Nc Idea
NC IDEA reports significant operating deficit in 2023 despite substantial asset base.
EIN: 10702442 · Durham, NC · NTEE: U41 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Nc Idea Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Nc Idea directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Nc Idea
Nc Idea (EIN: 10702442) is a nonprofit organization based in Durham, NC, classified under NTEE code U41. The organization reported total revenue of $2.3M and total assets of $51.5M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Nc Idea's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Nc Idea is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 24 years, with 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 5.0%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $3.1M |
| Total Expenses | $6.3M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-3,226,608 |
| Total Assets | $52.9M |
| Total Liabilities | $1.0M |
| Net Assets | $51.9M |
| Operating Margin | -103.3% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 1.9% |
| Months of Reserves | 99.9 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Nc Idea reported a deficit of $3.2M with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 99.9 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 1.9% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 10 years of filings (2011–2023), Nc Idea's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -49.8% | +13.6% | -11.2% |
| 2022 | -19.8% | +3.4% | -3.5% |
| 2020 | -170.9% | +1.4% | -4.9% |
| 2019 | -74.4% | +82.1% | +0.3% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2002 |
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 Nc Idea 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, Nc Idea 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 $3.2M, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 1.9%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
NC IDEA consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that executive leadership may be volunteer-based or compensated through other means not categorized as 'officer compensation' on the 990, which could obscure a full picture of leadership costs.
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 Nc Idea's IRS 990 filings:
- Significant operating deficit in 2023 ($3.2 million)
- Negative revenue reported in 2020
- Inconsistent revenue generation relative to expenses over several years
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Nc Idea:
- Robust and stable asset base (over $50 million in latest filing)
- Long history of financial filings (10 filings provided)
- No reported officer compensation, potentially indicating volunteer leadership or efficient executive cost management
Frequently Asked Questions about Nc Idea
Is Nc Idea a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Nc Idea (EIN: 10702442) some concerns. Mission Score: 75/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
How does Nc Idea spend its money?
Nc Idea directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Nc Idea tax-deductible?
Nc Idea is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 10702442). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is NC IDEA a good charity?
NC IDEA appears to be a generally good charity, particularly given its substantial asset base ($51.4 million) which provides financial stability. However, the significant operating deficit in 2023 ($3.1M revenue vs. $6.3M expenses) and other years of expenses exceeding revenue warrant closer examination of their spending and revenue generation strategies.
Why did NC IDEA have negative revenue in 2020?
The 2020 fiscal year filing shows negative revenue of $-1,424,982. This could be due to significant investment losses, returns of grants, or other unusual financial events during that period, which would require reviewing the full 990 form for detailed explanations.
How does NC IDEA fund its operations given fluctuating revenues?
NC IDEA likely relies heavily on its substantial asset base, which has consistently been above $40 million, to fund operations during periods of lower revenue or operating deficits, such as the $3.2 million deficit in 2023. This indicates a strong endowment or investment portfolio.
What is the trend in NC IDEA's financial health?
While NC IDEA maintains a strong asset base, its financial health shows volatility in operating results. There have been periods of strong surpluses (e.g., 2015, 2014, 2012) and significant deficits (e.g., 2023, 2020, 2019), suggesting an inconsistent revenue stream relative to expenses.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Nc Idea showing financial trends over 10 years of public records:
Over 10 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Nc Idea's revenue has grown by 79.3%, moving from $1.7M to $3.1M. Total assets increased by 22.8% over the same period, from $43.0M to $52.9M. Total functional expenses rose by 332.1%, from $1.5M to $6.3M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Nc Idea reported a deficit of $3.2M, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $1.0M in liabilities against $52.9M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 1.9%), resulting in net assets of $51.9M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $3.1M | $6.3M | $52.9M | $1.0M | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $6.2M | $5.6M | $59.5M | $764K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $7.8M | $5.4M | $61.7M | $401K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $-1,424,982 | $3.8M | $51.0M | $158K | — | — |
| 2019 | $2.0M | $3.8M | $53.6M | $253K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $7.9M | $2.1M | $53.5M | $449K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $3.4M | $1.9M | $52.6M | $266K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $2.0M | $1.6M | $46.7M | $134K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $3.9M | $1.3M | $42.6M | $92K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $1.7M | $1.5M | $43.0M | $64K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $3.1M, expenses of $6.3M, and assets of $52.9M (revenue -49.8% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $6.2M, expenses of $5.6M, and assets of $59.5M (revenue -19.8% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $7.8M, expenses of $5.4M, and assets of $61.7M.
- 2020: Revenue of $-1,424,982, expenses of $3.8M, and assets of $51.0M (revenue -170.9% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $2.0M, expenses of $3.8M, and assets of $53.6M (revenue -74.4% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $7.9M, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $53.5M (revenue +130.1% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $3.4M, expenses of $1.9M, and assets of $52.6M (revenue +72.0% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $2.0M, expenses of $1.6M, and assets of $46.7M (revenue -49.5% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $3.9M, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $42.6M (revenue +125.5% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $1.7M, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $43.0M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Nc Idea:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Nc Idea 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.