Quick charity verification for Cortez Retail Enhancement Association (EIN: 204812140)
Verdict: Cortez Retail Enhancement Association appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$259KRevenue
$284KAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Consistent revenue growth, from $194,097 in 2014 to $256,024 in 2023.
Strong asset accumulation, with assets growing from $85,016 in 2014 to $234,997 in 2023.
Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, indicating volunteer leadership and efficient use of funds.
Consistent operational surpluses, with revenue exceeding expenses in most years (e.g., $256,024 revenue vs. $226,769 expenses in 2023).
High transparency with 13 consistent IRS 990 filings.
Spending Breakdown
How Cortez Retail Enhancement Association 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 Cortez Retail Enhancement Association
Is Cortez Retail Enhancement Association a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Cortez Retail Enhancement Association (EIN: 204812140) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Cortez Retail Enhancement Association a good charity to donate to?
Cortez Retail Enhancement Association has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $259K. Assets: $284K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Cortez Retail Enhancement Association?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Cortez Retail Enhancement Association is 204812140. 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 Cortez Retail Enhancement Association spend its money?
Cortez Retail Enhancement Association allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Cortez Retail Enhancement Association's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Cortez Retail Enhancement Association's tax-exempt status using EIN 204812140 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 Cortez Retail Enhancement Association demonstrates consistent financial growth and stability over the past decade. Revenue has steadily increased from $194,097 in 2014 to $256,024 in 2023, indicating a healthy ability to attract funding. The organization consistently operates with a surplus, as seen in 2023 where revenue of $256,024 exceeded expenses of $226,769, contributing to a growing asset base which reached $234,997 in 2023. This financial prudence suggests effective management of resources.
Spending efficiency appears strong, with a significant portion of expenses likely directed towards program services given the nature of a retail enhancement association. The consistent growth in assets and relatively low liabilities ($29,868 in 2023) further support a positive financial outlook. The absence of officer compensation reported across all filings indicates a volunteer-driven leadership, which can be a strong indicator of dedication and efficient use of funds.
Transparency is high, as evidenced by the consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over 13 periods, making their financial data readily available for public scrutiny. The detailed financial history provided allows for a clear understanding of their operational trends and financial health, reinforcing trust in their stewardship of funds.