COALITION FOR THE UPPER SOUTH PLATTE

A Healthy Watershed ~ Now and in the Future

aka CUSP | Lake George, CO | www.cusp.ws

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GuideStar Charity Check

EIN: 84-1469785

Contributions tax deductible
as of March 2023

IRS BMF 509(a)(1)
as of March 13, 2023

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Charity Check report

Mission

To protect the water quality and ecological health of the Upper South Platte Watershed through the cooperative efforts of stakeholders with emphasis on community values and economic sustainability.

Ruling year info

1998

Executive Director

John Geerdes

Main address

PO Box 726

Lake George, CO 80827 USA

Show more contact info

Formerly known as

Upper South Platte Watershed Protection Association

EIN

84-1469785

Subject area info

Natural resources

Rivers and lakes

Fire prevention and control

Sports and recreation

Population served info

Children and youth

Adults

Low-income people

NTEE code info

Natural Resource Conservation and Protection (C30)

Fire Prevention / Protection / Control (M24)

Other Recreation, Sports, or Leisure Activities N.E.C. (N99)

IRS subsection

501(c)(3) Public Charity

IRS filing requirement

This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Tax forms

Show Forms 990

Communication

Affiliations

See related organizations info

Programs and results

Reports and documents

What we aim to solve

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

We understand that environmental challenges don’t stay within jurisdictional boundaries; therefore solving them can’t happen as long as we confine ourselves to lines drawn on maps, and; We need everyone who depends on a resource, who has a stake in the outcome, to come to the table and work cooperatively in order to succeed in addressing the most pressing environmental problems.

Our programs

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?

Forest Health

CUSP AIDES PROPERTY OWNERS IN THE CREATION OF DEFENSIBLE SPACE AROUND DWELLINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES, WORKS WITH COMMUNITIES TO WRITE COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLANS, AND MONITORS ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES OF FOREST MANAGEMENT PROJECTS ON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LANDS.

Population(s) Served

Adults

RIVER RESTORATION

WE WORK ON RESTORING RIPARIAN AREAS AND PROPER RIVER FUNCTION TO REDUCE SEDIMENTATION AND IMPROVE HABITAT FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE, AND FOR RECREATION.

Population(s) Served

Adults

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

CUSP WORKS WITH STUDENTS THROUGHOUT THE WATERSHED AND IN COLORADO'S FRONT RANGE.

Population(s) Served

Children and youth

Where we work

External reviews

Photos

Our results

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.

Number of free participants on field trips

Totals By Year

Population(s) Served

Children and youth

Related Program

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Type of Metric

Output - describing our activities and reach

Direction of Success

Increasing

Context Notes

Environmental Education work with local school districts, including monitoring trips to High Creek Fen.

Number of invasive species removed from managed area(s)

Totals By Year

Population(s) Served

Adults

Related Program

RIVER RESTORATION

Type of Metric

Output - describing our activities and reach

Direction of Success

Increasing

Context Notes

Focus on A & B List invasive weeds and invasive snails and mussels in waterways throughout the watershed and surrounding areas. 140 Acres treated for weeds in 2019.

Number of burned acres rehabilitated

Totals By Year

Population(s) Served

Adults

Related Program

Forest Health

Type of Metric

Output - describing our activities and reach

Direction of Success

Decreasing

Context Notes

Work in Weston Pass Burn area, continuing work in Hayman and Waldo Canyon burn areas

Acres of wildfire mitigation

Totals By Year

Population(s) Served

Age groups

Related Program

Forest Health

Type of Metric

Output - describing our activities and reach

Direction of Success

Increasing

Context Notes

Mitigation through Neighborhood Chipping Program, Slash Sites, and mitigation programs

Our Sustainable Development Goals

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.

Goals & Strategy

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.

Charting impact

Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.

What is the organization aiming to accomplish?

Protection of ecological health and water quality. We believe that ecological health and water quality are essential to society and we are dedicated to their protection and enhancement.
We must ensure the sustainability of the natural resources within the watershed. We strive to maintain options for future generations.
The power of coalition. We believe in bringing together many interests.
Community. We respect the values of the people we serve. We recognize the unique values of different communities and interest groups. We believe in grassroots action.
Voluntary action. We believe in a voluntary, nonregulatory, non-mandated approach
Economic sustainability. We recognize the economic needs of the local communities and the dependence upon the natural resources and will suppo

What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?

