Quick charity verification for Colorado Springs Utilities Foundation (EIN: 208643063)
Verdict: Colorado Springs Utilities Foundation appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$1.6MRevenue
$3.0MAssets
1Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Occasional operating deficits (e.g., 2023, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2014) where expenses exceeded revenue, which could impact long-term sustainability if not managed.
Strengths
Consistent asset growth, reaching over $3.4 million in 2023.
Very low liabilities across all reported periods, indicating strong financial health and minimal debt.
Zero reported officer compensation, suggesting a highly efficient or volunteer-driven leadership structure.
Consistent revenue generation, averaging over $1 million annually over the past decade.
Long and consistent IRS 990 filing history, demonstrating transparency and compliance.
Spending Breakdown
How Colorado Springs Utilities Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
85%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
5%
Fundraising
Within typical range
How to read this: Well-run charities typically spend 75% or more on programs, keep admin under 25%, and fundraising under 15%. A high program ratio means more of every dollar goes directly to the mission.
How to Interpret This Report
What Red Flags Mean
Red flags are potential warning signs identified by AI analysis of IRS 990 filings. They may indicate issues like declining revenue, high executive pay relative to program spending, lack of transparency, or governance concerns. A single red flag does not necessarily mean an organization is untrustworthy, but multiple flags warrant further investigation before donating.
What Mission Score Measures
The Mission Score (0-100) evaluates how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated purpose. It combines multiple factors: program spending efficiency (how much goes to programs vs. overhead), financial health and sustainability, governance quality, transparency in reporting, and consistency of operations over time. A score of 70+ indicates strong alignment with the organization’s mission.
Using This Data for Donation Decisions
Use this report as one input in your decision. Look at the overall Mission Score for a quick assessment, review red flags and strengths for specific concerns, check the spending breakdown to see where money goes, and compare executive compensation to the organization’s size. Consider viewing the full transparency report for deeper analysis, and always verify tax-exempt status with the IRS before making large donations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Colorado Springs Utilities Foundation
Is Colorado Springs Utilities Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Colorado Springs Utilities Foundation (EIN: 208643063) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Colorado Springs Utilities Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Colorado Springs Utilities Foundation has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $1.6M. Assets: $3.0M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Colorado Springs Utilities Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Colorado Springs Utilities Foundation is 208643063. This is the unique tax ID assigned by the IRS.
What is a Mission Score?
The Mission Score is a 0-100 rating that measures how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated mission. It factors in program spending efficiency, financial transparency, governance practices, and outcome reporting. Scores above 70 indicate strong mission alignment, 40-69 suggest mixed performance, and below 40 signals potential concerns.
How does Colorado Springs Utilities Foundation spend its money?
Colorado Springs Utilities Foundation allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Colorado Springs Utilities Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Colorado Springs Utilities Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 208643063 on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. You can also request copies of their Form 990 directly from the organization, as they are required by law to provide them upon request.
AI Transparency Report
The Colorado Springs Utilities Foundation demonstrates a generally stable financial position with consistent revenue streams over the past decade, averaging over $1 million annually. While the organization experienced a slight deficit in 2023, with expenses exceeding revenue by approximately $78,000, its assets have grown significantly, reaching over $3.4 million in 2023. The foundation's liabilities remain very low, indicating strong financial management and minimal debt. The consistent reporting of zero officer compensation across all available filings suggests a volunteer-led or very lean administrative structure, which can be a positive indicator of efficiency and donor trust. However, without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, a precise assessment of spending efficiency is challenging. The foundation's consistent filing history and low liabilities point to good financial transparency and accountability.