Fundamental Needs Inc

EIN: 853603760 501(c)(3) Food, Agriculture & Nutrition

Cortez, CO

Total Revenue
$639,347
Total Expenses
$494,891
Total Assets
$353,858
Net Assets
$300,282
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Financial Vulnerability Assessment (Tuckman-Chang)

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Financial Trends

Organization Details

Formation Year
2020
Legal Domicile
CO
Principal Officer
Justice Ramos
Phone
3258290949
Tax Period
2025-01-01 to 2025-12-31

Fundamental Needs Inc, founded in 2020, is a small nonprofit in the Food, Agriculture & Nutrition sector that reported $639K in total revenue in fiscal year 2025. Revenue surged 26% from the prior year, signaling strong growth momentum. The organization ran a surplus of $144K, a strong 23% operating margin.

Mission

At Fundamental Needs we partner with underserved communities in the United States to address critical gaps in access to clean drinking water electricity education and vocational opportunities. By combining community-led approaches with practical solutions we empower individuals and families to overcome systemic barriers and create lasting change.

Program Service Accomplishments

Program 1
Expenses: $259,951 Revenue: $0

The Oasis Project addresses the lack of access to clean running water on the Navajo Nation by installing off-grid water systems for families who have lived without water infrastructure for...

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The Oasis Project addresses the lack of access to clean running water on the Navajo Nation by installing off-grid water systems for families who have lived without water infrastructure for generations. The project provides solar-powered water pumps storage tanks and filtration systems ensuring sustainable and long-term solutions. In addition to direct installations the program integrates workforce development by training and employing high school students to build and install water systems in their own communities. This approach not only expands access to clean water but also empowers youth with technical skills job training and a sense of ownership in solving local challenges. Since its launch the Oasis Project has installed over 170 off-grid water systems.

Program 2
Expenses: $99,773 Revenue: $0

The Cortez Makerspace is an initiative designed to provide technical training workforce development and business support for entrepreneurs students and community members. While the full makerspace is...

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The Cortez Makerspace is an initiative designed to provide technical training workforce development and business support for entrepreneurs students and community members. While the full makerspace is awaiting funding and a permanent location Fundamental Needs has actively worked to develop partnerships programming and workforce development opportunities in preparation for its future launch. In 2024 Fundamental Needs hosted the Start. Scale. Pitch! three-part entrepreneurship workshop series? which introduced core business and financial skills critical to future makerspace programming. The series included: Unique Value Proposition April 2 2024: Helping participants identify community needs and develop business ideas with a sustainable advantage. Finance and Profitability April 9 2024: Covering financial literacy smart investments and negotiation strategies. Creating a Pitch Deck April 16 2024: Teaching participants how to build a compelling pitch deck and polish their presentation skills. Beyond these workshops Fundamental Needs has been developing workforce training programs for the makerspace which will include: Technical training in 3D printing CNC machining and laser cutting. Workshops on product development branding and small business operations. Collaborations with Fort Lewis College Pueblo Community College and local businesses to offer certifications and hands-on learning opportunities. While the full project is still in development these efforts have helped build momentum establish key partnerships and ensure that workforce training remains a priority for the makerspaces long-term success.

Program 3
Expenses: $71,282 Revenue: $0

Fundamental Needs Entrepreneurship Program provides hands-on business education to high school students equipping them with problem-solving skills financial literacy and real-world experience in...

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Fundamental Needs Entrepreneurship Program provides hands-on business education to high school students equipping them with problem-solving skills financial literacy and real-world experience in launching a business. The program is currently offered at Southwest Open School SWOS and served an average of 12 students per class in 2024. Students engage in market research branding business planning and public speaking culminating in a final pitch competition where they present their business ideas to local entrepreneurs community leaders and investors. The program has also led to partnerships with Fort Lewis College CU Boulder and local businesses expanding mentorship and networking opportunities for students interested in entrepreneurship and workforce development.

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Trantor Score

Financial Health Score (300–850) · Liquidity · Solvency · Sustainability · Efficiency

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Liquidity (40%) • Solvency (30%) • Sustainability (20%) • Efficiency (10%)

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Financial Overview (2025)

Revenue Breakdown

Contributions & Grants $656,345
Program Service Revenue $0
Investment Income $0
Other Revenue $-16,998
TOTAL REVENUE $639,347

Expense Breakdown

Grants Paid $0
Salaries & Benefits $90,187
Fundraising Expenses $31,493
Program Expenses $431,006
Other Expenses $404,704
TOTAL EXPENSES $494,891

Year-over-Year Comparison

2025 2024 Change
Revenue $639,347 $507,510 +0.3%
Expenses $494,891 $574,129 -0.1%
Net Income $144,456 $-66,619 -3.2%
Key Indicators
Grants to Organizations Grants to Individuals Lobbying Political Activity Foreign Activities Donor Advised Fund Schedule B Required
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Governance

Voting Members
7
Independent Members
5
Employees
N/A
Volunteers
30

Governance Policies

Conflict of Interest Policy
Whistleblower Policy
Document Retention Policy

Special Practices & Reported Activities

Operated a School
Operated a Hospital
Provided First Class Travel
Reported Conflict of Interest
Reported Asset Diversion
Excess Benefit Transaction
Made Political Expenditures
Engaged in Lobbying
Operated Donor Advised Fund
Maintained Art Collections
Filed Form 720

Compensation of Officers, Directors & Key Employees

Total Officers
2
$74,313
Total Directors
6
$92,313
Key Employees
2
$67,313
Highest Compensated
0
reported
Name Title Hours/Week Role Reportable Comp Other Comp Total
Justice Ramos Executive Director 50.00
Officer Director Key Emp
$49,313 $0 $49,313
Jennie Ramos Board Chairwoman and PM 10.00
Officer Director
$25,000 $0 $25,000
Kashon Harrison Board member and New Mexico PM 20.00
Director Key Emp
$18,000 $0 $18,000
Joe Ramos Board Member 1.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Jonathan Walck Board Member 1.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Alex Scales Board Member 1.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Note: Compensation data is self-reported by the organization on their Form 990. "Reportable Comp" includes salary, bonuses, and other reportable compensation from the organization and related organizations. "Other Comp" includes benefits, deferred compensation, and non-taxable benefits.

Historical Data

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Net Income
2025 $639,347 $494,891 $353,858 $144,456
2024 No data No data No data No data
2023 $383,569 $276,864 $262,263 $106,705
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