Cottonwood Institute
Cottonwood Institute shows consistent revenue growth and zero reported officer compensation over a decade.
EIN: 201822172 · Denver, CO · NTEE: C60 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $739K |
| Total Expenses | $700K |
| Program Spending | 85% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $700,000. |
| Net Assets | $244K |
| Transparency Score | 88/100 |
Is Cottonwood Institute Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Cottonwood Institute directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Cottonwood Institute
Cottonwood Institute (EIN: 201822172) is a nonprofit organization based in Denver, CO, classified under NTEE code C60. The organization reported total revenue of $739K and total assets of $356K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Cottonwood Institute's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Cottonwood Institute is a small 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 12.1%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $693K |
| Total Expenses | $700K |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-7,810 |
| Total Assets | $416K |
| Total Liabilities | $172K |
| Net Assets | $244K |
| Operating Margin | -1.1% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 41.4% |
| Months of Reserves | 7.1 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Cottonwood Institute reported a deficit of $8K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 7.1 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 41.4% (moderate leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Cottonwood Institute's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +4.1% | +11.2% | +2.5% |
| 2022 | +48.4% | +43.7% | -8.0% |
| 2021 | +18.7% | +16.6% | +0.3% |
| 2020 | +0.9% | +7.3% | +82.2% |
| 2019 | -4.5% | -5.5% | +21.3% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2100 |
| 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 Cottonwood Institute with a Mission Score of 88 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, Cottonwood Institute 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 $8K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 41.4%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Cottonwood Institute consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all 13 filings, indicating that no salaries are paid to officers, which is highly unusual for an organization of its size with revenue approaching $700,000.
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 Cottonwood Institute's IRS 990 filings:
- Slight operating deficit in the most recent fiscal period (202309: Expenses $700,348 vs. Revenue $692,538)
- Increasing liabilities trend from $0 in 201809 to $172,220 in 202309
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Cottonwood Institute:
- Consistent and significant revenue growth over the past decade (from $145,786 in 201409 to $692,538 in 202309)
- Zero reported officer compensation across all 13 filings, indicating strong resource allocation to programs
- Healthy asset growth from $149,426 in 201409 to $416,199 in 202309
- Long and consistent IRS 990 filing history (13 filings), demonstrating transparency
Frequently Asked Questions about Cottonwood Institute
Is Cottonwood Institute a legitimate charity?
Cottonwood Institute (EIN: 201822172) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in Colorado. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 88/100. It has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $739K. 2 red flags identified. 4 strengths noted. Financial health grade: B.
How does Cottonwood Institute spend its money?
Cottonwood Institute directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 5%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.
Are donations to Cottonwood Institute tax-deductible?
Cottonwood Institute is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 201822172). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the Cottonwood Institute CEO make?
Cottonwood Institute's highest-compensated officer earns $700,000. annually. The organization reported $739K in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
What percentage of Cottonwood Institute's spending goes to programs?
Cottonwood Institute directs 85% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Cottonwood Institute compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 88/100 (Excellent), Cottonwood Institute is above average for NTEE category C60 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Cottonwood Institute located?
Cottonwood Institute is headquartered in Denver, Colorado and files with the IRS under EIN 201822172. It is classified under NTEE code C60.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Cottonwood Institute have?
Cottonwood Institute 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 $739K in total revenue.
Is Cottonwood Institute a good charity?
Based on its consistent revenue growth, increasing assets, and a remarkable record of 0% officer compensation, Cottonwood Institute appears to be a well-managed charity with a strong focus on its mission. The slight deficit in the 202309 period is a minor concern but doesn't overshadow the overall positive financial trends.
How has Cottonwood Institute's financial health changed over time?
Cottonwood Institute has demonstrated significant financial growth, with revenue increasing from $145,786 in 201409 to $692,538 in 202309. Assets have also grown substantially from $149,426 to $416,199 over the same period, indicating a strong and expanding financial base.
What is the trend in liabilities for Cottonwood Institute?
Liabilities for Cottonwood Institute have shown an increasing trend, from $0 in 201809 to $172,220 in 202309. While this increase warrants monitoring, the current level is manageable relative to the organization's assets of $416,199.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Cottonwood Institute showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Cottonwood Institute's revenue has grown by 294.3%, moving from $176K to $693K. Total assets increased by 252.8% over the same period, from $118K to $416K. Total functional expenses rose by 326.8%, from $164K to $700K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Cottonwood Institute reported a deficit of $8K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $172K in liabilities against $416K in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 41.4%), resulting in net assets of $244K.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $693K | $700K | $416K | $172K | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $665K | $630K | $406K | $160K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $448K | $438K | $442K | $207K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $377K | $376K | $440K | $215K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $374K | $350K | $242K | $18K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $392K | $371K | $199K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $314K | $311K | $178K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $283K | $260K | $175K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $224K | $220K | $153K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $146K | $162K | $149K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $236K | $196K | $168K | $2K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $188K | $180K | $126K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $176K | $164K | $118K | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $693K, expenses of $700K, and assets of $416K (revenue +4.1% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $665K, expenses of $630K, and assets of $406K (revenue +48.4% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $448K, expenses of $438K, and assets of $442K (revenue +18.7% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $377K, expenses of $376K, and assets of $440K (revenue +0.9% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $374K, expenses of $350K, and assets of $242K (revenue -4.5% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $392K, expenses of $371K, and assets of $199K (revenue +24.9% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $314K, expenses of $311K, and assets of $178K (revenue +10.9% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $283K, expenses of $260K, and assets of $175K (revenue +26.2% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $224K, expenses of $220K, and assets of $153K (revenue +53.6% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $146K, expenses of $162K, and assets of $149K (revenue -38.1% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $236K, expenses of $196K, and assets of $168K (revenue +25.1% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $188K, expenses of $180K, and assets of $126K (revenue +7.2% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $176K, expenses of $164K, and assets of $118K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Cottonwood Institute:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Cottonwood Institute 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.