United Way Of Spencer
United Way Of Spencer experiences significant revenue and asset growth with zero officer compensation.
EIN: 217188191 · Spencer, IA · NTEE: T70 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is United Way Of Spencer Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
United Way Of Spencer directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About United Way Of Spencer
United Way Of Spencer (EIN: 217188191) is a nonprofit organization based in Spencer, IA, classified under NTEE code T70. The organization reported total revenue of $261K and total assets of $1.3M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of United Way Of Spencer's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates United Way Of Spencer with a Mission Score of 92 out of 100 (Excellent). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 5%
- programs: 90%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, United Way Of Spencer allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 5%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 5%. With 90% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is consistently reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that the organization relies on volunteer leadership or that compensation falls below reporting thresholds, which is highly favorable for donor confidence and resource allocation.
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 United Way Of Spencer's IRS 990 filings:
- Significant year-over-year revenue volatility (e.g., $327,729 in 202203 to $1,660,793 in 202303) which could indicate reliance on large, infrequent grants or donations.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for United Way Of Spencer:
- Consistent zero officer compensation across all filings, indicating volunteer leadership and efficient use of funds.
- Substantial asset growth, particularly in the latest filing period (202303), demonstrating strong financial health and capacity.
- Low liabilities, with most periods reporting $0, suggesting sound financial management and low financial risk.
- Revenue significantly exceeding expenses in recent periods, allowing for asset accumulation and future program investment (e.g., 202303 revenue $1,660,793 vs. expenses $520,740).
Frequently Asked Questions about United Way Of Spencer
Is United Way Of Spencer a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, United Way Of Spencer (EIN: 217188191) some concerns. Mission Score: 92/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does United Way Of Spencer spend its money?
United Way Of Spencer directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to United Way Of Spencer tax-deductible?
United Way Of Spencer is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 217188191). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is United Way Of Spencer a good charity?
Based on the provided financial data, United Way Of Spencer appears to be a very good charity. It demonstrates strong financial health, significant asset growth, and a consistent record of zero officer compensation, indicating efficient use of funds and volunteer leadership.
How has United Way Of Spencer's revenue changed over time?
United Way Of Spencer's revenue has shown significant growth, particularly in the 202303 period, jumping to $1,660,793 from $327,729 in 202203. Prior to this, revenue fluctuated but generally trended upwards from $135,553 in 201503.
What is the organization's asset growth like?
The organization has experienced substantial asset growth, especially in the latest period, with assets increasing from $349,927 in 202203 to $1,489,980 in 202303. This indicates strong financial accumulation and stability.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for United Way Of Spencer showing financial trends over 12 years of public records:
Over 12 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2023), United Way Of Spencer's revenue has grown by 1403.5%, moving from $110K to $1.7M. Total assets increased by 1227.5% over the same period, from $112K to $1.5M. Total functional expenses rose by 507.3%, from $86K to $521K. In its most recent filing year (2023), United Way Of Spencer reported a surplus of $1.1M, with revenue exceeding expenses.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.7M | $521K | $1.5M | $0 | — | — |
| 2022 | $328K | $186K | $350K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $207K | $170K | $210K | $1K | — | — |
| 2020 | $190K | $162K | $173K | $959 | — | — |
| 2019 | $159K | $149K | $143K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $154K | $162K | $133K | $0 | — | — |
| 2017 | $176K | $187K | $141K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $184K | $196K | $152K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $136K | $167K | $165K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $159K | $135K | $196K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $194K | $134K | $172K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $110K | $86K | $112K | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $1.7M, expenses of $521K, and assets of $1.5M (revenue +406.8% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $328K, expenses of $186K, and assets of $350K (revenue +58.4% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $207K, expenses of $170K, and assets of $210K (revenue +8.7% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $190K, expenses of $162K, and assets of $173K (revenue +19.6% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $159K, expenses of $149K, and assets of $143K (revenue +3.0% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $154K, expenses of $162K, and assets of $133K (revenue -12.3% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $176K, expenses of $187K, and assets of $141K (revenue -4.2% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $184K, expenses of $196K, and assets of $152K (revenue +35.6% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $136K, expenses of $167K, and assets of $165K (revenue -14.7% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $159K, expenses of $135K, and assets of $196K (revenue -17.9% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $194K, expenses of $134K, and assets of $172K (revenue +75.2% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $110K, expenses of $86K, and assets of $112K.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for United Way Of Spencer 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.