Consumer Directed Choices
Consumer Directed Choices shows consistent revenue growth and zero reported officer compensation over a decade.
EIN: 161516618 · Albany, NY · NTEE: P82 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $90.6M |
| Total Expenses | $66.2M |
| Program Spending | 90% |
| Net Assets | $16.9M |
| Transparency Score | 95/100 |
Is Consumer Directed Choices Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Consumer Directed Choices directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Consumer Directed Choices
Consumer Directed Choices (EIN: 161516618) is a nonprofit organization based in Albany, NY, classified under NTEE code P82. The organization reported total revenue of $90.6M and total assets of $33.7M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Consumer Directed Choices's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Consumer Directed Choices is a major nonprofit that has been operating for 28 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 15.1%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $69.9M |
| Total Expenses | $66.2M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$3.7M |
| Total Assets | $26.1M |
| Total Liabilities | $9.2M |
| Net Assets | $16.9M |
| Operating Margin | 5.3% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 35.2% |
| Months of Reserves | 4.7 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Consumer Directed Choices reported a surplus of $3.7M with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 4.7 months of operating reserves (adequate), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 35.2% (moderate leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Consumer Directed Choices's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.1%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +27.2% | +26.3% | +22.8% |
| 2022 | +18.0% | +18.5% | -1.3% |
| 2021 | +14.6% | +11.4% | +26.7% |
| 2020 | +12.2% | +12.2% | +18.2% |
| 2019 | +12.5% | +10.9% | +42.0% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1998 |
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 Consumer Directed Choices 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
- admin: 7%
- programs: 90%
- fundraising: 3%
According to IRS 990 filings, Consumer Directed Choices allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 7%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 3%. 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 $3.7M, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 35.2%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which is highly unusual for an organization of its size and revenue, suggesting either volunteer leadership or compensation structured in a way not reported as 'officer compensation' on the 990.
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 Consumer Directed Choices's IRS 990 filings:
- Unusually low reported officer compensation (0%) for an organization of this size, which might indicate compensation is reported under other categories or a unique leadership structure.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Consumer Directed Choices:
- Consistent and substantial revenue growth over a decade, indicating strong demand and operational success.
- Healthy and growing asset base, providing financial stability and capacity.
- Remarkable 0% reported officer compensation, suggesting a strong commitment to program spending.
- High spending efficiency, with expenses closely tracking revenue.
- Positive net assets year over year, demonstrating sound financial management.
Frequently Asked Questions about Consumer Directed Choices
Is Consumer Directed Choices a legitimate charity?
Consumer Directed Choices (EIN: 161516618) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in New York. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 95/100. It has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $90.6M. 1 red flag identified. 5 strengths noted. Financial health grade: A.
How does Consumer Directed Choices spend its money?
Consumer Directed Choices directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 3%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.
Are donations to Consumer Directed Choices tax-deductible?
Consumer Directed Choices is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 161516618). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Consumer Directed Choices's spending goes to programs?
Consumer Directed Choices directs 90% to programs, 3% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Consumer Directed Choices compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 95/100 (Excellent), Consumer Directed Choices is above average for NTEE category P82 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Consumer Directed Choices located?
Consumer Directed Choices is headquartered in Albany, New York and files with the IRS under EIN 161516618. It is classified under NTEE code P82.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Consumer Directed Choices have?
Consumer Directed Choices 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 $90.6M in total revenue.
Is Consumer Directed Choices a good charity?
Based on the available IRS 990 data, Consumer Directed Choices appears to be a very good charity, demonstrating strong financial health, consistent growth, and a remarkable commitment to program spending with 0% reported officer compensation.
How has Consumer Directed Choices' revenue grown over time?
Consumer Directed Choices has experienced significant revenue growth, increasing from $15.4 million in 2014 to $69.8 million in 2023, with the latest reported revenue at $90.5 million, indicating substantial expansion.
What is the organization's approach to executive compensation?
The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation in all available IRS 990 filings, which is a highly transparent and program-focused approach, though it warrants further inquiry into how leadership is compensated or structured.
How efficient is Consumer Directed Choices in its spending?
The organization appears highly efficient, with expenses consistently close to revenue (e.g., $66.1 million in expenses against $69.8 million in revenue in 2023), suggesting a high proportion of funds are directed towards its mission.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Consumer Directed Choices showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Consumer Directed Choices's revenue has grown by 439.2%, moving from $13.0M to $69.9M. Total assets increased by 286% over the same period, from $6.8M to $26.1M. Total functional expenses rose by 462.2%, from $11.8M to $66.2M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Consumer Directed Choices reported a surplus of $3.7M, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $9.2M in liabilities against $26.1M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 35.2%), resulting in net assets of $16.9M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $69.9M | $66.2M | $26.1M | $9.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $54.9M | $52.4M | $21.2M | $8.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $46.6M | $44.2M | $21.5M | $10.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $40.6M | $39.7M | $17.0M | $8.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $36.2M | $35.4M | $14.3M | $6.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $32.2M | $31.9M | $10.1M | $3.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $30.4M | $29.4M | $7.9M | $1.7M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $25.4M | $24.9M | $6.5M | $1.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $18.8M | $18.5M | $5.4M | $908K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $15.5M | $15.2M | $5.0M | $663K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $13.2M | $13.3M | $4.6M | $570K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $12.6M | $12.4M | $4.5M | $421K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $13.0M | $11.8M | $6.8M | $2.8M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $69.9M, expenses of $66.2M, and assets of $26.1M (revenue +27.2% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $54.9M, expenses of $52.4M, and assets of $21.2M (revenue +18.0% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $46.6M, expenses of $44.2M, and assets of $21.5M (revenue +14.6% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $40.6M, expenses of $39.7M, and assets of $17.0M (revenue +12.2% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $36.2M, expenses of $35.4M, and assets of $14.3M (revenue +12.5% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $32.2M, expenses of $31.9M, and assets of $10.1M (revenue +6.0% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $30.4M, expenses of $29.4M, and assets of $7.9M (revenue +19.6% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $25.4M, expenses of $24.9M, and assets of $6.5M (revenue +35.3% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $18.8M, expenses of $18.5M, and assets of $5.4M (revenue +21.4% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $15.5M, expenses of $15.2M, and assets of $5.0M (revenue +16.8% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $13.2M, expenses of $13.3M, and assets of $4.6M (revenue +5.4% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $12.6M, expenses of $12.4M, and assets of $4.5M (revenue -3.2% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $13.0M, expenses of $11.8M, and assets of $6.8M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Consumer Directed Choices:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Consumer Directed Choices 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.