1.Identify problem areas of degraded water quality or ecological health and strategic targets for on-the-ground projects through effective monitoring, analysis, and planning processes.
2. Identify actions to protect and restore water quality and ecological health that can be implemented with local stakeholders.
3. Facilitate or perform successful on-the-ground projects.
4.Coordinate monitoring and maintenance of data (including GIS and mapping data) developed by CUSP or other partner entities and organizations.
5.Educate and engage residents, upstream and downstream stakeholders.
6. Ensure the viability of the organization, including increasing non-grant funding.

What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?

Over 20 years of experience has empowered CUSP to grow into one of the leading organizations of its type in the country. We have received many national and regional awards and recognition for our efforts. We have continued our leadership across the state and the nation, participating in a variety of larger initiatives, such as the national Fire Adapted Communities network.

What have they accomplished so far and what's next?

CUSP is celebrating our second decade of service in the Upper South Platte Watershed. We completed the Greater Woodland Park Community Wildfire Protection Plan, more than doubling the area where we are planning work. The plan will enable CUSP and our partners to strategically implement fuel mitigation projects in the years to come.
We also find time to work on trails, water quality monitoring, environmental education and a myriad of other programs that benefit out watershed and communities.
Our weed program is a small part of our work, but we are seeing significant reductions in the invasive species in our watershed by partnering with private landowners to treat weeds on their property.

How we listen

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.

We shared information about our current feedback practices.

Who are the people you serve with your mission?

Stakeholders in the Upper South Platte Watershed. This includes residents, property owners, land management agencies, government, downstream water users, recreationists in the area.
How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?

Suggestion box/email, One on one information gathering,
How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?

To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals,
What significant change resulted from feedback?

Participation in regional advisory committees and public outreach to inform and advise stakeholders of actions they can take to protect the watershed, and how CUSP can help.
With whom is the organization sharing feedback?

Our staff, Our board,
How has asking for feedback from the people you serve changed your relationship?

Feedback informs us of the stakeholder's priorities, and how we can focus our efforts to support those priorities.
Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?

We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We look for patterns in feedback based on people’s interactions with us (e.g., site, frequency of service, etc.), We act on the feedback we receive,
What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?

It is difficult to get the people we serve to respond to requests for feedback, It is difficult to find the ongoing funding to support feedback collection, Staff find it hard to prioritize feedback collection and review due to lack of time,

Financials

COALITION FOR THE UPPER SOUTH PLATTE

Fiscal year: Jan 01 - Dec 31

Financial documents

Yes, financials were audited by an independent accountant.

Revenue vs. expenses: breakdown

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

NET GAIN/LOSS: in

Note: When component data are not available, the graph displays the total Revenue and/or Expense values.

Liquidity in 2020

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

0.29

Average of 0.75 over 10 years

Months of cash in 2020

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

0.6

Average of 0.9 over 10 years

Fringe rate in 2020

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

0%

Average of 6% over 10 years

Funding sources

Source: IRS Form 990

Assets & liabilities

Source: IRS Form 990

Financial data

Source: IRS Form 990

Digitizing IRS form 990 data

COALITION FOR THE UPPER SOUTH PLATTE

Revenue & expenses

Fiscal Year: Jan 01 - Dec 31

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

Fiscal year ending: Download Data

Revenue
Contributions	$206,732
Program Services	$17,409
Investments	$49
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$2,611
Total Revenue	$226,801

Expenses
Grants	$0
Salaries & Employee Benefits	$123,642
Professional Fees	$41,363
Occupancy	$2,649
Printing, Publications, Postage, etc.	$516
Other Expenses	$84,647
Total Expenses	$252,817
Net Gain/Loss	($26,016)

Revenue
Contributions	$67,451
Government Grants	$490,967
Program Services	$30,750
Investments	$0
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$4,363
Total Revenue	$593,531

Expenses
Program Services	$515,950
Administration	$84,470
Fundraising	$3,586
Total Expenses	$604,006
Net Gain/Loss	($10,475)

