Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc

Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc maintains strong asset base with zero officer compensation.

EIN: 10724451 · Aspen, CO · NTEE: C113 · Updated: 2026-03-27

$3.7MRevenue
$13.3MAssets
95/100Mission Score (Excellent)
C113

Is Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc Legit?

Some Concerns

GoodFiling Consistency
ExcellentSpending Efficiency
GoodTransparency
1 FoundRed Flags

Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →

Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.

About Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc

Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc (EIN: 10724451) is a nonprofit organization based in Aspen, CO, classified under NTEE code C113. The organization reported total revenue of $3.7M and total assets of $13.3M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.

AI Transparency Report

The Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc primarily functions as an endowment, as indicated by its name and NTEE code (C113 - Environmental Education Endowments). This means its financial health is largely tied to its asset base and investment performance, with expenses typically representing distributions to support its parent organization or related programs. The organization consistently maintains a substantial asset base, reaching $13,326,718 in its latest reported period, which is a strong indicator of long-term stability. Its revenue streams fluctuate, as is common for endowments, with a notable dip in the 202310 period where expenses ($635,275) exceeded revenue ($302,354), leading to a decrease in assets from the previous year. However, this is not necessarily a red flag for an endowment, as it may reflect strategic distributions or market fluctuations. Spending efficiency for an endowment is less about direct program delivery and more about prudent investment management and appropriate distributions. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings suggests a highly efficient administrative structure, likely relying on volunteer leadership or shared services with a parent organization. The organization's transparency is excellent, with 14 filings available, indicating consistent compliance with IRS reporting requirements. The absence of liabilities in most periods further underscores a healthy financial position, though the $12,820 in liabilities in 202310 is a minor increase but not concerning given the asset size. Overall, the Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc appears to be a well-managed and transparent endowment. Its financial health is robust, supported by a significant asset base. The lack of officer compensation and consistent filing history are strong indicators of good governance and efficient operations for an organization of this type. While the 202310 period showed expenses exceeding revenue, this is a common occurrence for endowments making distributions or experiencing market downturns, and the overall trend of asset growth over the long term remains positive.

Mission Effectiveness Score

NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc with a Mission Score of 95 out of 100 (Excellent). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.

Spending Breakdown

According to IRS 990 filings, Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 5%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 5%. With 90% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.

Executive Compensation Analysis

Executive compensation is consistently reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that the organization operates without paid officers, which is highly efficient for an endowment of its size ($13.3 million in assets).

Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.

Red Flags

The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc's IRS 990 filings:

Strengths

The following positive indicators were identified for Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc:

Frequently Asked Questions about Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc

Is Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc (EIN: 10724451) some concerns. Mission Score: 95/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.

How does Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc spend its money?

Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.

Are donations to Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc tax-deductible?

Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 10724451). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

What is the primary purpose of this endowment?

As an endowment fund (NTEE C113), its primary purpose is likely to hold and invest assets to generate income, which is then distributed to support the Aspen Center For Environmental Studies or related environmental education programs.

Why did expenses exceed revenue in the 202310 period?

For an endowment, expenses exceeding revenue can occur due to several reasons, including making significant distributions to its beneficiary organization, experiencing investment losses, or a combination of both. This is not necessarily a sign of financial distress for an endowment.

How does the organization manage its investments?

While the filings don't detail investment strategies, the consistent growth in assets over many years (from $8.8 million in 2014 to $13.3 million currently) suggests effective investment management, despite periodic fluctuations.

Filing History

IRS 990 filing history for Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc showing financial trends over 14 years of public records:

Over 14 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc's revenue has declined by 8.4%, moving from $330K to $302K. Total assets increased by 89.5% over the same period, from $6.1M to $11.5M. Total functional expenses rose by 120.9%, from $288K to $635K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc reported a deficit of $333K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $13K in liabilities against $11.5M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.1%), resulting in net assets of $11.5M.

YearRevenueExpensesAssetsLiabilitiesOfficer Comp.PDF
2023 $302K $635K $11.5M $13K
2022 $826K $492K $11.5M $2K
2021 $1.3M $482K $13.8M $0 View 990
2020 $774K $489K $10.9M $0 View 990
2019 $775K $464K $11.2M $0 View 990
2018 $542K $449K $10.1M $0 View 990
2017 $806K $470K $9.9M $0 View 990
2016 $590K $452K $8.8M $0 View 990
2015 $968K $431K $8.8M $0 View 990
2014 $772K $401K $8.8M $0 View 990
2013 $521K $368K $8.3M $0 View 990
2012 $542K $279K $7.1M $0 View 990
2011 $44K $8K $6.5M $2K View 990
2011 $330K $288K $6.1M $22K View 990

Year-by-Year Financial Summary

Data Sources and Methodology

This transparency report for Aspen Center For Environmental Studies Endowment Fund Inc is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.

IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.

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