Civic Intelligence

Commonlit Inc.

990 • Fiscal year 2019 • EIN 46-4255260

Jan 01, 2019 to Dec 31, 2019 • Filed on Dec 11, 2020

Organization Profilewww.commonlit.org

View Organization Page

660 Pennsylvania Avenue Suite 302Washington, DC 20003

(202) 813-9218

Siviq Scores

Precomputed percentiles for this filing year versus similar nonprofits in the same peer cohort.

Liabilities / Assets

57th percentile

0.12x

Higher debt load relative to assets than 57% of similar nonprofits.

2019 filings • 501(c)3 • $1M-$5M nonprofits • Source year 2019

Liabilities / Revenue

54th percentile

0.11x

Higher debt load relative to revenue than 54% of similar nonprofits.

2019 filings • 501(c)3 • $1M-$5M nonprofits • Source year 2019

Net Margin

26th percentile

-5.6%

Higher net margin than 26% of similar nonprofits.

2019 filings • 501(c)3 • $1M-$5M nonprofits • Source year 2019

Top Officer Pay

88th percentile

$180,000

Higher top officer pay than 88% of similar nonprofits.

Top officer pay equals 4.3% of source-year revenue.

2019 filings • 501(c)3 • $1M-$5M nonprofits • Source year 2019

Asset Growth

43rd percentile

0.9%

Faster asset growth than 43% of similar nonprofits.

2019 filings • 501(c)3 • $1M-$5M nonprofits • Annualized from 2018 to 2019

Revenue Growth

8th percentile

-37%

Faster revenue growth than 8% of similar nonprofits.

2019 filings • 501(c)3 • $1M-$5M nonprofits • Annualized from 2018 to 2019

Balance Sheet
Liabilities / Assets57th percentile

Assets

Up

$3,701,855

Up $31,309 (+0.9%) from 2018

Net Assets

Down

$3,249,551

Down $232,508 (-6.7%) from 2018

Liabilities

Up

$452,304

Up $263,817 (+140%) from 2018

Revenue And Expenses
Liabilities / Revenue54th percentileNet Margin26th percentile

Revenue

Down

$4,167,286

Down $2,430,334 (-37%) from 2018

Expenses

Up

$4,399,794

Up $836,926 (+23%) from 2018

Net Income

Down

-$232,508

Down $3,267,260 (-108%) from 2018

Historical Trend

Balance Sheet Trend

Asset Growth43rd percentile

The highlighted filing sits inside the broader history for assets, liabilities, and net assets.

$15M$10M$5.0M$0-$5.0MAssets 2015: $12,333Liabilities 2015: $1,884Net Assets 2015: $10,4492015Assets 2016: $220,436Liabilities 2016: $89,631Net Assets 2016: $130,8052016Assets 2017: $575,952Liabilities 2017: $128,645Net Assets 2017: $447,3072017Assets 2018: $3,670,546Liabilities 2018: $188,487Net Assets 2018: $3,482,0592018Assets 2019: $3,701,855Liabilities 2019: $452,304Net Assets 2019: $3,249,5512019Assets 2020: $5,690,054Liabilities 2020: $1,091,972Net Assets 2020: $4,598,0822020Assets 2021: $8,410,551Liabilities 2021: $1,541,574Net Assets 2021: $6,868,9772021Assets 2022: $11,445,180Liabilities 2022: $3,649,230Net Assets 2022: $7,795,9502022Assets 2023: $13,125,404Liabilities 2023: $8,678,277Net Assets 2023: $4,447,1272023Assets 2024: $11,870,156Liabilities 2024: $12,181,116Net Assets 2024: -$310,9602024

Highlighted filing

2019

Assets$3,701,855
Liabilities$452,304
Net Assets$3,249,551
Open 2019 Filing

Operations Trend

Revenue Growth8th percentile

Revenue, expenses, and net income across loaded years, with this filing highlighted.

