Search Tool
Access detailed nonprofit data through our search platform at search.noprofits.org.
Tools for nonprofit insight
Essential resources to enhance transparency and understanding within the nonprofit sector.
Grant Visualizer
Analyze funding patterns with our visualization tool at grants.noprofits.org.
Blog
Read in-depth analyses and updates on nonprofit trends at blog.noprofits.org.
Transparency in social services
NoProfits.org is dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability in social services, ensuring that resources intended for community assistance reach those in need efficiently and equitably.
We work to connect people with verified service providers while advocating for responsible stewardship of public and private funding in the social services sector.
Resources
Official verification tools
- Search ProPublica Data
Search and verify nonprofit organizations using ProPublica's database.
- IRS Non-Profit Search
Verify tax-exempt status and access Form 990s.
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer
Research detailed financial records and tax returns.
- GuideStar / Candid
Comprehensive non-profit profiles and financials.
Red flags to watch
- Excessive admin costs
Compare admin expenses to program spending.
- Unclear financial reporting
Look for detailed breakdowns of spending.
- Related party transactions
Check for conflicts of interest in Form 990.
- High executive compensation
Compare to similar organizations' reporting.
Insurance & funding
- CMS Data
Medicare/Medicaid payment information.
- Charity Navigator
Independent charity evaluations.
How to research
- Start with Form 990
Review Part III for program details.
- Check multiple years
Look for patterns and changes over time.
- Compare organizations
Use similar-sized nonprofits as benchmarks.
Analyses
Financial metrics for non-profits
Understanding the financial health of a non-profit is crucial. These metrics can be derived from the IRS Form 990.
Key metrics
- Program Expense Ratio (Program Service Expenses / Total Expenses) × 100 990 Data: Program Service Expenses (Part IX, line 24, col B), Total Expenses (Part IX, line 25, col A)
- Administrative Expense Ratio (Management & General / Total Expenses) × 100 990 Data: Management & General (Part IX, line 24, col A), Total Expenses (Part IX, line 25, col A)
- Fundraising Efficiency Ratio (Fundraising Expenses / Contributions) × 100 990 Data: Fundraising Expenses (Part IX, line 24, col D), Contributions (Part VIII, line 1a)
- Current Ratio (Current Assets / Current Liabilities) 990 Data: Current Assets (Part X, Lines 1–6 sum), Current Liabilities (Part X, Lines 18–22 sum)
- Operating Reserve Ratio (Unrestricted Net Assets / (Total Expenses / 12)) 990 Data: Unrestricted Net Assets (Part X, line 30, col A), Total Expenses (Part IX, line 25, col A)
Analyzing these metrics over time and comparing them to benchmarks provides valuable insights.
Blog
Hey — check out my blog, where I post about science, math, non-profit issues, and other stuff.