Forward Cities Inc
Forward Cities Inc. experiences recent operating deficits despite zero officer compensation.
EIN: 134302280 · Durham, NC · NTEE: S31 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Forward Cities Inc Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Forward Cities Inc directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Forward Cities Inc
Forward Cities Inc (EIN: 134302280) is a nonprofit organization based in Durham, NC, classified under NTEE code S31. The organization reported total revenue of $1.7M and total assets of $584K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Forward Cities Inc's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Forward Cities Inc is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 20 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -3.1%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $1.1M |
| Total Expenses | $1.6M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-487,532 |
| Total Assets | $303K |
| Net Assets | $303K |
| Operating Margin | -45.4% |
| Months of Reserves | 2.3 months |
Financial Health Grade: C
In 2023, Forward Cities Inc reported a deficit of $488K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 2.3 months of operating reserves (limited).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Forward Cities Inc's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.1%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -42.3% | -30.8% | -61.7% |
| 2022 | -24.4% | +7.7% | -33.9% |
| 2021 | -0.9% | -22.0% | +34.5% |
| 2020 | -10.6% | +13.5% | -21.8% |
| 2019 | +94.2% | +115.3% | +73.5% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2006 |
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 Forward Cities 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, Forward Cities 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 $488K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Forward Cities Inc. consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that no salaries are paid to officers, which is highly unusual for an organization of its size with revenues often exceeding $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 Forward Cities Inc's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent operating deficits in recent years (e.g., 2023 and 2022)
- Unusually low or zero reported officer compensation for an organization of this size, which may warrant further inquiry into compensation structures.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Forward Cities Inc:
- Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating a strong commitment to mission-focused spending.
- Absence of liabilities in the most recent two fiscal periods (2023 and 2022), suggesting good financial management of debt.
- Historically strong revenue generation, often exceeding $1 million annually.
Frequently Asked Questions about Forward Cities Inc
Is Forward Cities Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Forward Cities Inc (EIN: 134302280) some concerns. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
How does Forward Cities Inc spend its money?
Forward Cities Inc directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Forward Cities Inc tax-deductible?
Forward Cities Inc is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 134302280). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Why has Forward Cities Inc. consistently reported 0% officer compensation?
The filings indicate that no compensation is paid to officers. This could mean officers are volunteers, compensated through other means not reported as officer compensation, or the organization has a unique operational structure.
What is the cause of the recent operating deficits, where expenses exceed revenue?
In 2023, expenses were $1,560,386 against revenues of $1,072,854, and in 2022, expenses were $2,254,056 against revenues of $1,860,427. This trend suggests the organization is spending more than it earns, potentially drawing on reserves or facing temporary funding gaps.
How does Forward Cities Inc. manage to operate without reported liabilities in recent years?
The 2023 and 2022 filings show $0 in liabilities, which is a strong indicator of financial health and effective cash flow management, especially given the operating deficits.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Forward Cities Inc showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Forward Cities Inc's revenue has declined by 31.1%, moving from $1.6M to $1.1M. Total assets decreased by 88.3% over the same period, from $2.6M to $303K. Total functional expenses fell by 4.2%, from $1.6M to $1.6M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Forward Cities Inc reported a deficit of $488K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.1M | $1.6M | $303K | $0 | — | — |
| 2022 | $1.9M | $2.3M | $791K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $2.5M | $2.1M | $1.2M | $47K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $2.5M | $2.7M | $890K | $108K | — | — |
| 2019 | $2.8M | $2.4M | $1.1M | $156K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $1.4M | $1.1M | $655K | $198K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $913K | $759K | $339K | $215K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $664K | $716K | $251K | $280K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $905K | $900K | $171K | $148K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $650K | $2.0M | $203K | $185K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $969K | $1.1M | $1.4M | $61K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $1.3M | $1.9M | $1.8M | $161K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $1.6M | $1.6M | $2.6M | $276K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $1.6M, and assets of $303K (revenue -42.3% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $1.9M, expenses of $2.3M, and assets of $791K (revenue -24.4% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $2.5M, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $1.2M (revenue -0.9% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $2.5M, expenses of $2.7M, and assets of $890K (revenue -10.6% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $2.8M, expenses of $2.4M, and assets of $1.1M (revenue +94.2% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $1.4M, expenses of $1.1M, and assets of $655K (revenue +56.8% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $913K, expenses of $759K, and assets of $339K (revenue +37.5% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $664K, expenses of $716K, and assets of $251K (revenue -26.6% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $905K, expenses of $900K, and assets of $171K (revenue +39.1% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $650K, expenses of $2.0M, and assets of $203K (revenue -32.9% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $969K, expenses of $1.1M, and assets of $1.4M (revenue -22.6% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $1.9M, and assets of $1.8M (revenue -19.6% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $1.6M, expenses of $1.6M, and assets of $2.6M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Forward Cities Inc:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Forward Cities 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.