Is Rocky Mountain Classical Academy Legit?…

Quick charity verification for Rocky Mountain Classical Academy (EIN: 204543388)

Strengths

Strong program spending ratio, indicating a high percentage of expenses directly supporting its mission.
Consistent revenue growth over the past several years, from $9.78M in 201606 to $19.25M in 202406.
Officer compensation consistently reported as 0%, suggesting efficient use of funds at the executive level.
Annual revenues consistently cover annual expenses, as seen in 202406 where revenue ($19,249,224) exceeded expenses ($18,705,211).

Spending Breakdown

How Rocky Mountain Classical Academy allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

90%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

10%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

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 Rocky Mountain Classical Academy

Is Rocky Mountain Classical Academy a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Rocky Mountain Classical Academy (EIN: 204543388) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Rocky Mountain Classical Academy a good charity to donate to?

Rocky Mountain Classical Academy has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $19.3M. Assets: $12.9M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Rocky Mountain Classical Academy?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Rocky Mountain Classical Academy is 204543388. 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 Rocky Mountain Classical Academy spend its money?

Rocky Mountain Classical Academy allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Rocky Mountain Classical Academy's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Rocky Mountain Classical Academy's tax-exempt status using EIN 204543388 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

Rocky Mountain Classical Academy demonstrates a consistent focus on its program services, with a high percentage of its expenses dedicated to its mission. In the latest filing (202406), the organization reported expenses of $18,705,211 against revenues of $19,249,224, indicating efficient management of resources to meet its operational costs. The organization has shown significant revenue growth over the past several years, nearly doubling its revenue from $9,783,382 in 201606 to $19,249,224 in 202406, suggesting expanding operations and community support.

However, a notable concern is the organization's persistent negative net assets, with liabilities consistently exceeding assets. For example, in 202406, assets were $12,892,042 while liabilities stood at $16,615,560. This trend has been present across multiple years, peaking in 202006 with assets of $45,468,699 against liabilities of $62,872,396. While this could be typical for organizations with significant long-term debt related to facilities (common for schools), it warrants closer examination to understand the nature of these liabilities and the organization's long-term financial stability. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation suggests a volunteer-led or very lean administrative structure at the top, which can be a positive indicator of resource allocation.

Overall, the academy appears to be financially stable in terms of covering annual expenses with revenues and growing its operational scale. Its transparency is bolstered by consistent 990 filings and the clear reporting of financial data. The primary area for deeper inquiry relates to its balance sheet health and the implications of its substantial liabilities.

Is Rocky Mountain Classical Academy Legit?

Verdict: Rocky Mountain Classical Academy appears trustworthy

Red Flags