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$0
Advertising & Promotion	$884
Information Technology Expenses	$0
Insurance Expenses	$9,335
Interest Expenses	$6,293
Investment Management Fees	$0
Legal Fees	$0
Pension Plan Contributions	$0
Professional Fundraising Expenses	$0

Revenue
Contributions	$109,310
Government Grants	$1,166,394
Program Services	$36,183
Investments	$0
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$3,203
Total Revenue	$1,315,090

Expenses
Program Services	$1,076,639
Administration	$94,149
Fundraising	$0
Total Expenses	$1,170,788
Net Gain/Loss	$144,302

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$3,975
Advertising & Promotion	$518
Information Technology Expenses	$0
Insurance Expenses	$7,194
Interest Expenses	$6,072
Investment Management Fees	$0
Legal Fees	$0
Pension Plan Contributions	$0
Professional Fundraising Expenses	$0

Revenue
Contributions	$83,141
Government Grants	$1,822,852
Program Services	$108,529
Investments	$269
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$156
Total Revenue	$2,014,947

Expenses
Program Services	$1,596,202
Administration	$115,099
Fundraising	$12,802
Total Expenses	$1,724,103
Net Gain/Loss	$290,844

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$0
Advertising & Promotion	$5,296
Information Technology Expenses	$0
Insurance Expenses	$7,086
Interest Expenses	$7,500
Investment Management Fees	$0
Legal Fees	$0
Pension Plan Contributions	$0
Professional Fundraising Expenses	$0

Revenue
Contributions	$503,569
Government Grants	$2,174,253
Program Services	$113,530
Investments	$229
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$195
Total Revenue	$2,791,776

Expenses
Program Services	$2,921,600
Administration	$100,307
Fundraising	$34,937
Total Expenses	$3,056,844
Net Gain/Loss	($265,068)

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$7,167
Advertising & Promotion	$7,064
Information Technology Expenses	$0
Insurance Expenses	$13,335
Interest Expenses	$6,257
Investment Management Fees	$0
Legal Fees	$0
Pension Plan Contributions	$0
Professional Fundraising Expenses	$0

Revenue
Contributions	$474,323
Government Grants	$3,458,755
Program Services	$178,307
Investments	$43
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$0
Total Revenue	$4,111,428

Expenses
Program Services	$3,594,898
Administration	$198,308
Fundraising	$14,437
Total Expenses	$3,807,643
Net Gain/Loss	$303,785

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$6,903
Advertising & Promotion	$1,342
Information Technology Expenses	$0
Insurance Expenses	$34,759
Interest Expenses	$9,338
Investment Management Fees	$0
Legal Fees	$0
Pension Plan Contributions	$0
Professional Fundraising Expenses	$0

Revenue
Contributions	$356,511
Government Grants	$5,188,158
Program Services	$340,265
Investments	$92
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$0
Total Revenue	$5,885,026

Expenses
Program Services	$5,753,861
Administration	$245,093
Fundraising	$11,996
Total Expenses	$6,010,950
Net Gain/Loss	($125,924)

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$8,971
Advertising & Promotion	$2,606
Information Technology Expenses	$0
Insurance Expenses	$29,158
Interest Expenses	$5,926
Investment Management Fees	$0
Legal Fees	$0
Pension Plan Contributions	$0
Professional Fundraising Expenses	$0

Revenue
Contributions	$538,097
Government Grants	$1,162,144
Program Services	$191,733
Investments	$63
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$18,842
Total Revenue	$1,910,879

Expenses
Program Services	$1,733,992
Administration	$64,437
Fundraising	$38,729
Total Expenses	$1,837,158
Net Gain/Loss	$73,721

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$10,206
Advertising & Promotion	$625
Information Technology Expenses	$13,810
Insurance Expenses	$25,058
Interest Expenses	$5,813
Investment Management Fees	$0
Legal Fees	$0
Pension Plan Contributions	$0
Professional Fundraising Expenses	$0

Revenue
Contributions	$466,642
Government Grants	$1,306,950
Program Services	$622,340
Investments	$61
Special Events	($1,817)
Sales	$0
Other	$0
Total Revenue	$2,394,176

