Carolina School For Inquiry
Carolina School For Inquiry consistently generates revenue but carries significant liabilities exceeding assets.
EIN: 203214898 · Columbia, SC · NTEE: B29 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $2.1M |
| Total Expenses | $1.9M |
| Program Spending | 85% |
| Net Assets | $-647,817 |
| Transparency Score | 75/100 |
Is Carolina School For Inquiry Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Carolina School For Inquiry directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Carolina School For Inquiry
Carolina School For Inquiry (EIN: 203214898) is a nonprofit organization based in Columbia, SC, classified under NTEE code B29. The organization reported total revenue of $2.1M and total assets of $2.9M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Carolina School For Inquiry's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Carolina School For Inquiry is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 18 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 4.0%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $1.9M |
| Total Expenses | $1.9M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$30K |
| Total Assets | $3.1M |
| Total Liabilities | $3.8M |
| Net Assets | $-647,817 |
| Operating Margin | 1.6% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 120.8% |
| Months of Reserves | 19.8 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Carolina School For Inquiry reported a surplus of $30K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 19.8 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 120.8% (high leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Carolina School For Inquiry's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -5.0% | +6.6% | -10.0% |
| 2022 | -1.4% | +4.6% | +0.5% |
| 2021 | -2.8% | -2.8% | +78.7% |
| 2020 | +8.5% | +4.7% | +27.0% |
| 2019 | +0.8% | -2.7% | +7.4% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2008 |
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 Carolina School For Inquiry 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: 10%
- programs: 85%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Carolina School For Inquiry allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 85%, fundraising: 5%. With 85% 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 surplus of $30K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 120.8%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The IRS 990 filings consistently report 0% officer compensation, suggesting either a fully volunteer executive leadership or that executive salaries are categorized differently, which limits direct transparency on leadership costs relative to the organization's size and revenue.
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 Carolina School For Inquiry's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent liabilities exceeding assets (e.g., $3,757,118 liabilities vs. $3,109,301 assets in 202306).
- Lack of reported officer compensation, which could obscure executive remuneration details.
- Significant increase in liabilities from 201406 ($47,073) to 202306 ($3,757,118) without a proportional increase in assets.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Carolina School For Inquiry:
- Consistent revenue generation, averaging over $1.9 million annually.
- Expenses consistently lower than revenue, indicating sound operational management and surpluses (e.g., $1,912,124 revenue vs. $1,881,692 expenses in 202306).
- Stable asset growth over the long term, from $849,431 in 201406 to $2,904,011 currently (though offset by liabilities).
Frequently Asked Questions about Carolina School For Inquiry
Is Carolina School For Inquiry a legitimate charity?
Carolina School For Inquiry (EIN: 203214898) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in South Carolina. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 75/100. It has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $2.1M. 3 red flags identified. 3 strengths noted. Financial health grade: A.
How does Carolina School For Inquiry spend its money?
Carolina School For Inquiry directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 5%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.
Are donations to Carolina School For Inquiry tax-deductible?
Carolina School For Inquiry is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 203214898). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Carolina School For Inquiry's spending goes to programs?
Carolina School For Inquiry directs 85% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Carolina School For Inquiry compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 75/100 (Good), Carolina School For Inquiry is above average for NTEE category B29 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Carolina School For Inquiry located?
Carolina School For Inquiry is headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina and files with the IRS under EIN 203214898. It is classified under NTEE code B29.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Carolina School For Inquiry have?
Carolina School For Inquiry has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record at NonprofitSpending. This extensive filing history provides a strong basis for evaluating long-term financial trends. The most recent filing shows $2.1M in total revenue.
Why do liabilities consistently exceed assets, particularly in recent years (e.g., $3,757,118 liabilities vs. $3,109,301 assets in 202306)?
This trend suggests a reliance on debt or other long-term obligations that could impact the organization's financial flexibility and long-term stability. Further investigation into the nature of these liabilities is warranted.
What is the breakdown of expenses, specifically program, administrative, and fundraising costs, given that only total expenses are provided?
Without a detailed breakdown, it's difficult to precisely assess spending efficiency, though the NTEE code B29 (Elementary & Secondary Education) implies a high proportion of program spending.
How does the organization manage its cash flow and reserves, especially with the significant liability burden?
While revenue consistently exceeds expenses, the high liabilities raise questions about liquidity and the ability to cover short-term obligations without external financing.
Are there any plans to reduce the significant liabilities relative to assets?
Addressing the asset-to-liability imbalance would improve the organization's financial health and reduce potential risks.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Carolina School For Inquiry showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Carolina School For Inquiry's revenue has grown by 59.2%, moving from $1.2M to $1.9M. Total assets increased by 427.8% over the same period, from $589K to $3.1M. Total functional expenses rose by 72.5%, from $1.1M to $1.9M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Carolina School For Inquiry reported a surplus of $30K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $3.8M in liabilities against $3.1M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 120.8%), resulting in net assets of $-647,817.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.9M | $1.9M | $3.1M | $3.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $2.0M | $1.8M | $3.5M | $4.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $2.0M | $1.7M | $3.4M | $4.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $2.1M | $1.7M | $1.9M | $3.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $1.9M | $1.7M | $1.5M | $3.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $1.9M | $1.7M | $1.4M | $3.7M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $2.0M | $1.7M | $1.1M | $2.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $1.6M | $2.0M | $776K | $2.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $1.8M | $1.9M | $920K | $1.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $1.8M | $1.7M | $849K | $47K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $1.5M | $1.4M | $657K | $21K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $1.2M | $1.2M | $593K | $20K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $1.2M | $1.1M | $589K | $37K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $1.9M, expenses of $1.9M, and assets of $3.1M (revenue -5.0% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $2.0M, expenses of $1.8M, and assets of $3.5M (revenue -1.4% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $2.0M, expenses of $1.7M, and assets of $3.4M (revenue -2.8% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $2.1M, expenses of $1.7M, and assets of $1.9M (revenue +8.5% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $1.9M, expenses of $1.7M, and assets of $1.5M (revenue +0.8% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $1.9M, expenses of $1.7M, and assets of $1.4M (revenue -2.2% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $2.0M, expenses of $1.7M, and assets of $1.1M (revenue +22.8% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $1.6M, expenses of $2.0M, and assets of $776K (revenue -10.2% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $1.8M, expenses of $1.9M, and assets of $920K (revenue -2.9% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $1.8M, expenses of $1.7M, and assets of $849K (revenue +23.9% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $1.5M, expenses of $1.4M, and assets of $657K (revenue +19.1% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $1.2M, and assets of $593K (revenue +3.5% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $1.1M, and assets of $589K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Carolina School For Inquiry:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Carolina School For Inquiry 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.