Creative Santa Fe
Creative Santa Fe faces financial challenges with a 2023 deficit and increased liabilities, despite consistent 0% officer compensation.
EIN: 202457936 · Santa Fe, NM · NTEE: A20 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $560K |
| Total Expenses | $547K |
| Program Spending | 80% |
| Net Assets | $-11,528 |
| Transparency Score | 75/100 |
Is Creative Santa Fe Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Creative Santa Fe directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Creative Santa Fe
Creative Santa Fe (EIN: 202457936) is a nonprofit organization based in Santa Fe, NM, classified under NTEE code A20. The organization reported total revenue of $560K and total assets of $105K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Creative Santa Fe's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Creative Santa Fe is a small nonprofit that has been operating for 20 years, with 14 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 26.1%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $414K |
| Total Expenses | $547K |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-132,959 |
| Total Assets | $65K |
| Total Liabilities | $77K |
| Net Assets | $-11,528 |
| Operating Margin | -32.1% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 117.7% |
| Months of Reserves | 1.4 months |
Financial Health Grade: D
In 2023, Creative Santa Fe reported a deficit of $133K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 1.4 months of operating reserves (limited), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 117.7% (high leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 14 years of filings (2011–2023), Creative Santa Fe's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.1%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +10.8% | +59.1% | -48.9% |
| 2022 | +189.7% | +220.7% | +39.9% |
| 2021 | -56.8% | -69.2% | +30.8% |
| 2020 | -40.8% | -29.3% | -43.5% |
| 2019 | +12.3% | +19.2% | +12.9% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2006 |
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 Creative Santa Fe with a Mission Score of 75 out of 100 (Good). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 15%
- programs: 80%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Creative Santa Fe allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 15%, programs: 80%, fundraising: 5%. With 80% 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 $133K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 117.7%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Creative Santa Fe consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that no salaries are paid to its officers. This is a highly positive sign, suggesting a strong commitment to directing financial resources entirely towards its programs and operations rather than executive salaries, which is commendable for an organization of its size.
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 Creative Santa Fe's IRS 990 filings:
- Significant deficit in 2023 ($132,959, with expenses of $546,603 against revenue of $413,644).
- Substantial increase in liabilities in 2023 (from $6,278 in 2022 to $76,777).
- Declining assets in 2023 (from $127,709 in 2022 to $65,249).
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Creative Santa Fe:
- Consistent 0% officer compensation across all reported years, indicating strong financial stewardship at the executive level.
- History of significant revenue generation, with latest revenue at $560,299 and several years exceeding $400,000.
- Long filing history (14 filings), suggesting established operations and compliance with IRS reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions about Creative Santa Fe
Is Creative Santa Fe a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Creative Santa Fe (EIN: 202457936) some concerns. Mission Score: 75/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
How does Creative Santa Fe spend its money?
Creative Santa Fe directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Creative Santa Fe tax-deductible?
Creative Santa Fe is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 202457936). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Creative Santa Fe's spending goes to programs?
Creative Santa Fe directs 80% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Creative Santa Fe compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 75/100 (Good), Creative Santa Fe is above average for NTEE category A20 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Creative Santa Fe located?
Creative Santa Fe is headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico and files with the IRS under EIN 202457936. It is classified under NTEE code A20.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Creative Santa Fe have?
Creative Santa Fe has 14 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 $560K in total revenue.
What caused the significant increase in liabilities to $76,777 in 2023?
The provided data indicates a sharp rise in liabilities from $6,278 in 2022 to $76,777 in 2023. Understanding the nature of these liabilities (e.g., program-related debt, operational expenses, deferred revenue) is crucial for assessing the organization's financial health and future obligations.
How does Creative Santa Fe plan to address the $132,959 deficit incurred in 2023?
In 2023, expenses ($546,603) significantly exceeded revenue ($413,644). The organization's strategy for recovering from this deficit and ensuring future financial stability is a key question for potential donors and stakeholders.
What is the detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses?
While the provided data gives overall revenue and expenses, a more granular breakdown of how funds are allocated across programs, administration, and fundraising would allow for a more precise assessment of spending efficiency and impact.
What are the primary sources of revenue for Creative Santa Fe?
Understanding whether the organization relies heavily on grants, individual donations, program service fees, or other sources would provide insight into its funding model and potential vulnerabilities or strengths in its fundraising strategy.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Creative Santa Fe showing financial trends over 14 years of public records:
Over 14 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Creative Santa Fe's revenue has grown by 1521.8%, moving from $26K to $414K. Total assets increased by 1088.9% over the same period, from $5K to $65K. Total functional expenses rose by 2554.1%, from $21K to $547K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Creative Santa Fe reported a deficit of $133K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $77K in liabilities against $65K in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 117.7%), resulting in net assets of $-11,528.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $414K | $547K | $65K | $77K | — | — |
| 2022 | $373K | $343K | $128K | $6K | — | — |
| 2021 | $129K | $107K | $91K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $298K | $348K | $70K | $226 | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $504K | $492K | $123K | $4K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $449K | $413K | $109K | $1K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $547K | $579K | $85K | $12K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $563K | $633K | $139K | $34K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $410K | $410K | $206K | $32K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $490K | $433K | $196K | $21K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $630K | $560K | $160K | $42K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $451K | $547K | $58K | $14K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $216K | $82K | $139K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $26K | $21K | $5K | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $414K, expenses of $547K, and assets of $65K (revenue +10.8% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $373K, expenses of $343K, and assets of $128K (revenue +189.7% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $129K, expenses of $107K, and assets of $91K (revenue -56.8% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $298K, expenses of $348K, and assets of $70K (revenue -40.8% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $504K, expenses of $492K, and assets of $123K (revenue +12.3% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $449K, expenses of $413K, and assets of $109K (revenue -18.0% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $547K, expenses of $579K, and assets of $85K (revenue -2.8% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $563K, expenses of $633K, and assets of $139K (revenue +37.5% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $410K, expenses of $410K, and assets of $206K (revenue -16.4% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $490K, expenses of $433K, and assets of $196K (revenue -22.1% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $630K, expenses of $560K, and assets of $160K (revenue +39.5% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $451K, expenses of $547K, and assets of $58K (revenue +109.3% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $216K, expenses of $82K, and assets of $139K (revenue +745.0% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $26K, expenses of $21K, and assets of $5K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Creative Santa Fe:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Creative Santa Fe 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.