$30M$20M$10M$0-$10MRevenue 2015: $63,990Expenses 2015: $54,349Net Income 2015: $9,6412015Revenue 2016: $728,845Expenses 2016: $608,489Net Income 2016: $120,3562016Revenue 2017: $2,542,007Expenses 2017: $2,225,505Net Income 2017: $316,5022017Revenue 2018: $6,597,620Expenses 2018: $3,562,868Net Income 2018: $3,034,7522018Revenue 2019: $4,167,286Expenses 2019: $4,399,794Net Income 2019: -$232,5082019Revenue 2020: $6,581,970Expenses 2020: $5,233,439Net Income 2020: $1,348,5312020Revenue 2021: $9,155,362Expenses 2021: $7,084,467Net Income 2021: $2,070,8952021Revenue 2022: $11,871,054Expenses 2022: $10,944,081Net Income 2022: $926,9732022Revenue 2023: $13,856,418Expenses 2023: $17,205,241Net Income 2023: -$3,348,8232023Revenue 2024: $15,869,141Expenses 2024: $20,627,228Net Income 2024: -$4,758,0872024

Highlighted filing

2019

Revenue$4,167,286
Expenses$4,399,794
Net Income-$232,508
Open 2019 Filing
Jump To
Filing Snapshot
Filing Period
Jan 1, 2019 to Dec 31, 2019
Signed
Dec 11, 2020
Return Version
2019v5.1
Gross Receipts
$4,167,286
Mission and Program Overview

Mission

To make high-quality literacy materials accessible to teachers and the general public for the advancement of education.

To make high quality literacy materials accessible to teachers and the general public for the advancement of education.

Balance Sheet Detail
LineBeginningEndChange
Assets
Cash and Non-Interest-Bearing Accounts$1,993,741$2,716,617▲ $722,876
Pledges and Grants Receivable$1,562,476$500,000▼ $1,062,476
Accounts Receivable$65,304$407,610▲ $342,306
Prepaid Expenses and Deferred Charges$25,687$54,290▲ $28,603
Total Assets$3,670,546$3,701,855▲ $31,309
Other Assets Total$23,338$23,338→ $0
Liabilities
Deferred Revenue-$271,085-
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses$188,487$181,219▼ $7,268
Total Liabilities$188,487$452,304▲ $263,817
Net Assets / Fund Balance
Net Assets With Donor Restrictions$2,753,874$1,737,852▼ $1,016,022
Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions$728,185$1,511,699▲ $783,514
Total Net Assets Fund Balance$3,482,059$3,249,551▼ $232,508
Total Liabilities and Net Assets / Fund Balance$3,670,546$3,701,855▲ $31,309
Compensation and Service Providers
Top Officer Pay88th percentile

Employees

NameTitleFull / Part TimeBaseOtherTotal
Michelle BrownCEO PresidentFT$180,000-$180,000
Geoffrey HarcourtChief Technology OfficerFT$169,375-$169,375
Aaron JacobwitzLead DeveloperFT$126,251$1,998$128,249
Sarah RobertsonChief Product OfficerFT$116,792$7,316$124,108
Robert FleisherDirector of School PartnershipsFT$108,750$3,558$112,308
Kara PacosDirector of Institutional SupportFT$103,315-$103,315

Board Members and Trustees

NameTitle
Ben ZhangDirector
Jeanne AllenDirector
John CoyneDirector
Kodjo WilderDirector
Mary Grace TigheDirector

Highest Paid Contractors

ContractorServicesLocationCompensation
Ad Hoc Analytics LLCSurvey/statistics231 8TH ST SE, Washington, DC 20003$119,864
Gelman Rosenberg FreedmanGrant Mgmt4550 MONTGOMERY AVE STE 800N, Bethesda, MD 20814$111,377
Clever INCSoftware1263 MISSION ST, San Francisco, CA 94103$106,000
Revenue and Support

Revenue Composition

Contributions and Grants
$2,921,480
Program Service Revenue
$1,245,806
Investment Income
$0
Other Revenue
$0
All Other Contributions
$1,495,675
Change in Net Assets
$-232,508

Audited Revenue Reconciliation

Revenue per Audited Statements
$4,167,286
Total Revenue per Audited Statements
$4,167,286
Total Revenue per Form 990
$4,167,286
Expenses and Functional Allocation

Major Expense Lines

Line ItemAmount
Salaries, Compensation, and Employee Benefits$2,957,857
Other Expenses$1,441,937
Total Fundraising Expense$128,776
Grants and Similar Amounts Paid$0
Professional Fundraising Fees$0

