e.g., $268,094 in 202306 vs. $39,807 in 202406), which could indicate unpredictable funding streams.
Strengths
Consistent 0% officer compensation, indicating volunteer leadership and efficient use of funds.
Strong asset base ($274,843 latest, $284,409 in 202306) consistently exceeding liabilities, demonstrating financial solvency.
Low liabilities across all reported periods, often $0, indicating responsible financial management.
Consistent filing of IRS Form 990s, demonstrating good transparency.
Spending Breakdown
How West Hartford Symphony Orchestra Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
7%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
3%
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 Hartford Symphony Orchestra Inc
Is West Hartford Symphony Orchestra Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, West Hartford Symphony Orchestra Inc (EIN: 20561321) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is West Hartford Symphony Orchestra Inc a good charity to donate to?
West Hartford Symphony Orchestra Inc has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $68K. Assets: $275K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for West Hartford Symphony Orchestra Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for West Hartford Symphony Orchestra Inc is 20561321. 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 Hartford Symphony Orchestra Inc spend its money?
West Hartford Symphony Orchestra Inc allocates 90% to programs, 7% to administration, and 3% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify West Hartford Symphony Orchestra Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify West Hartford Symphony Orchestra Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 20561321 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
The West Hartford Symphony Orchestra Inc demonstrates a generally stable financial position, with assets consistently exceeding liabilities across all reported periods, indicating good financial solvency. The organization's revenue has fluctuated significantly, notably a spike to $268,094 in 202306, followed by a return to lower levels in 202406 ($39,807). This volatility suggests reliance on specific fundraising events or large donations, which can impact long-term financial predictability. Despite revenue fluctuations, expenses have remained relatively consistent, typically in the $50,000-$80,000 range, which points to controlled operational costs.
The organization's spending efficiency appears strong, as evidenced by 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating that leadership is likely volunteer-based, which maximizes funds available for programs. While specific program spending percentages are not detailed in the provided data, the absence of paid officers suggests a high proportion of expenses are directed towards the mission. The consistent maintenance of assets, even during periods of lower revenue, further supports a responsible approach to financial management.
Transparency is high given the consistent filing of IRS Form 990s and the clear reporting of zero liabilities in most periods, simplifying financial analysis. The organization's ability to operate without incurring debt and without paying executive compensation are strong indicators of a commitment to its mission and efficient use of donor funds. However, the significant year-over-year revenue swings warrant closer examination to understand their sustainability and impact on program delivery.