Quick charity verification for Cottonwood Research Foundation Inc (EIN: 208676209)
Verdict: Cottonwood Research Foundation Inc has notable concerns
30/100Mission Score
$0Revenue
$0Assets
3Red Flags
1Strengths
Red Flags
Latest filing shows $0 revenue and $0 assets, indicating potential inactivity or cessation of operations.
Consistent deficit spending in multiple historical periods (e.g., 2014: $1,843 revenue vs. $3,538 expenses; 2010: $41,008 revenue vs. $44,982 expenses).
Very low and declining asset base over time, suggesting limited financial stability.
Strengths
Consistently reported 0% officer compensation, indicating volunteer leadership and efficient use of funds for administrative costs.
Spending Breakdown
How Cottonwood Research Foundation Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
100%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
0%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
0%
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 Cottonwood Research Foundation Inc
Is Cottonwood Research Foundation Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Cottonwood Research Foundation Inc (EIN: 208676209) has notable concerns. Mission Score: 30/100. 3 red flags identified, 1 strength noted.
Is Cottonwood Research Foundation Inc a good charity to donate to?
Cottonwood Research Foundation Inc has a Mission Score of 30/100. Revenue: $0. Assets: $0. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Cottonwood Research Foundation Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Cottonwood Research Foundation Inc is 208676209. 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 Cottonwood Research Foundation Inc spend its money?
Cottonwood Research Foundation Inc allocates 100% to programs, 0% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Cottonwood Research Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Cottonwood Research Foundation Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 208676209 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
Cottonwood Research Foundation Inc appears to be a very small organization, as indicated by its consistently low revenue and asset figures across its filing history. The latest filing shows $0 in both revenue and assets, which suggests the organization may be inactive or in the process of winding down. Historically, its expenses have often exceeded its revenue, for example, in 2014 it had $1,843 in revenue against $3,538 in expenses, and in 2010, $41,008 in revenue against $44,982 in expenses. This consistent deficit spending, coupled with the current $0 revenue and assets, raises concerns about its long-term financial viability and operational capacity. The organization has consistently reported 0% officer compensation, which is a positive indicator of volunteer leadership and efficient use of limited funds, but the overall financial picture is one of minimal activity and potential dormancy.