Functional Expense Allocation

Line ItemProgramManagementFundraisingTotal
Other Salaries and Wages$1,833,677$370,825$21,439$2,225,941
Fees for Services Other$310,759$182,779-$493,538
Current Officers, Directors, Trustees, and Key Employees$304,552$44,823-$349,375
Occupancy$280,231$11,842-$292,073
Payroll Taxes$163,575$31,797$1,640$197,012
Other Employee Benefits$153,976$30,009$1,544$185,529
Information Technology$105,729$254-$105,983
Other Expenses$8,935$899$82,897$91,832
Office Expenses$12,733$60,704$6,903$80,340
Travel$8,653$12,175$12,261$33,089
Conferences and Meetings$840$15,732$840$17,412
Insurance-$11,872-$11,872
Advertising$1,158$5,403-$6,561
Total Functional Expenses$3,491,904$779,114$128,776$4,399,794

Audited Expense Reconciliation

Line ItemAmount
Expenses per Audited Statements$4,399,794
Total Expenses per Audited Statements$4,399,794
Total Expenses per Form 990$4,399,794
International Activity

International Summary

Employees
2
Spending
$75,267

International Compliance

Activity in boycott countries
No
Foreign corporation ownership
No
Foreign partnership interest
No
Interest in foreign trust
No
Passive foreign investment company interest
No
Transfers to foreign corporations
No

International Activities

RegionActivityServicesOfficesEmployeesSpending
North AmericaProgram ServicesEducational Services-2$75,267
Fundraising, Events, and Gaming
Fundraising activities
No
Gaming activities
No
Professional fundraiser used
No

Fundraising and Gaming Totals

Line ItemAmount
Professional Fundraising Fees$0
Political and Lobbying Activity
Political campaign activity
No
Lobbying activity
No
Subject to proxy tax
No
Debt and Bond Financing

Other Reported Liabilities

LiabilityAmount
Federal income taxes-
Governance and Compliance

Governance Checklist

Compiled or reviewed by an accountant
No
Annual disclosure for covered persons
No
Audit committee
No
Backup withholding compliance
Yes
Business relationship with 35% controlled entity
No
Business relationship with family members
No
Business relationship with organization members
No
Material changes to governing documents
No
Compensation from other sources disclosed
No
CEO compensation reviewed
Yes
Other officer compensation reviewed
Yes
Conflict-of-interest policy
Yes
Audited financial statements prepared
No
Key decisions subject to board approval
No
Management duties delegated
Yes

Governance Explanations

Form 990, Part VI, Line 3

“Commonlit delegated control over some management duties customarily performed by the direct supervision of officers, directors, trustees or key employees to rubino and company, chartered.”

Form 990, Part VI, Line 11

“The organizations accountants provide a draft 990 to the board of directors and treasurer. The board and treasurer provide comments which the cpa firm incorporates. The cpa firm provides the final return to the ceo, who approves, signs, and submits.”

Form 990, Part VI, Line 12C

“Commonlits management and board members are subject to a written conflict of interest policy. In addition to self reporting by officers, directors, and key employees, management flags potential conflicts of interest regarding purchases, potential partnerships, and earned revenue opportunities. During 2019, no conflicts of interest were identified.”

Form 990, Part VI, Line 15A

“Ceo compensation is set through a two-step process. First, a subcommittee of independent directors analyzes compensation of ceos at peer and comparable entities, and presents a recommendation to the full board of directors. Second, the full board of directors deliberates and votes on the recommendation. The ceo is totally recused from the process, including all discussions and all votes.”

Form 990, Part VI, Line 15B

“The board sets officers salaries through a process based on market salary information and previous compensation.”

Form 990, Part VI, Line 19

“All information will be provided upon request and approval of the governing body.”

Form 990, Part VI, Line 2

“Michelle brown and patrick brown are spouses”

Filing and Contact Details

Filer

Filer Name
CommonLit Inc
EIN
46-4255260
Phone
2028139218
Address
660 Pennsylvania Avenue Suite 302, Washington, DC 20003

Signing Officer

Name
Michelle Brown
Title
Executive Director
Signed
2020-12-11
Discuss with paid preparer
Yes

Organization Details

Principal Officer
Michelle Brown
Formed
2013
Legal Domicile
Ma
Voting Board Members
6
Independent Board Members
5
Employees
42
Volunteers
5

Preparer

Firm
Alta CPA Group LLC
Address
59 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Preparer
Jeffrey S Griffith
Phone
4103495101
Supplemental Narrative

Additional Explanations

Form 990, Part IX, Line 11G

“Contract expenses program-310,759 contract expenses admin-182,779”

Financial Statement Notes

X

“CommonLit, Inc. is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable state law. The accounting standard on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes addresses the determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements. Under that guidance, CommonLit may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The Federal Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax, is subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service, generally for the three years after it is filed.”

