Guidestone
Guidestone maintains stable finances with no executive compensation, focusing resources on operations.
EIN: 208782291 · Salida, CO · NTEE: C30 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Guidestone Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Guidestone directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Guidestone
Guidestone (EIN: 208782291) is a nonprofit organization based in Salida, CO, classified under NTEE code C30. The organization reported total revenue of $580K and total assets of $241K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Guidestone's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Guidestone with a Mission Score of 85 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: 15%
- programs: 80%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Guidestone 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.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Guidestone reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that no salaries are paid to its officers, which is highly commendable for a nonprofit of its size and suggests a strong commitment to directing funds towards its mission.
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 Guidestone's IRS 990 filings:
- Occasional deficit spending, such as in 2022 where expenses ($354,646) exceeded revenue ($319,951), could indicate reliance on reserves or fluctuating funding.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Guidestone:
- Zero officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating high efficiency and dedication of resources to the mission.
- Consistent IRS 990 filing history (12 filings) demonstrates strong transparency and compliance.
- Low liabilities relative to assets, such as $5,371 in liabilities against $188,179 in assets in 2023, indicating sound financial management.
- Positive asset growth over the long term, from $16,446 in 2016 to $241,156 currently, showing increasing financial capacity.
- Recent revenue growth to $579,765, suggesting increasing support and impact.
Frequently Asked Questions about Guidestone
Is Guidestone a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Guidestone (EIN: 208782291) some concerns. Mission Score: 85/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
How does Guidestone spend its money?
Guidestone directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Guidestone tax-deductible?
Guidestone is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 208782291). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is Guidestone a good charity?
Based on the available IRS 990 data, Guidestone appears to be a good charity. It demonstrates financial stability, no executive compensation, and consistent operations over a long period, suggesting effective use of donor funds.
How has Guidestone's revenue trended over time?
Guidestone's revenue has shown a general upward trend over the past decade, from $97,033 in 2016 to $364,502 in 2023, with the latest reported revenue at $579,765, indicating growth and increased support.
Does Guidestone have high administrative costs?
While specific detailed breakdowns aren't provided, the absence of officer compensation suggests that administrative costs are likely managed efficiently, with resources primarily allocated to program delivery and essential operational overhead.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Guidestone showing financial trends over 12 years of public records:
Over 12 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2023), Guidestone's revenue has grown by 743%, moving from $43K to $365K. Total assets increased by 1076.4% over the same period, from $16K to $188K. Total functional expenses rose by 508.1%, from $60K to $364K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Guidestone reported a surplus of $351, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $5K in liabilities against $188K in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 2.9%), resulting in net assets of $183K.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $365K | $364K | $188K | $5K | — | — |
| 2022 | $320K | $355K | $204K | $21K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $457K | $469K | $226K | $9K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $370K | $336K | $280K | $6K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $277K | $209K | $230K | $13K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $146K | $207K | $140K | $13K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $332K | $143K | $212K | $14K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $97K | $99K | $16K | $2K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $235K | $232K | $19K | $2K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $193K | $217K | $15K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $182K | $160K | $39K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $43K | $60K | $16K | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $365K, expenses of $364K, and assets of $188K (revenue +13.9% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $320K, expenses of $355K, and assets of $204K (revenue -29.9% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $457K, expenses of $469K, and assets of $226K (revenue +23.3% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $370K, expenses of $336K, and assets of $280K (revenue +33.5% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $277K, expenses of $209K, and assets of $230K (revenue +89.5% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $146K, expenses of $207K, and assets of $140K (revenue -55.9% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $332K, expenses of $143K, and assets of $212K (revenue +242.2% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $97K, expenses of $99K, and assets of $16K (revenue -58.6% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $235K, expenses of $232K, and assets of $19K (revenue +21.7% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $193K, expenses of $217K, and assets of $15K (revenue +5.7% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $182K, expenses of $160K, and assets of $39K (revenue +322.1% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $43K, expenses of $60K, and assets of $16K.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Guidestone 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.