Pema Chodron Foundation
Pema Chodron Foundation reports two consecutive years of expenses significantly exceeding revenue, drawing down assets.
EIN: 205958865 · Steamboat Springs, CO · NTEE: X50 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $1.1M |
| Total Expenses | $1.3M |
| Program Spending | 75% |
| Net Assets | $6.2M |
| Transparency Score | 70/100 |
Is Pema Chodron Foundation Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Pema Chodron Foundation directs 75% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Pema Chodron Foundation
Pema Chodron Foundation (EIN: 205958865) is a nonprofit organization based in Steamboat Springs, CO, classified under NTEE code X50. The organization reported total revenue of $1.1M and total assets of $6.3M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Pema Chodron Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Pema Chodron Foundation is a mid-size 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 -0.6%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $771K |
| Total Expenses | $1.3M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-557,235 |
| Total Assets | $6.5M |
| Total Liabilities | $221K |
| Net Assets | $6.2M |
| Operating Margin | -72.2% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 3.4% |
| Months of Reserves | 58.3 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Pema Chodron Foundation reported a deficit of $557K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 58.3 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 3.4% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Pema Chodron Foundation's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -0.6%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -25.7% | -20.4% | +0.4% |
| 2022 | -46.2% | +31.2% | -21.4% |
| 2021 | +94.1% | -8.2% | +20.8% |
| 2020 | -11.4% | +10.0% | -0.7% |
| 2019 | -3.9% | +39.6% | +12.0% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| 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 Pema Chodron Foundation with a Mission Score of 70 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: 75%
- fundraising: 10%
According to IRS 990 filings, Pema Chodron Foundation allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 15%, programs: 75%, fundraising: 10%. With 75% 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 $557K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 3.4%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The Pema Chodron Foundation consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that no salaries or other compensation are paid to its officers, which is a strong positive for minimizing administrative costs.
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 Pema Chodron Foundation's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent deficit spending in 2022 and 2023, with expenses significantly exceeding revenue.
- Significant decline in total assets from $8,183,827 in 2021 to $6,457,287 in 2023, indicating asset depletion.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Pema Chodron Foundation:
- Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, indicating strong financial stewardship regarding executive pay.
- Maintains substantial assets ($6,457,287 in 2023) despite recent deficits, providing a buffer.
- Long operational history with 13 IRS 990 filings, suggesting organizational stability.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pema Chodron Foundation
Is Pema Chodron Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Pema Chodron Foundation (EIN: 205958865) some concerns. Mission Score: 70/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
How does Pema Chodron Foundation spend its money?
Pema Chodron Foundation directs 75% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Pema Chodron Foundation tax-deductible?
Pema Chodron Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 205958865). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Pema Chodron Foundation's spending goes to programs?
Pema Chodron Foundation directs 75% to programs, 10% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Pema Chodron Foundation compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 70/100 (Good), Pema Chodron Foundation is above average for NTEE category X50 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Pema Chodron Foundation located?
Pema Chodron Foundation is headquartered in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and files with the IRS under EIN 205958865. It is classified under NTEE code X50.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Pema Chodron Foundation have?
Pema Chodron Foundation 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 $1.1M in total revenue.
How does the Pema Chodron Foundation plan to address its recurring revenue deficit?
The organization has experienced expenses exceeding revenue in 2023 ($1,328,676 vs. $771,441) and 2022 ($1,668,827 vs. $1,038,159). Future filings should clarify strategies to balance the budget.
What is the detailed breakdown of the organization's expenses beyond officer compensation?
While officer compensation is 0%, a full breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses is needed to fully assess spending efficiency and ensure funds are primarily directed to mission-related activities.
What caused the significant decline in assets from $8,183,827 in 2021 to $6,457,287 in 2023?
The substantial decrease in assets over two years, coinciding with deficit spending, suggests the organization is using its reserves to cover operational costs.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Pema Chodron Foundation showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Pema Chodron Foundation's revenue has declined by 7.5%, moving from $834K to $771K. Total assets increased by 146.6% over the same period, from $2.6M to $6.5M. Total functional expenses rose by 603.6%, from $189K to $1.3M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Pema Chodron Foundation reported a deficit of $557K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $221K in liabilities against $6.5M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 3.4%), resulting in net assets of $6.2M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $771K | $1.3M | $6.5M | $221K | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $1.0M | $1.7M | $6.4M | $283K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $1.9M | $1.3M | $8.2M | $215K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $994K | $1.4M | $6.8M | $201K | — | — |
| 2019 | $1.1M | $1.3M | $6.8M | $315K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $1.2M | $902K | $6.1M | $225K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $714K | $837K | $6.2M | $148K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $847K | $416K | $5.8M | $86K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $1.3M | $632K | $5.2M | $85K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $821K | $324K | $4.9M | $136K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $1.3M | $549K | $4.5M | $159K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $1.0M | $313K | $3.6M | $175K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $834K | $189K | $2.6M | $3K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $771K, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $6.5M (revenue -25.7% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $1.0M, expenses of $1.7M, and assets of $6.4M (revenue -46.2% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $1.9M, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $8.2M (revenue +94.1% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $994K, expenses of $1.4M, and assets of $6.8M (revenue -11.4% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $6.8M (revenue -3.9% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $902K, and assets of $6.1M (revenue +63.6% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $714K, expenses of $837K, and assets of $6.2M (revenue -15.7% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $847K, expenses of $416K, and assets of $5.8M (revenue -33.5% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $632K, and assets of $5.2M (revenue +55.1% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $821K, expenses of $324K, and assets of $4.9M (revenue -36.4% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $549K, and assets of $4.5M (revenue +27.6% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $1.0M, expenses of $313K, and assets of $3.6M (revenue +21.2% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $834K, expenses of $189K, and assets of $2.6M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Pema Chodron Foundation:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Pema Chodron Foundation 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.