Raw XML AppendixShowing 400 of 481 raw XML fields

This appendix keeps the raw XML leaves available for debugging and edge-case review. The human report above is the primary experience.

Path#Value
IRS990/AccountantCompileOrReviewInd0false
IRS990/AccountsPayableAccrExpnssGrp/BOYAmt0188487
IRS990/AccountsPayableAccrExpnssGrp/EOYAmt0181219
IRS990/AccountsReceivableGrp/BOYAmt065304
IRS990/AccountsReceivableGrp/EOYAmt0407610
IRS990/ActivitiesConductedPrtshpInd0false
IRS990/ActivityOrMissionDesc0TO MAKE HIGH QUALITY LITERACY MATERIALS ACCESSIBLE TO TEACHERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF EDUCATION.
IRS990/AdvertisingGrp/ManagementAndGeneralAmt05403
IRS990/AdvertisingGrp/ProgramServicesAmt01158
IRS990/AdvertisingGrp/TotalAmt06561
IRS990/AllOtherContributionsAmt01495675
IRS990/AllOtherExpensesGrp/TotalAmt00
IRS990/AmendedReturnInd0X
IRS990/AnnualDisclosureCoveredPrsnInd0false
IRS990/AuditCommitteeInd0false
IRS990/BackupWthldComplianceInd0true
IRS990/BenefitsToMembersGrp/TotalAmt00
IRS990/BooksInCareOfDetail/PersonNm0MICHELLE BROWN
IRS990/BooksInCareOfDetail/PhoneNum02028139218
IRS990/BooksInCareOfDetail/USAddress/AddressLine1Txt0660 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE SE STE 302
IRS990/BooksInCareOfDetail/USAddress/CityNm0WASHINGTON
IRS990/BooksInCareOfDetail/USAddress/StateAbbreviationCd0DC
IRS990/BooksInCareOfDetail/USAddress/ZIPCd020003
IRS990/BusinessRlnWith35CtrlEntInd0false
IRS990/BusinessRlnWithFamMemInd0false
IRS990/BusinessRlnWithOrgMemInd0false
IRS990/CashNonInterestBearingGrp/BOYAmt01993741
IRS990/CashNonInterestBearingGrp/EOYAmt02716617
IRS990/ChangeToOrgDocumentsInd0false
IRS990/CntrctRcvdGreaterThan100KCnt03
IRS990/CollectionsOfArtInd0false
IRS990/CompCurrentOfcrDirectorsGrp/ManagementAndGeneralAmt044823
IRS990/CompCurrentOfcrDirectorsGrp/ProgramServicesAmt0304552
IRS990/CompCurrentOfcrDirectorsGrp/TotalAmt0349375
IRS990/CompDisqualPersonsGrp/TotalAmt00
IRS990/CompensationFromOtherSrcsInd0false
IRS990/CompensationProcessCEOInd0true
IRS990/CompensationProcessOtherInd0true
IRS990/ConferencesMeetingsGrp/FundraisingAmt0840
IRS990/ConferencesMeetingsGrp/ManagementAndGeneralAmt015732
IRS990/ConferencesMeetingsGrp/ProgramServicesAmt0840
IRS990/ConferencesMeetingsGrp/TotalAmt017412
IRS990/ConflictOfInterestPolicyInd0true
IRS990/ConservationEasementsInd0false
IRS990/ConsolidatedAuditFinclStmtInd0false
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/CompensationAmt0119864
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/CompensationAmt1106000
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/CompensationAmt2111377
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/ContractorAddress/USAddress/AddressLine1Txt0231 8TH ST SE
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/ContractorAddress/USAddress/AddressLine1Txt11263 MISSION ST
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/ContractorAddress/USAddress/AddressLine1Txt24550 MONTGOMERY AVE STE 800N
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/ContractorAddress/USAddress/CityNm0WASHINGTON
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/ContractorAddress/USAddress/CityNm1SAN FRANCISCO
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/ContractorAddress/USAddress/CityNm2BETHESDA
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/ContractorAddress/USAddress/StateAbbreviationCd0DC
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/ContractorAddress/USAddress/StateAbbreviationCd1CA
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/ContractorAddress/USAddress/StateAbbreviationCd2MD
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/ContractorAddress/USAddress/ZIPCd020003
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/ContractorAddress/USAddress/ZIPCd194103
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/ContractorAddress/USAddress/ZIPCd220814
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/ContractorName/PersonNm0AD HOC ANALYTICS LLC
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/ContractorName/PersonNm1CLEVER INC
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/ContractorName/PersonNm2GELMAN ROSENBERG FREEDMAN
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/ServicesDesc0SURVEY/STATISTICS
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/ServicesDesc1SOFTWARE
IRS990/ContractorCompensationGrp/ServicesDesc2GRANT MGMT
IRS990/CreditCounselingInd0false
IRS990/CYBenefitsPaidToMembersAmt00
IRS990/CYContributionsGrantsAmt02921480
IRS990/CYGrantsAndSimilarPaidAmt00
IRS990/CYInvestmentIncomeAmt00
IRS990/CYOtherExpensesAmt01441937
IRS990/CYOtherRevenueAmt00
IRS990/CYProgramServiceRevenueAmt01245806
IRS990/CYRevenuesLessExpensesAmt0-232508