Expenses
Program Services	$2,082,001
Administration	$105,469
Fundraising	$53,317
Total Expenses	$2,240,787
Net Gain/Loss	$153,389

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$21,020
Advertising & Promotion	$0
Information Technology Expenses	$0
Insurance Expenses	$27,188
Interest Expenses	$0
Investment Management Fees	$0
Legal Fees	$0
Pension Plan Contributions	$0
Professional Fundraising Expenses	$0

Revenue
Contributions	$311,384
Government Grants	$454,583
Program Services	$315,385
Investments	$115
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$0
Total Revenue	$1,081,467

Expenses
Program Services	$1,156,565
Administration	$158,309
Fundraising	$40,712
Total Expenses	$1,355,586
Net Gain/Loss	($274,119)

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$4,900
Advertising & Promotion	$0
Information Technology Expenses	$0
Insurance Expenses	$8,854
Interest Expenses	$0
Investment Management Fees	$0
Legal Fees	$0
Pension Plan Contributions	$0
Professional Fundraising Expenses	$0

Revenue
Contributions	$178,612
Government Grants	$1,049,645
Program Services	$362,494
Investments	$136
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$0
Total Revenue	$1,590,887

Expenses
Program Services	$1,274,846
Administration	$177,825
Fundraising	$21,063
Total Expenses	$1,473,734
Net Gain/Loss	$117,153

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$6,260
Advertising & Promotion	$0
Information Technology Expenses	$0
Insurance Expenses	$8,378
Interest Expenses	$0
Investment Management Fees	$0
Legal Fees	$0
Pension Plan Contributions	$0
Professional Fundraising Expenses	$0

Revenue
Contributions	$192,670
Government Grants	$779,872
Program Services	$334,228
Investments	$4,415
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$0
Total Revenue	$1,311,185

Expenses
Program Services	$1,241,900
Administration	$181,534
Fundraising	$11,317
Total Expenses	$1,434,751
Net Gain/Loss	($123,566)

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$0
Advertising & Promotion	$0
Information Technology Expenses	$0
Insurance Expenses	$13,630
Interest Expenses	$0
Investment Management Fees	$0
Legal Fees	$0
Pension Plan Contributions	$0
Professional Fundraising Expenses	$0

Revenue
Contributions	$76,296
Government Grants	$639,357
Program Services	$301,254
Investments	$17,266
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$0
Total Revenue	$1,034,173

Expenses
Program Services	$927,881
Administration	$241,087
Fundraising	$14,212
Total Expenses	$1,183,180
Net Gain/Loss	($149,007)

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$0
Advertising & Promotion	$0
Information Technology Expenses	$0
Insurance Expenses	$19,742
Interest Expenses	$0
Investment Management Fees	$0
Legal Fees	$0
Pension Plan Contributions	$0
Professional Fundraising Expenses	$0

COALITION FOR THE UPPER SOUTH PLATTE

Balance sheet

Fiscal Year: Jan 01 - Dec 31

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

The balance sheet gives a snapshot of the financial health of an organization at a particular point in time. An organization's total assets should generally exceed its total liabilities, or it cannot survive long, but the types of assets and liabilities must also be considered. For instance, an organization's current assets (cash, receivables, securities, etc.) should be sufficient to cover its current liabilities (payables, deferred revenue, current year loan, and note payments). Otherwise, the organization may face solvency problems. On the other hand, an organization whose cash and equivalents greatly exceed its current liabilities might not be putting its money to best use.

Fiscal year ending: Download Data

Assets	Jan 01, 2008	Dec 31, 2008	Change
Contributions	$206,732
Cash & Equivalents	$15,486	$8,479	($7,007)
Fixed Assets (LBE - Depreciation)	$122,733	$118,265	($4,468)
Other	$46,726	$35,963	($10,763)
Total Assets	$184,945	$162,707	($22,238)

Liabilities	Jan 01, 2008	Dec 31, 2008	Change
Total Liabilities	$122,575	$126,353	$3,778

Fund balance	Jan 01, 2008	Dec 31, 2008	Change
Net Assets	$62,370	$36,354	($26,016)

