High Plains Land Conservancy

High Plains Land Conservancy maintains strong asset growth and zero liabilities, with fluctuating revenue primarily driven by large, infrequent contributions.

EIN: 20592604 · Holyoke, CO · Updated: 2026-03-28

$580KRevenue

$1.9MAssets

85/100Mission Score (Excellent)

Is High Plains Land Conservancy Legit?

Some Concerns

GoodFiling Consistency

ExcellentSpending Efficiency

GoodTransparency

2 FoundRed Flags

Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →

High Plains Land Conservancy directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.

About High Plains Land Conservancy

High Plains Land Conservancy (EIN: 20592604) is a nonprofit organization based in Holyoke, CO. The organization reported total revenue of $580K and total assets of $1.9M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of High Plains Land Conservancy's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.

AI Transparency Report

High Plains Land Conservancy demonstrates a generally healthy financial position, with assets consistently growing over the past decade, reaching $1,599,969 in 2023. The organization has maintained zero liabilities across all reported periods, indicating strong financial management and no reliance on debt. Revenue has shown significant fluctuations, with notable spikes in 2018 ($526,837) and 2023 ($492,280), suggesting reliance on larger, perhaps infrequent, contributions or grants. The latest filing shows a healthy surplus, with revenue of $492,280 significantly exceeding expenses of $298,779.

The organization's spending efficiency appears strong, particularly given the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, which suggests a volunteer-led or very lean executive structure. Without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, a precise efficiency ratio cannot be calculated, but the overall low expense levels relative to assets and occasional high revenue years are positive indicators. The absence of liabilities further reinforces financial stability.

Transparency is good regarding financial reporting, with 13 filings available. However, the lack of reported officer compensation, while potentially a positive for efficiency, could also raise questions if there are significant uncompensated roles or if compensation is reported under other categories. Further detail on the allocation of expenses would enhance transparency and allow for a more granular assessment of program spending versus overhead.

Mission Effectiveness Score

NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates High Plains Land Conservancy 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, High Plains Land Conservancy 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

High Plains Land Conservancy consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating a volunteer-led executive structure or that executive duties are performed by staff whose compensation is not categorized as 'officer compensation.' This suggests a highly efficient use of funds by minimizing top-level salary expenses.

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 High Plains Land Conservancy's IRS 990 filings:

Significant year-to-year revenue volatility, making financial planning potentially challenging.
Lack of detailed expense breakdown (program vs. admin vs. fundraising) in provided data, limiting precise efficiency analysis.

Strengths

The following positive indicators were identified for High Plains Land Conservancy:

Consistent asset growth, reaching $1,599,969 in 2023, indicating strong financial stewardship.
Zero reported liabilities across all 13 filings, demonstrating excellent financial health and no debt.
0% officer compensation reported, suggesting highly efficient use of funds at the executive level.
Positive net income in most years, including a substantial surplus of $193,501 in 2023 ($492,280 revenue - $298,779 expenses).

Frequently Asked Questions about High Plains Land Conservancy

Is High Plains Land Conservancy a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, High Plains Land Conservancy (EIN: 20592604) some concerns. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.

How does High Plains Land Conservancy spend its money?

High Plains Land Conservancy directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.

Are donations to High Plains Land Conservancy tax-deductible?

High Plains Land Conservancy is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 20592604). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

What is the primary source of the significant revenue spikes observed in 2018 and 2023?

The IRS 990 filings show revenue spikes of $526,837 in 2018 and $492,280 in 2023, significantly higher than other years. This suggests the organization may receive large, infrequent grants or donations, or engage in periodic capital campaigns.

How does High Plains Land Conservancy manage to operate with 0% reported officer compensation?

The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation implies that the organization's leadership roles are either entirely volunteer-based or that executive functions are performed by staff whose salaries are categorized differently within the expense structure, such as program or administrative costs.

What are the specific program activities funded by the organization?

While the filings indicate overall expenses, a detailed breakdown of program activities is not provided in the summary data. Understanding the specific land conservation initiatives would clarify the impact of their spending.

Filing History

IRS 990 filing history for High Plains Land Conservancy showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:

Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), High Plains Land Conservancy's revenue has grown by 205.1%, moving from $161K to $492K. Total assets increased by 80% over the same period, from $889K to $1.6M. Total functional expenses rose by 102.3%, from $148K to $299K. In its most recent filing year (2023), High Plains Land Conservancy reported a surplus of $194K, with revenue exceeding expenses.

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Liabilities	Officer Comp.	PDF
2023	$492K	$299K	$1.6M	$0	—	View 990
2022	$64K	$88K	$1.4M	$0	—	View 990
2021	$56K	$54K	$1.4M	$0	—	View 990
2020	$56K	$63K	$1.4M	$0	—	View 990
2019	$47K	$27K	$1.4M	$0	—	View 990
2018	$527K	$172K	$1.4M	$0	—	View 990
2017	$101K	$78K	$1.1M	$0	—	View 990
2016	$93K	$87K	$1.0M	$0	—	View 990
2015	$88K	$54K	$1.0M	$0	—	View 990
2014	$60K	$86K	$998K	$0	—	View 990
2013	$124K	$44K	$1.0M	$0	—	View 990
2012	$156K	$102K	$944K	$0	—	View 990
2011	$161K	$148K	$889K	$0	—	View 990

Year-by-Year Financial Summary

2023: Revenue of $492K, expenses of $299K, and assets of $1.6M (revenue +673.5% year-over-year).
2022: Revenue of $64K, expenses of $88K, and assets of $1.4M (revenue +14.4% year-over-year).
2021: Revenue of $56K, expenses of $54K, and assets of $1.4M (revenue -1.4% year-over-year).
2020: Revenue of $56K, expenses of $63K, and assets of $1.4M (revenue +20.5% year-over-year).
2019: Revenue of $47K, expenses of $27K, and assets of $1.4M (revenue -91.1% year-over-year).
2018: Revenue of $527K, expenses of $172K, and assets of $1.4M (revenue +420.4% year-over-year).
2017: Revenue of $101K, expenses of $78K, and assets of $1.1M (revenue +9.4% year-over-year).
2016: Revenue of $93K, expenses of $87K, and assets of $1.0M (revenue +5.0% year-over-year).
2015: Revenue of $88K, expenses of $54K, and assets of $1.0M (revenue +47.7% year-over-year).
2014: Revenue of $60K, expenses of $86K, and assets of $998K (revenue -52.0% year-over-year).
2013: Revenue of $124K, expenses of $44K, and assets of $1.0M (revenue -20.4% year-over-year).
2012: Revenue of $156K, expenses of $102K, and assets of $944K (revenue -3.1% year-over-year).
2011: Revenue of $161K, expenses of $148K, and assets of $889K.

Data Sources and Methodology

This transparency report for High Plains Land Conservancy 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.