IRS990/CYSalariesCompEmpBnftPaidAmt02957857
IRS990/CYTotalExpensesAmt04399794
IRS990/CYTotalFundraisingExpenseAmt0128776
IRS990/CYTotalProfFndrsngExpnsAmt00
IRS990/CYTotalRevenueAmt04167286
IRS990/DecisionsSubjectToApprovaInd0false
IRS990/DeductibleArtContributionInd0false
IRS990/DeductibleNonCashContriInd0false
IRS990/DeferredRevenueGrp/EOYAmt0271085
IRS990/DelegationOfMgmtDutiesInd0true
IRS990/DepreciationDepletionGrp/TotalAmt00
IRS990/Desc0EDUCATION DELIVERY OF HIGH-QUALITY INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL TO SUPPORT LITERACY DEVELOPMENT FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 3-12.
IRS990/DescribedInSection501c3Ind0true
IRS990/DisregardedEntityInd0false
IRS990/DocumentRetentionPolicyInd0false
IRS990/DonorAdvisedFundInd0false
IRS990/DonorRestrictionNetAssetsGrp/BOYAmt02753874
IRS990/DonorRestrictionNetAssetsGrp/EOYAmt01737852
IRS990/DonorRstrOrQuasiEndowmentsInd0false
IRS990/ElectionOfBoardMembersInd0false
IRS990/EmployeeCnt042
IRS990/EmploymentTaxReturnsFiledInd0false
IRS990/EngagedInExcessBenefitTransInd0false
IRS990/EscrowAccountInd0false
IRS990/ExpenseAmt03491904
IRS990/FamilyOrBusinessRlnInd0true
IRS990/FederalGrantAuditPerformedInd0true
IRS990/FederalGrantAuditRequiredInd0true
IRS990/FeesForServicesAccountingGrp/TotalAmt00
IRS990/FeesForServicesLegalGrp/TotalAmt00
IRS990/FeesForServicesLobbyingGrp/TotalAmt00
IRS990/FeesForServicesManagementGrp/TotalAmt00
IRS990/FeesForServicesOtherGrp/ManagementAndGeneralAmt0182779
IRS990/FeesForServicesOtherGrp/ProgramServicesAmt0310759
IRS990/FeesForServicesOtherGrp/TotalAmt0493538
IRS990/FeesForSrvcInvstMgmntFeesGrp/TotalAmt00
IRS990/ForeignActivitiesInd0true
IRS990/ForeignFinancialAccountInd0false
IRS990/ForeignGrantsGrp/TotalAmt00
IRS990/ForeignOfficeInd0true
IRS990/Form8282PropertyDisposedOfInd0false
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/AverageHoursPerWeekRt0040.00
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/AverageHoursPerWeekRt1040.00
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/AverageHoursPerWeekRt2040.00
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/AverageHoursPerWeekRt3040.00
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/AverageHoursPerWeekRt4040.00
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/AverageHoursPerWeekRt5040.00
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/AverageHoursPerWeekRt6002.00
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/AverageHoursPerWeekRt7002.00
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/AverageHoursPerWeekRt8002.00
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/AverageHoursPerWeekRt9002.00
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/AverageHoursPerWeekRt10002.00
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/HighestCompensatedEmployeeInd0X
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/HighestCompensatedEmployeeInd1X
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/HighestCompensatedEmployeeInd2X
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/HighestCompensatedEmployeeInd3X
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/HighestCompensatedEmployeeInd4X
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/IndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd0X
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/IndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd1X
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/IndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd2X
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/IndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd3X
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/IndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd4X
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/IndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd5X
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OfficerInd0X
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt00
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt10
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt21998
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt37316
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt43558
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt50
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt60
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt70
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt80
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt90
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt100
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm0MICHELLE BROWN
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm1GEOFFREY HARCOURT