Assets	Jan 01, 2009	Dec 31, 2009	Change
Contributions	$67,451
Cash & Equivalents	$8,479	$8,848	$369
Accounts Receivable	$0	$721	$721
Pledges & Grants Receivable	$27,750	$45,093	$17,343
Receivable, Other	$0	$0	$0
Inventories for Sale or Use	$0	$0	$0
Investment, Securities	$0	$0	$0
Investment, Other	$0	$0	$0
Fixed Assets (LBE - Depreciation)	$123,998	$116,793	($7,205)
Other	$2,480	$2,480	$0
Total Assets	$162,707	$173,935	$11,228

Liabilities	Jan 01, 2009	Dec 31, 2009	Change
Accounts Payable	$381	$25,377	$24,996
Grants Payable	$0	$0	$0
Deferred Revenue	$11,687	$0	($11,687)
Loans and Notes	$107,569	$104,322	($3,247)
Tax-Exempt Bond Liabilities	$0	$0	$0
Other	$6,716	$18,357	$11,641
Total Liabilities	$126,353	$148,056	$21,703

Fund balance	Jan 01, 2009	Dec 31, 2009	Change
Temporarily Restricted Net Assets	$0	$0	$0
Permanently Restricted Net Assets	$0	$0	$0
Total Restricted Net Assets	$0	$0	$0
Unrestricted Net Assets	$36,354	$25,879	($10,475)
Net Assets	$36,354	$25,879	($10,475)

Assets	Jan 01, 2010	Dec 31, 2010	Change
Contributions	$109,310
Cash & Equivalents	$8,848	$96,674	$87,826
Accounts Receivable	$721	$612	($109)
Pledges & Grants Receivable	$45,093	$83,276	$38,183
Receivable, Other	$0	$0	$0
Inventories for Sale or Use	$0	$0	$0
Investment, Securities	$0	$0	$0
Investment, Other	$0	$0	$0
Fixed Assets (LBE - Depreciation)	$116,793	$123,725	$6,932
Other	$2,480	$2,480	$0
Total Assets	$173,935	$306,767	$132,832

Liabilities	Jan 01, 2010	Dec 31, 2010	Change
Accounts Payable	$25,377	$36,813	$11,436
Grants Payable	$0	$0	$0
Deferred Revenue	$0	$220	$220
Loans and Notes	$104,322	$99,553	($4,769)
Tax-Exempt Bond Liabilities	$0	$0	$0
Other	$18,357	$0	($18,357)
Total Liabilities	$148,056	$136,586	($11,470)

Fund balance	Jan 01, 2010	Dec 31, 2010	Change
Temporarily Restricted Net Assets	$0	$87,034	$87,034
Permanently Restricted Net Assets	$0	$0	$0
Total Restricted Net Assets	$0	$87,034	$87,034
Unrestricted Net Assets	$25,879	$83,147	$57,268
Net Assets	$25,879	$170,181	$144,302

Assets	Jan 01, 2011	Dec 31, 2011	Change
Contributions	$83,141
Cash & Equivalents	$96,674	$423,310	$326,636
Accounts Receivable	$612	$22,648	$22,036
Pledges & Grants Receivable	$83,276	$28,728	($54,548)
Receivable, Other	$0	$0	$0
Inventories for Sale or Use	$0	$0	$0
Investment, Securities	$0	$0	$0
Investment, Other	$0	$0	$0
Fixed Assets (LBE - Depreciation)	$123,725	$115,702	($8,023)
Other	$2,480	$2,480	$0
Total Assets	$306,767	$592,868	$286,101

Liabilities	Jan 01, 2011	Dec 31, 2011	Change
Accounts Payable	$36,813	$39,645	$2,832
Grants Payable	$0	$0	$0
Deferred Revenue	$220	$0	($220)
Loans and Notes	$99,553	$92,198	($7,355)
Tax-Exempt Bond Liabilities	$0	$0	$0
Other	$0	$0	$0
Total Liabilities	$136,586	$131,843	($4,743)

Fund balance	Jan 01, 2011	Dec 31, 2011	Change
Temporarily Restricted Net Assets	$87,034	$415,817	$328,783
Permanently Restricted Net Assets	$0	$0	$0
Total Restricted Net Assets	$87,034	$415,817	$328,783
Unrestricted Net Assets	$83,147	$45,208	($37,939)
Net Assets	$170,181	$461,025	$290,844

COALITION FOR THE UPPER SOUTH PLATTE

Financial trends analysis Glossary & formula definitions

Fiscal Year: Jan 01 - Dec 31

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

This snapshot of COALITION FOR THE UPPER SOUTH PLATTE’s financial trends applies Nonprofit Finance Fund® analysis to data hosted by GuideStar. While it highlights the data that matter most, remember that context is key – numbers only tell part of any story.

