Center Pole
Center Pole consistently reports no officer compensation amidst fluctuating revenues and occasional deficits.
EIN: 208780215 · Garryowen, MT · NTEE: P80 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $1.7M |
| Total Expenses | $1.5M |
| Program Spending | 90% |
| Net Assets | $295K |
| Transparency Score | 90/100 |
Is Center Pole Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Center Pole directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Center Pole
Center Pole (EIN: 208780215) is a nonprofit organization based in Garryowen, MT, classified under NTEE code P80. The organization reported total revenue of $1.7M and total assets of $278K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Center Pole's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Center Pole is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 14 years, with 9 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2015–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 39.5%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $1.5M |
| Total Expenses | $1.5M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$42K |
| Total Assets | $321K |
| Total Liabilities | $26K |
| Net Assets | $295K |
| Operating Margin | 2.8% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 8.1% |
| Months of Reserves | 2.6 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Center Pole reported a surplus of $42K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 2.6 months of operating reserves (limited), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 8.1% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 9 years of filings (2015–2023), Center Pole's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39.5%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -48.2% | -56.0% | +22.1% |
| 2022 | -11.4% | -1.4% | -61.2% |
| 2021 | -27.1% | -11.3% | -13.8% |
| 2020 | +89.0% | +46.9% | +778.2% |
| 2019 | +244.8% | +417.3% | -61.3% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2012 |
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 Center Pole 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: 90%
- fundraising: 0%
According to IRS 990 filings, Center Pole allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 0%. With 90% 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 surplus of $42K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 8.1%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Center Pole consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all nine years of filings, indicating that no salaries were paid to officers, which is highly unusual and suggests a strong commitment to directing funds towards its mission rather than executive pay.
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 Center Pole's IRS 990 filings:
- Significant deficits in 2021 and 2022, with expenses exceeding revenue by $97,175 and $422,125 respectively, indicating periods of unsustainable spending.
- Fluctuating revenue trends, peaking at $4,490,322 in 2020 and then decreasing to $1,502,365 in 2023, which could indicate reliance on variable grant funding or project cycles.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Center Pole:
- Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all nine filings, demonstrating exceptional financial efficiency and a strong commitment to mission-driven spending.
- Low liabilities reported across all periods, with liabilities at $25,977 in 2023, indicating prudent financial management and minimal debt burden.
- Positive net income in the most recent filing (2023), with revenue exceeding expenses by $42,238, showing a return to financial health after previous deficits.
- Significant growth in revenue and assets from 2015 to 2020, demonstrating the organization's capacity to scale its operations and impact.
Frequently Asked Questions about Center Pole
Is Center Pole a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Center Pole (EIN: 208780215) some concerns. Mission Score: 90/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Center Pole spend its money?
Center Pole directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Center Pole tax-deductible?
Center Pole is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 208780215). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How does Center Pole compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 90/100 (Excellent), Center Pole is above average for NTEE category P80 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Center Pole located?
Center Pole is headquartered in Garryowen, Montana and files with the IRS under EIN 208780215. It is classified under NTEE code P80.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Center Pole have?
Center Pole has 9 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 $1.7M in total revenue.
Is Center Pole a good charity?
Based on the available IRS 990 data, Center Pole appears to be a good charity, particularly due to its consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, which suggests a very high proportion of funds are directed to its mission. Its financial management, while experiencing some deficits in 2021 and 2022, shows recovery and overall operational stability.
How does Center Pole manage its executive compensation?
Center Pole reports 0% officer compensation in all available IRS 990 filings, meaning no salaries or other compensation were paid to its officers. This is an exceptional level of financial efficiency and transparency regarding executive pay.
What is Center Pole's financial stability like?
Center Pole's financial stability has shown variability, with significant revenue fluctuations and deficits in 2021 ($3,272,177 revenue vs. $3,369,352 expenses) and 2022 ($2,899,664 revenue vs. $3,321,789 expenses). However, the organization reported a positive net income in 2023 ($1,502,365 revenue vs. $1,460,127 expenses), indicating a return to more stable operations. Assets have also fluctuated but remain substantial at $320,963 in 2023.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Center Pole showing financial trends over 9 years of public records:
Over 9 years of IRS 990 filings (2015–2023), Center Pole's revenue has grown by 1331.5%, moving from $105K to $1.5M. Total assets increased by 2541% over the same period, from $12K to $321K. Total functional expenses rose by 1347.3%, from $101K to $1.5M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Center Pole reported a surplus of $42K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $26K in liabilities against $321K in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 8.1%), resulting in net assets of $295K.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.5M | $1.5M | $321K | $26K | — | — |
| 2022 | $2.9M | $3.3M | $263K | $10K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $3.3M | $3.4M | $678K | $3K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $4.5M | $3.8M | $786K | $14K | — | — |
| 2019 | $2.4M | $2.6M | $90K | $10K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $689K | $500K | $231K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $370K | $327K | $42K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $254K | $231K | $24K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $105K | $101K | $12K | $4K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $1.5M, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $321K (revenue -48.2% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $2.9M, expenses of $3.3M, and assets of $263K (revenue -11.4% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $3.3M, expenses of $3.4M, and assets of $678K (revenue -27.1% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $4.5M, expenses of $3.8M, and assets of $786K (revenue +89.0% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $2.4M, expenses of $2.6M, and assets of $90K (revenue +244.8% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $689K, expenses of $500K, and assets of $231K (revenue +86.4% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $370K, expenses of $327K, and assets of $42K (revenue +45.4% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $254K, expenses of $231K, and assets of $24K (revenue +142.2% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $105K, expenses of $101K, and assets of $12K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Center Pole:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Center Pole 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.