Sagamore Institute Inc
Sagamore Institute Inc. consistently generates revenue surpluses and has grown assets significantly, reporting 0% officer compensation.
EIN: 201161578 · Indianapolis, IN · NTEE: W05 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $24.6M |
| Total Expenses | $13.9M |
| Program Spending | 85% |
| Net Assets | $14.5M |
| Transparency Score | 85/100 |
Is Sagamore Institute Inc Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Sagamore Institute Inc directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Sagamore Institute Inc
Sagamore Institute Inc (EIN: 201161578) is a nonprofit organization based in Indianapolis, IN, classified under NTEE code W05. The organization reported total revenue of $24.6M and total assets of $20.8M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Sagamore Institute Inc's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Sagamore Institute Inc is a large nonprofit that has been operating for 22 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 15.3%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $16.8M |
| Total Expenses | $13.9M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$2.9M |
| Total Assets | $15.8M |
| Total Liabilities | $1.3M |
| Net Assets | $14.5M |
| Operating Margin | 17.1% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 8.2% |
| Months of Reserves | 13.6 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Sagamore Institute Inc reported a surplus of $2.9M with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 13.6 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 8.2% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Sagamore Institute Inc's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.3%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +10.3% | -15.9% | +19.0% |
| 2022 | -21.5% | +11.4% | -5.2% |
| 2021 | +47.9% | +27.6% | +50.2% |
| 2020 | -6.4% | -7.1% | +19.5% |
| 2019 | -6.1% | -7.0% | +22.1% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2004 |
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 Sagamore Institute Inc 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: 10%
- programs: 85%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Sagamore Institute Inc allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 85%, fundraising: 5%. With 85% 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 $2.9M, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 8.2%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which is highly unusual for an organization of its size and revenue, suggesting either pro-bono leadership or compensation structured in a way not captured under 'officer compensation' on the 990.
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 Sagamore Institute Inc's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent 0% officer compensation reported, which is highly unusual for an organization of this scale and warrants further investigation into executive compensation structures.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Sagamore Institute Inc:
- Consistent revenue surpluses, indicating sound financial management.
- Significant asset growth over the past decade, from $2.7M in 2014 to $15.7M in 2023.
- Low liabilities relative to assets, demonstrating a strong balance sheet.
- Positive trend in financial stability and capacity building.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sagamore Institute Inc
Is Sagamore Institute Inc a legitimate charity?
Sagamore Institute Inc (EIN: 201161578) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in Indiana. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 85/100. It has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $24.6M. 1 red flag identified. 4 strengths noted. Financial health grade: A.
How does Sagamore Institute Inc spend its money?
Sagamore Institute Inc directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 5%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.
Are donations to Sagamore Institute Inc tax-deductible?
Sagamore Institute Inc is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 201161578). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Sagamore Institute Inc's spending goes to programs?
Sagamore Institute Inc directs 85% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Sagamore Institute Inc compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 85/100 (Excellent), Sagamore Institute Inc is above average for NTEE category W05 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Sagamore Institute Inc located?
Sagamore Institute Inc is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and files with the IRS under EIN 201161578. It is classified under NTEE code W05.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Sagamore Institute Inc have?
Sagamore Institute 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 $24.6M in total revenue.
Is Sagamore Institute Inc. a good charity?
Based on financial data, Sagamore Institute Inc. appears to be a financially healthy organization with consistent revenue surpluses and significant asset growth. The reported 0% officer compensation is a unique factor that could indicate high efficiency in directing funds towards its mission, but also warrants further inquiry into how key leadership is compensated.
How has Sagamore Institute Inc.'s financial health changed over time?
Sagamore Institute Inc. has shown strong financial growth, with revenue increasing from $5,891,442 in 2014 to $16,762,794 in 2023, and assets growing from $2,773,096 to $15,774,857 over the same period. This indicates a positive trend in financial stability and capacity.
What is the significance of 0% officer compensation?
A consistent report of 0% officer compensation for an organization with revenues in the tens of millions is highly unusual. It could mean that executive leadership is entirely volunteer-based, or that compensation is paid through a related entity or structured in a way that is not reported as 'officer compensation' on the 990. This practice, if truly unpaid, would free up significant funds for programs, but if compensation is hidden, it could be a transparency concern.
Does Sagamore Institute Inc. have sufficient reserves?
With assets of $15,774,857 and annual expenses of $13,902,629 in 2023, Sagamore Institute Inc. appears to have more than one year's worth of operating expenses in reserves, indicating a strong financial cushion.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Sagamore Institute Inc showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Sagamore Institute Inc's revenue has grown by 453.1%, moving from $3.0M to $16.8M. Total assets increased by 1433.2% over the same period, from $1.0M to $15.8M. Total functional expenses rose by 564%, from $2.1M to $13.9M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Sagamore Institute Inc reported a surplus of $2.9M, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $1.3M in liabilities against $15.8M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 8.2%), resulting in net assets of $14.5M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $16.8M | $13.9M | $15.8M | $1.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $15.2M | $16.5M | $13.3M | $1.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $19.4M | $14.8M | $14.0M | $942K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $13.1M | $11.6M | $9.3M | $529K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $14.0M | $12.5M | $7.8M | $467K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $14.9M | $13.5M | $6.4M | $529K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $11.5M | $11.2M | $4.6M | $213K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $9.2M | $9.2M | $4.3M | $180K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $8.1M | $6.8M | $4.1M | $121K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $5.9M | $6.0M | $2.8M | $88K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $4.9M | $4.0M | $2.9M | $139K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $3.8M | $2.8M | $2.1M | $183K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $3.0M | $2.1M | $1.0M | $126K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $16.8M, expenses of $13.9M, and assets of $15.8M (revenue +10.3% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $15.2M, expenses of $16.5M, and assets of $13.3M (revenue -21.5% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $19.4M, expenses of $14.8M, and assets of $14.0M (revenue +47.9% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $13.1M, expenses of $11.6M, and assets of $9.3M (revenue -6.4% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $14.0M, expenses of $12.5M, and assets of $7.8M (revenue -6.1% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $14.9M, expenses of $13.5M, and assets of $6.4M (revenue +29.2% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $11.5M, expenses of $11.2M, and assets of $4.6M (revenue +24.8% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $9.2M, expenses of $9.2M, and assets of $4.3M (revenue +13.5% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $8.1M, expenses of $6.8M, and assets of $4.1M (revenue +38.1% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $5.9M, expenses of $6.0M, and assets of $2.8M (revenue +20.3% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $4.9M, expenses of $4.0M, and assets of $2.9M (revenue +28.8% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $3.8M, expenses of $2.8M, and assets of $2.1M (revenue +25.4% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $3.0M, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $1.0M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Sagamore Institute Inc:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Sagamore Institute 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.