Creating Alternatives Together Inc
Creating Alternatives Together Inc consistently generates significant surpluses, growing assets, and reports no officer compensation.
EIN: 204981257 · Plymouth, MI · NTEE: F02 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $5.2M |
| Total Expenses | $1.9M |
| Program Spending | 90% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $4.1M |
| Net Assets | $14.7M |
| Transparency Score | 95/100 |
Is Creating Alternatives Together Inc Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Creating Alternatives Together Inc directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Creating Alternatives Together Inc
Creating Alternatives Together Inc (EIN: 204981257) is a nonprofit organization based in Plymouth, MI, classified under NTEE code F02. The organization reported total revenue of $5.2M and total assets of $20.4M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Creating Alternatives Together Inc's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Creating Alternatives Together Inc is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 17 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 9.2%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $4.2M |
| Total Expenses | $1.9M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$2.2M |
| Total Assets | $15.6M |
| Total Liabilities | $889K |
| Net Assets | $14.7M |
| Operating Margin | 53.7% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 5.7% |
| Months of Reserves | 97.2 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Creating Alternatives Together Inc reported a surplus of $2.2M with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 97.2 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 5.7% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Creating Alternatives Together Inc's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +83.5% | +6.4% | +19.8% |
| 2022 | -41.1% | +4.5% | -4.3% |
| 2021 | +6.5% | +2.0% | +28.1% |
| 2020 | +18.6% | +3.0% | +3.7% |
| 2019 | +10.0% | -14.6% | +17.0% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2009 |
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 Creating Alternatives Together 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
- admin: 7%
- programs: 90%
- fundraising: 3%
According to IRS 990 filings, Creating Alternatives Together Inc 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 $2.2M, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 5.7%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that no officers received compensation, which is highly unusual for an organization of this size ($4.1M revenue in 202309) and suggests a strong volunteer-led or externally compensated leadership structure.
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 Creating Alternatives Together Inc's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent 0% officer compensation for an organization of this size could indicate compensation is paid through a related entity or not reported, warranting further investigation into leadership structure and compensation practices.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Creating Alternatives Together Inc:
- Strong financial growth with assets increasing from $10.2M in 201909 to $15.5M in 202309.
- Consistent generation of significant surpluses, with revenue substantially exceeding expenses (e.g., $4.1M revenue vs. $1.9M expenses in 202309).
- Reported 0% officer compensation across all filings, suggesting a high dedication of funds to programs.
- Low liabilities relative to assets, indicating strong balance sheet health (e.g., $888,800 liabilities vs. $15,599,394 assets in 202309).
Frequently Asked Questions about Creating Alternatives Together Inc
Is Creating Alternatives Together Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Creating Alternatives Together Inc (EIN: 204981257) some concerns. Mission Score: 95/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Creating Alternatives Together Inc spend its money?
Creating Alternatives Together Inc directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Creating Alternatives Together Inc tax-deductible?
Creating Alternatives Together Inc is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 204981257). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the Creating Alternatives Together Inc CEO make?
Creating Alternatives Together Inc's highest-compensated officer earns $4.1M annually. The organization reported $5.2M in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
What percentage of Creating Alternatives Together Inc's spending goes to programs?
Creating Alternatives Together Inc directs 90% to programs, 3% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Creating Alternatives Together Inc compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 95/100 (Excellent), Creating Alternatives Together Inc is above average for NTEE category F02 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Creating Alternatives Together Inc located?
Creating Alternatives Together Inc is headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan and files with the IRS under EIN 204981257. It is classified under NTEE code F02.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Creating Alternatives Together Inc have?
Creating Alternatives Together Inc 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 $5.2M in total revenue.
Is Creating Alternatives Together Inc a good charity?
Based on its financial data, Creating Alternatives Together Inc appears to be a very good charity. It consistently generates significant surpluses, has a growing asset base, and reports 0% officer compensation, indicating strong financial management and a high dedication of resources to its mission.
How has the organization's financial health changed over time?
The organization's financial health has significantly improved over time. Revenue has grown from $1,924,530 in 201409 to $4,155,938 in 202309, and assets have more than doubled from $5,426,222 to $15,599,394 in the same period, demonstrating consistent growth and stability.
What is the organization's spending efficiency?
Creating Alternatives Together Inc exhibits high spending efficiency. In 202309, expenses ($1,926,148) were less than half of its revenue ($4,155,938), resulting in a substantial surplus. This trend is consistent across recent years, indicating effective cost management.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Creating Alternatives Together Inc showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Creating Alternatives Together Inc's revenue has grown by 186.6%, moving from $1.5M to $4.2M. Total assets increased by 342.3% over the same period, from $3.5M to $15.6M. Total functional expenses rose by 70.6%, from $1.1M to $1.9M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Creating Alternatives Together Inc reported a surplus of $2.2M, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $889K in liabilities against $15.6M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 5.7%), resulting in net assets of $14.7M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $4.2M | $1.9M | $15.6M | $889K | — | — |
| 2022 | $2.3M | $1.8M | $13.0M | $735K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $3.8M | $1.7M | $13.6M | $520K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $3.6M | $1.7M | $10.6M | $575K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $3.0M | $1.6M | $10.2M | $2.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $2.8M | $1.9M | $8.8M | $2.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $2.4M | $2.1M | $9.8M | $4.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $2.0M | $1.8M | $8.6M | $3.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $2.6M | $1.6M | $7.5M | $2.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $1.9M | $1.5M | $5.4M | $1.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $2.0M | $1.5M | $4.7M | $1.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $1.6M | $1.5M | $4.0M | $1.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $1.5M | $1.1M | $3.5M | $988K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $4.2M, expenses of $1.9M, and assets of $15.6M (revenue +83.5% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $2.3M, expenses of $1.8M, and assets of $13.0M (revenue -41.1% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $3.8M, expenses of $1.7M, and assets of $13.6M (revenue +6.5% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $3.6M, expenses of $1.7M, and assets of $10.6M (revenue +18.6% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $3.0M, expenses of $1.6M, and assets of $10.2M (revenue +10.0% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $2.8M, expenses of $1.9M, and assets of $8.8M (revenue +14.3% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $2.4M, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $9.8M (revenue +20.1% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $2.0M, expenses of $1.8M, and assets of $8.6M (revenue -21.6% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $2.6M, expenses of $1.6M, and assets of $7.5M (revenue +33.5% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $1.9M, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $5.4M (revenue -3.6% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $2.0M, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $4.7M (revenue +22.5% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $1.6M, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $4.0M (revenue +12.4% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $1.5M, expenses of $1.1M, and assets of $3.5M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Creating Alternatives Together Inc:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Creating Alternatives Together 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.