Catalyst Schools
Catalyst Schools maintains stable finances with growing assets and no reported officer compensation.
EIN: 204069346 · Chicago, IL · NTEE: B240 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $31.6M |
| Total Expenses | $29.5M |
| Program Spending | 85% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $28 |
| Net Assets | $12.7M |
| Transparency Score | 90/100 |
Is Catalyst Schools Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Catalyst Schools directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Catalyst Schools
Catalyst Schools (EIN: 204069346) is a nonprofit organization based in Chicago, IL, classified under NTEE code B240. The organization reported total revenue of $31.6M and total assets of $23.0M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Catalyst Schools's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Catalyst Schools is a large nonprofit that has been operating for 19 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 10.5%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $28.9M |
| Total Expenses | $29.5M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-556,686 |
| Total Assets | $23.1M |
| Total Liabilities | $10.4M |
| Net Assets | $12.7M |
| Operating Margin | -1.9% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 45.1% |
| Months of Reserves | 9.4 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Catalyst Schools reported a deficit of $557K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 9.4 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 45.1% (moderate leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Catalyst Schools's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +4.0% | +7.8% | -4.0% |
| 2022 | +15.3% | +19.2% | +0.4% |
| 2021 | +4.1% | +2.9% | +5.6% |
| 2020 | +6.7% | -1.4% | +2.1% |
| 2019 | -0.8% | +22.2% | +7.3% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2007 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Catalyst Schools with a Mission Score of 90 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
- admin: 10%
- programs: 85%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Catalyst Schools allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 85%, fundraising: 5%. With 85% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $557K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 45.1%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that the organization's officers are not directly compensated, which is highly favorable for a nonprofit of its size with annual revenues exceeding $28 million.
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 Catalyst Schools's IRS 990 filings:
- Slight operating deficit in 202306 (Expenses $29,473,679 exceeded Revenue $28,916,993)
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Catalyst Schools:
- Consistent growth in assets from $15.5M (2014) to $23.1M (2023)
- No reported officer compensation across all filings (0%)
- Strong and consistent revenue generation over the past decade
- Substantial asset base ($23,138,451 in 2023) providing financial stability
Frequently Asked Questions about Catalyst Schools
Is Catalyst Schools a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Catalyst Schools (EIN: 204069346) some concerns. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Catalyst Schools spend its money?
Catalyst Schools directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Catalyst Schools tax-deductible?
Catalyst Schools is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 204069346). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the Catalyst Schools CEO make?
Catalyst Schools's highest-compensated officer earns $28 annually. The organization reported $31.6M in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
What percentage of Catalyst Schools's spending goes to programs?
Catalyst Schools directs 85% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Catalyst Schools compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 90/100 (Excellent), Catalyst Schools is above average for NTEE category B240 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Catalyst Schools located?
Catalyst Schools is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and files with the IRS under EIN 204069346. It is classified under NTEE code B240.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Catalyst Schools have?
Catalyst Schools has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record at NonprofitSpending. This extensive filing history provides a strong basis for evaluating long-term financial trends. The most recent filing shows $31.6M in total revenue.
Is Catalyst Schools a good charity?
Based on the provided data, Catalyst Schools appears to be a well-managed organization. It demonstrates financial stability with growing assets, consistent revenue generation, and a notable commitment to transparency by reporting 0% officer compensation. Its NTEE code B240 indicates a clear educational mission.
How has Catalyst Schools' financial health changed over time?
Catalyst Schools has shown consistent financial growth over the past decade. Revenue has increased from $19,615,643 in 201406 to $28,916,993 in 202306, and assets have grown from $15,570,074 to $23,138,451 in the same period, indicating a strong trend of financial stability and expansion.
What is Catalyst Schools' approach to executive compensation?
Catalyst Schools reports 0% officer compensation in all available IRS 990 filings. This suggests that the organization's top executives are either volunteers or compensated through other means not directly reported as officer compensation on the 990, which is a strong indicator of efficient resource allocation and commitment to mission.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Catalyst Schools showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Catalyst Schools's revenue has grown by 230%, moving from $8.8M to $28.9M. Total assets increased by 780.2% over the same period, from $2.6M to $23.1M. Total functional expenses rose by 255%, from $8.3M to $29.5M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Catalyst Schools reported a deficit of $557K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $10.4M in liabilities against $23.1M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 45.1%), resulting in net assets of $12.7M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $28.9M | $29.5M | $23.1M | $10.4M | — | — |
| 2022 | $27.8M | $27.3M | $24.1M | $11.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $24.1M | $22.9M | $24.0M | $11.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $23.2M | $22.3M | $22.7M | $11.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $21.7M | $22.6M | $22.3M | $11.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $21.9M | $18.5M | $20.7M | $9.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $19.9M | $19.4M | $17.5M | $9.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $20.2M | $19.3M | $15.2M | $7.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $23.7M | $23.4M | $14.9M | $8.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $19.6M | $19.4M | $15.6M | $9.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $18.5M | $14.8M | $14.5M | $8.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $9.3M | $9.0M | $10.1M | $7.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $8.8M | $8.3M | $2.6M | $637K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $28.9M, expenses of $29.5M, and assets of $23.1M (revenue +4.0% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $27.8M, expenses of $27.3M, and assets of $24.1M (revenue +15.3% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $24.1M, expenses of $22.9M, and assets of $24.0M (revenue +4.1% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $23.2M, expenses of $22.3M, and assets of $22.7M (revenue +6.7% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $21.7M, expenses of $22.6M, and assets of $22.3M (revenue -0.8% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $21.9M, expenses of $18.5M, and assets of $20.7M (revenue +9.8% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $19.9M, expenses of $19.4M, and assets of $17.5M (revenue -1.3% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $20.2M, expenses of $19.3M, and assets of $15.2M (revenue -14.8% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $23.7M, expenses of $23.4M, and assets of $14.9M (revenue +20.8% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $19.6M, expenses of $19.4M, and assets of $15.6M (revenue +5.8% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $18.5M, expenses of $14.8M, and assets of $14.5M (revenue +99.9% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $9.3M, expenses of $9.0M, and assets of $10.1M (revenue +5.8% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $8.8M, expenses of $8.3M, and assets of $2.6M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Catalyst Schools:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Catalyst Schools 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.