Is Wilderness Works Inc Legit?

Strengths

Consistent 0% officer compensation, indicating high efficiency and mission focus
Healthy asset growth over the past decade (from $77,241 in 2014 to $262,379 in 2023)
Long history of IRS 990 filings (13 filings), demonstrating transparency and compliance
Generally stable financial health with surpluses in most operating periods
Resilience in recovering from operating deficits, as seen from 2022 to 2023

Spending Breakdown

How Wilderness Works Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

90%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

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 Wilderness Works Inc

Is Wilderness Works Inc a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Wilderness Works Inc (EIN: 200445312) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.

Is Wilderness Works Inc a good charity to donate to?

Wilderness Works Inc has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $372K. Assets: $318K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Wilderness Works Inc?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Wilderness Works Inc is 200445312. 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 Wilderness Works Inc spend its money?

Wilderness Works Inc allocates 90% to programs, 5% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Wilderness Works Inc's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Wilderness Works Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 200445312 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

Wilderness Works Inc demonstrates a generally stable financial position, with recent revenues of $369,609 in 2023 and assets of $262,379. The organization has consistently maintained a healthy asset base relative to its annual revenue, indicating good financial stewardship. While there was a deficit in 2022 where expenses ($417,185) exceeded revenue ($347,306), the organization rebounded in 2023 with a surplus, showing an ability to manage its financial fluctuations. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings is a strong indicator of transparency and a commitment to directing funds towards its mission rather than executive salaries.

The organization's spending efficiency appears strong, particularly given the absence of officer compensation, which suggests a lean operational model. Without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses in the provided data, it's challenging to precisely quantify efficiency ratios. However, the consistent surpluses in most years, such as 2023 (revenue $369,609 vs. expenses $361,903) and 2020 (revenue $412,442 vs. expenses $285,722), imply effective management of resources. The organization's long filing history (13 filings) also points to a sustained commitment to compliance and transparency.

Overall, Wilderness Works Inc exhibits good financial health with a history of responsible asset management and a clear commitment to its mission, as evidenced by the lack of executive compensation. The organization's ability to recover from occasional deficits and maintain a positive financial trajectory underscores its resilience and effective financial oversight. Further detailed expense breakdowns would enhance the assessment of spending efficiency.

Verdict: Wilderness Works Inc appears trustworthy

Red Flags