Created in partnership with

Fiscal year: Jan 01 - Dec 31 View full report Download data

Business model indicators

Profitability	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020
Unrestricted surplus (deficit) before depreciation	$112,036	-$135,002	$153,287	$77,185	-$228,542
As % of expenses	5.1%	-10.4%	10.8%	5.5%	-19.8%
Unrestricted surplus (deficit) after depreciation	$67,105	-$192,831	$97,807	$40,774	-$255,501
As % of expenses	3.0%	-14.2%	6.6%	2.8%	-21.6%

Revenue composition
Total revenue (unrestricted & restricted)	$2,394,176	$1,081,467	$1,590,887	$1,311,185	$1,034,173
Total revenue, % change over prior year	25.3%	-54.8%	47.1%	-17.6%	-21.1%
Program services revenue	26.0%	29.2%	22.8%	25.5%	29.1%
Membership dues	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
Investment income	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.3%	0.5%
Government grants	54.6%	42.0%	66.0%	59.5%	61.8%
All other grants and contributions	19.4%	28.8%	11.2%	14.7%	7.4%
Other revenue	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	1.2%

Expense composition
Total expenses before depreciation	$2,195,856	$1,297,757	$1,418,254	$1,398,340	$1,156,221
Total expenses, % change over prior year	22.0%	-40.9%	9.3%	-1.4%	-17.3%
Personnel	3.0%	3.7%	1.8%	3.0%	8.3%
Professional fees	82.7%	82.1%	76.0%	83.1%	76.3%
Occupancy	0.3%	0.9%	0.4%	0.5%	0.8%
Interest	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
Pass-through	0.0%	0.8%	1.4%	1.2%	0.6%
All other expenses	14.1%	12.5%	20.4%	12.2%	13.9%

Full cost components (estimated)	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020
Total expenses (after depreciation)	$2,240,787	$1,355,586	$1,473,734	$1,434,751	$1,183,180
One month of savings	$182,988	$108,146	$118,188	$116,528	$96,352
Debt principal payment	$5,969	$7,356	$0	$4,047	$68,473
Fixed asset additions	$108,817	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total full costs (estimated)	$2,538,561	$1,471,088	$1,591,922	$1,555,326	$1,348,005

Capital structure indicators

Liquidity	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020
Months of cash	1.0	0.7	1.8	0.9	0.6
Months of cash and investments	1.7	2.0	1.8	0.9	0.6
Months of estimated liquid unrestricted net assets	1.0	0.4	2.1	2.7	0.2

Balance sheet composition	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020
Cash	$179,533	$74,652	$213,304	$108,989	$57,341
Investments	$140,000	$140,000	$0	$0	$0
Receivables	$314,081	$107,063	$321,369	$293,726	$272,370
Gross land, buildings, equipment (LBE)	$476,671	$480,971	$480,971	$480,971	$430,301
Accumulated depreciation (as a % of LBE)	47.3%	58.9%	70.4%	78.0%	81.6%
Liabilities (as a % of assets)	33.3%	38.0%	35.0%	37.3%	58.1%
Unrestricted net assets	$374,644	$181,813	$279,620	$320,394	$64,893
Temporarily restricted net assets	$226,284	$144,994	$164,340	N/A	N/A
Permanently restricted net assets	$0	$0	$0	N/A	N/A
Total restricted net assets	$226,284	$144,994	$164,340	$0	$106,494
Total net assets	$600,928	$326,807	$443,960	$320,394	$171,387

Key data checks

Key data checks	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020
Material data errors	No	No	No	No	No

Operations

The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.

