Arlington Community Media Inc
Arlington Community Media Inc. faces recurring deficits, drawing down assets despite zero officer compensation.
EIN: 205647819 · Arlington, MA · NTEE: A32 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Arlington Community Media Inc Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Arlington Community Media Inc directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Arlington Community Media Inc
Arlington Community Media Inc (EIN: 205647819) is a nonprofit organization based in Arlington, MA, classified under NTEE code A32. The organization reported total revenue of $989K and total assets of $1.3M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Arlington Community Media Inc's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Arlington Community Media Inc is a small nonprofit that has been operating for 21 years, with 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2012–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -1.2%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $754K |
| Total Expenses | $842K |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-87,673 |
| Total Assets | $1.3M |
| Total Liabilities | $29K |
| Net Assets | $1.3M |
| Operating Margin | -11.6% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 2.3% |
| Months of Reserves | 18.3 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Arlington Community Media Inc reported a deficit of $88K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 18.3 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 2.3% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 12 years of filings (2012–2023), Arlington Community Media Inc's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.2%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +4.8% | -12.5% | -4.3% |
| 2022 | -25.9% | +6.7% | -15.4% |
| 2021 | +2.5% | -12.4% | +4.8% |
| 2020 | +2.9% | -4.4% | -7.2% |
| 2019 | -9.0% | +6.1% | -7.4% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2005 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Arlington Community Media Inc with a Mission Score of 75 out of 100 (Good). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 15%
- programs: 80%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Arlington Community Media Inc allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 15%, programs: 80%, fundraising: 5%. With 80% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $88K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 2.3%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that no officers received compensation, which is exceptional for an organization of this size with annual revenues nearing $1 million.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of Arlington Community Media Inc's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent operational deficits (expenses exceeding revenue in 5 of the last 6 years)
- Declining asset base (from $1.76M in 2018 to $1.28M in 2023)
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Arlington Community Media Inc:
- Exceptional transparency with 0% reported officer compensation across all filings
- Substantial asset base (over $1.2 million) providing some financial cushion
- Long operational history with 12 IRS 990 filings, indicating stability and continuity
Frequently Asked Questions about Arlington Community Media Inc
Is Arlington Community Media Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Arlington Community Media Inc (EIN: 205647819) some concerns. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
How does Arlington Community Media Inc spend its money?
Arlington Community Media Inc directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Arlington Community Media Inc tax-deductible?
Arlington Community Media Inc is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 205647819). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is Arlington Community Media Inc. financially sustainable?
The organization has experienced recurring deficits in recent years, with expenses exceeding revenue in 5 of the last 6 reported periods. This trend has led to a decline in assets from $1.76 million in 2018 to $1.28 million in 2023, raising concerns about long-term financial sustainability without a change in operational strategy.
Why are assets declining?
Assets have been declining primarily because expenses have consistently outpaced revenue in recent years. For example, in 2022, expenses were $962,117 against revenues of $719,519, contributing to a reduction in the organization's asset base.
What is the organization's approach to executive compensation?
Arlington Community Media Inc. reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating a strong commitment to directing funds towards its mission rather than executive salaries.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Arlington Community Media Inc showing financial trends over 12 years of public records:
Over 12 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2023), Arlington Community Media Inc's revenue has declined by 12.4%, moving from $861K to $754K. Total assets decreased by 5.6% over the same period, from $1.4M to $1.3M. Total functional expenses rose by 3.9%, from $810K to $842K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Arlington Community Media Inc reported a deficit of $88K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $29K in liabilities against $1.3M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 2.3%), resulting in net assets of $1.3M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $754K | $842K | $1.3M | $29K | — | — |
| 2022 | $720K | $962K | $1.3M | $35K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $971K | $901K | $1.6M | $36K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $947K | $1.0M | $1.5M | $33K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $921K | $1.1M | $1.6M | $26K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $1.0M | $1.0M | $1.8M | $30K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $942K | $948K | $1.7M | $35K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $956K | $964K | $1.5M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $965K | $900K | $1.5M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $940K | $910K | $1.4M | $7K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $890K | $852K | $1.4M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $861K | $810K | $1.4M | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $754K, expenses of $842K, and assets of $1.3M (revenue +4.8% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $720K, expenses of $962K, and assets of $1.3M (revenue -25.9% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $971K, expenses of $901K, and assets of $1.6M (revenue +2.5% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $947K, expenses of $1.0M, and assets of $1.5M (revenue +2.9% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $921K, expenses of $1.1M, and assets of $1.6M (revenue -9.0% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $1.0M, expenses of $1.0M, and assets of $1.8M (revenue +7.4% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $942K, expenses of $948K, and assets of $1.7M (revenue -1.5% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $956K, expenses of $964K, and assets of $1.5M (revenue -0.9% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $965K, expenses of $900K, and assets of $1.5M (revenue +2.6% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $940K, expenses of $910K, and assets of $1.4M (revenue +5.6% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $890K, expenses of $852K, and assets of $1.4M (revenue +3.3% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $861K, expenses of $810K, and assets of $1.4M.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Arlington Community Media Inc is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.