North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc

North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc consistently operates at a significant deficit, drawing down assets.

EIN: 202981615 · Garysburg, NC · NTEE: U99 · Updated: 2026-03-28

$716KRevenue
$7.8MAssets
45/100Mission Score (Fair)
U99

Is North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc Legit?

Significant Concerns

GoodFiling Consistency
GoodSpending Efficiency
ModerateTransparency
4 FoundRed Flags

Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →

North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc directs 70% of its spending to programs. This meets the industry benchmark of 65% for efficient nonprofits.

About North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc

North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc (EIN: 202981615) is a nonprofit organization based in Garysburg, NC, classified under NTEE code U99. The organization reported total revenue of $716K and total assets of $7.8M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.

Organization Overview

20Years Operating
SmallSize Classification
13Years of Filings
MixedRevenue Trajectory

North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc is a small 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 4.7%.

Key Financial Metrics (2023)

From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:

Total Revenue$756K
Total Expenses$1.2M
Surplus / Deficit$-413,296
Total Assets$8.3M
Total Liabilities$1.8M
Net Assets$6.4M
Operating Margin-54.6%
Debt-to-Asset Ratio21.9%
Months of Reserves84.7 months

Financial Health Grade: B

In 2023, North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc reported a deficit of $413K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 84.7 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 21.9% (moderate leverage).

Financial Trends

Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7%.

YearRevenue ChangeExpense ChangeAsset Change
2023+39.0%+4.2%-5.5%
2022-17.3%-19.5%+15.8%
2021+24.0%+35.3%-8.2%
2020+5.7%+9.7%-5.5%
2019+26.2%+5.7%-5.6%

IRS Tax-Exempt Classification

IRS Classification Codes2000
IRS Ruling Date2006

Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.

AI Transparency Report

The North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc (NCCAR) exhibits a concerning financial trend, consistently operating at a significant deficit over the past decade. In the most recent filing (202312), expenses of $1,169,596 far outstripped revenue of $756,300, resulting in a deficit of over $400,000. This pattern is not new; for example, in 202212, expenses were $1,122,286 against revenue of $544,146. While the organization holds substantial assets, reported at $8,251,084 in 202312, these assets have been steadily declining from a high of $11,460,862 in 201412, suggesting that the deficits are being covered by drawing down reserves rather than sustainable operations. The organization's liabilities have also seen a notable increase in recent years, jumping from $100,476 in 202112 to $1,809,740 in 202312, which warrants further investigation into the nature of these obligations. Regarding spending efficiency, without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, it's challenging to fully assess. However, the consistent and substantial operational deficits raise questions about the long-term viability and efficiency of its current financial model. The lack of reported officer compensation across all filings indicates a potential strength in minimizing executive overhead, or it could suggest that key leadership roles are filled by volunteers or compensated through other means not captured in this specific line item. The organization's transparency is generally good through its consistent 990 filings, but the financial performance itself raises questions about its operational sustainability.

Mission Effectiveness Score

NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc with a Mission Score of 45 out of 100 (Fair). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.

Spending Breakdown

According to IRS 990 filings, North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 20%, programs: 70%, fundraising: 10%. Approximately 70% goes to programs, indicating moderate mission focus.

Key Financial Metrics (2023)

From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:

$756KTotal Revenue
$1.2MTotal Expenses
$8.3MTotal Assets
$1.8MTotal Liabilities
$6.4MNet Assets

Executive Compensation Analysis

Executive compensation is reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that officers are either unpaid volunteers or compensated through mechanisms not categorized as officer compensation on the 990, which is a positive for minimizing overhead if true.

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 North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc's IRS 990 filings:

Strengths

The following positive indicators were identified for North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc:

Frequently Asked Questions about North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc

Is North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc (EIN: 202981615) significant concerns. Mission Score: 45/100. 4 red flags identified, 2 strengths noted.

How does North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc spend its money?

North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc directs 70% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.

Are donations to North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc tax-deductible?

North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 202981615). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

How does NCCAR plan to address its consistent operational deficits?

The organization has consistently spent more than it earns, with expenses exceeding revenue by over $400,000 in 202312. A clear strategy for achieving financial sustainability is crucial.

What caused the significant increase in liabilities from $100,476 in 202112 to $1,809,740 in 202312?

This dramatic increase in liabilities over a two-year period is a major financial concern and requires detailed explanation to understand the organization's financial health.

What is the detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses?

Without this detailed breakdown, it's difficult to fully assess the efficiency of spending and ensure that the majority of funds are directed towards programmatic activities.

What is the long-term strategy for asset utilization given the consistent decline in total assets?

Total assets have decreased from over $11 million in 201412 to $8.25 million in 202312, suggesting assets are being used to cover operational shortfalls. A plan for asset preservation or growth is important.

Are key leadership roles truly unpaid, or are there other forms of compensation not reported as 'Officer Comp'?

While 0% officer compensation is positive, it's important to understand if this reflects a fully volunteer leadership or if compensation is structured differently.

Filing History

IRS 990 filing history for North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:

Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc's revenue has grown by 73.6%, moving from $436K to $756K. Total assets decreased by 40% over the same period, from $13.8M to $8.3M. Total functional expenses fell by 7%, from $1.3M to $1.2M. In its most recent filing year (2023), North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc reported a deficit of $413K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $1.8M in liabilities against $8.3M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 21.9%), resulting in net assets of $6.4M.

YearRevenueExpensesAssetsLiabilitiesOfficer Comp. %PDF
2023 $756K $1.2M $8.3M $1.8M
2022 $544K $1.1M $8.7M $1.9M View 990
2021 $658K $1.4M $7.5M $100K View 990
2020 $530K $1.0M $8.2M $36K View 990
2019 $502K $940K $8.7M $18K View 990
2018 $397K $889K $9.2M $93K View 990
2017 $430K $904K $9.6M $10K
2016 $384K $998K $10.1M $16K View 990
2015 $456K $1.2M $10.7M $13K View 990
2014 $528K $1.1M $11.5M $22K View 990
2013 $212K $1.0M $12.0M $12K View 990
2012 $299K $1.2M $12.8M $10K View 990
2011 $436K $1.3M $13.8M $32K View 990

Year-by-Year Financial Summary

View Individual Filing Years

Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for North Carolina Center For Automotive Research Inc:

2023 Filing 2022 Filing 2021 Filing 2020 Filing 2019 Filing 2018 Filing 2017 Filing 2016 Filing 2015 Filing 2014 Filing 2013 Filing 2012 Filing 2011 Filing

Data Sources and Methodology

This transparency report for North Carolina Center For Automotive Research 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.

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