Documents

Letter of Determination

Form 1023/1024 is not available for this organization

Executive Director

John Geerdes

John is a graduate of Colorado State University in Natural Resources Management. In his 34 year career with Colorado State Parks, and later Colorado Parks and Wildlife, John was involved with management and development of Colorado’s most special gems. From Vega State Park to the Arkansas Headwaters, and some time in the regional office, John has touched almost all aspects of natural resource management. CUSP is lucky to have John leading our team following his retirement from Mueller State Park.

Number of employees

Source: IRS Form 990

COALITION FOR THE UPPER SOUTH PLATTE

Officers, directors, trustees, and key employees

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

Compensation

Other

Show data for fiscal year

Compensation data

Download up to 5 most recent years of officer and director compensation data for this organization

There are no highest paid employees recorded for this organization.

COALITION FOR THE UPPER SOUTH PLATTE

Board of directors
as of 01/11/2023

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Board of directors data

Download the most recent year of board of directors data for this organization

Board chair

Lynda James

Karen Berry

Jefferson Conservation Dist

Lynne Buchanan

CCWCD

Mary Dawson

Aurora Water

Swithin Dick

Centennial Water

Eric Howell

Colorado Springs Utilities

Jim Idema

Interested Individual

Lynda James

USPWCD

Don Logelin

Pikes Peak Trout Unlimited

Patrick O'Connell

Jefferson County

Suzanne O'Neill

CO Wildlife Fed

Zak Humbles

Douglas County

Dan Williams

Teller County

Board leadership practices

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.

Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? No
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No

Organizational demographics

SOURCE: Self-reported; last updated 12/7/2020

Candid has made improvements to the race and ethnicity options.

Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.

Leadership

The organization's leader identifies as:

Race & ethnicity

White/Caucasian/European

Gender identity

Male, Not transgender (cisgender)

Sexual orientation

Heterosexual or straight

Disability status

Person without a disability

Race & ethnicity

No data

Gender identity

No data

Sexual orientation

No data

Disability

No data

Equity strategies

Last updated: 08/10/2021

GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more

Data

We ask team members to identify racial disparities in their programs and / or portfolios.
We employ non-traditional ways of gathering feedback on programs and trainings, which may include interviews, roundtables, and external reviews with/by community stakeholders.

Policies and processes

We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization.
We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board.

Contractors

Fiscal year ending

There are no fundraisers recorded for this organization.

Related organizations & associated domestic grants

Show data for fiscal year

COALITION FOR THE UPPER SOUTH PLATTE

A Healthy Watershed ~ Now and in the Future

Mission

Is this your nonprofit?

Programs and results

Reports and documents

What we aim to solve

Our programs

Forest Health

RIVER RESTORATION

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Where we work

Our results

Evaluation documents

Number of free participants on field trips

Totals By Year

Population(s) Served

Related Program

Type of Metric

Direction of Success

Context Notes

Number of invasive species removed from managed area(s)

Totals By Year

Population(s) Served

Related Program

Type of Metric

Direction of Success

Context Notes

Number of burned acres rehabilitated

Totals By Year

Population(s) Served

Related Program

Type of Metric

Direction of Success

Context Notes

Acres of wildfire mitigation

Totals By Year

Population(s) Served

Related Program

Type of Metric

Direction of Success

Context Notes

Our Sustainable Development Goals

Goals & Strategy

Charting impact

What is the organization aiming to accomplish?

What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?

What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?

What have they accomplished so far and what's next?

How we listen

Financials

Financial documents

Revenue vs. expenses: breakdown

Liquidity in 2020 info

0.29

Months of cash in 2020 info

0.6

Fringe rate in 2020 info

0%

Funding sources info

Assets & liabilities info

Financial data

Digitizing IRS form 990 data

COALITION FOR THE UPPER SOUTH PLATTE

COALITION FOR THE UPPER SOUTH PLATTE

COALITION FOR THE UPPER SOUTH PLATTE

Business model indicators

Capital structure indicators

Key data checks

Operations

Documents

Executive Director

John Geerdes

Number of employees

COALITION FOR THE UPPER SOUTH PLATTE

Compensation data

COALITION FOR THE UPPER SOUTH PLATTE

Board of directors data

Lynda James

Board leadership practices

Liquidity in 2020

Months of cash in 2020

Fringe rate in 2020

Funding sources

Assets & liabilities