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm2AARON JACOBWITZ
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm3SARAH ROBERTSON
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm4ROBERT FLEISHER
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm5KARA PACOS
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm6JEANNE ALLEN
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm7JOHN COYNE
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm8MARY GRACE TIGHE
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm9KODJO WILDER
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm10BEN ZHANG
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt0180000
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt1169375
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt2126251
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt3116792
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt4108750
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt5103315
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt60
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt70
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt80
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt90
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt100
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt00
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt10
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt20
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt30
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt40
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt50
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt60
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt70
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt80
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt90
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt100
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt0CEO PRESIDENT
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt1CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt2LEAD DEVELOPER
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt3CHIEF PRODUCT OFFICER
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt4DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt5DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt6DIRECTOR
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt7DIRECTOR
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt8DIRECTOR
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt9DIRECTOR
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt10DIRECTOR
IRS990/Form990ProvidedToGvrnBodyInd0true
IRS990/FormationYr02013
IRS990/FormerOfcrEmployeesListedInd0false
IRS990/FSAuditedBasisGrp/SeparateBasisFinclStmtInd0X
IRS990/FSAuditedInd0true
IRS990/FundraisingActivitiesInd0false
IRS990/GamingActivitiesInd0false
IRS990/GoverningBodyVotingMembersCnt06
IRS990/GovernmentGrantsAmt01425805
IRS990/GrantsToDomesticIndividualsGrp/TotalAmt00
IRS990/GrantsToDomesticOrgsGrp/TotalAmt00
IRS990/GrantsToIndividualsInd0false
IRS990/GrantsToOrganizationsInd0false
IRS990/GrantToRelatedPersonInd0false
IRS990/GrossReceiptsAmt04167286
IRS990/GroupReturnForAffiliatesInd0false
IRS990/IncludeFIN48FootnoteInd0true
IRS990/IndependentAuditFinclStmtInd0true
IRS990/IndependentVotingMemberCnt05
IRS990/IndivRcvdGreaterThan100KCnt06
IRS990/IndoorTanningServicesInd0false
IRS990/InfoInScheduleOPartIXInd0X
IRS990/InfoInScheduleOPartVIInd0X
IRS990/InformationTechnologyGrp/ManagementAndGeneralAmt0254
IRS990/InformationTechnologyGrp/ProgramServicesAmt0105729
IRS990/InformationTechnologyGrp/TotalAmt0105983
IRS990/InsuranceGrp/ManagementAndGeneralAmt011872
IRS990/InsuranceGrp/TotalAmt011872
IRS990/InterestGrp/TotalAmt00
IRS990/InvestmentInJointVentureInd0false
IRS990/InvestTaxExemptBondsInd0false
IRS990/IRPDocumentCnt022
IRS990/IRPDocumentW2GCnt00
IRS990/LegalDomicileStateCd0MA
IRS990/LoanOutstandingInd0false
IRS990/LobbyingActivitiesInd0false
IRS990/LocalChaptersInd0false
IRS990/MaterialDiversionOrMisuseInd0false
IRS990/MembersOrStockholdersInd0false
IRS990/MethodOfAccountingAccrualInd0X
IRS990/MinutesOfCommitteesInd0true
IRS990/MinutesOfGoverningBodyInd0true
IRS990/MissionDesc0TO MAKE HIGH QUALITY LITERACY MATERIALS ACCESSIBLE TO TEACHERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF EDUCATION.
IRS990/MoreThan5000KToIndividualsInd0false
IRS990/MoreThan5000KToOrgInd0false
IRS990/NetAssetsOrFundBalancesBOYAmt03482059
IRS990/NetAssetsOrFundBalancesEOYAmt03249551
IRS990/NoDonorRestrictionNetAssetsGrp/BOYAmt0728185
IRS990/NoDonorRestrictionNetAssetsGrp/EOYAmt01511699
IRS990/NondeductibleContributionsInd0false
IRS990/OccupancyGrp/ManagementAndGeneralAmt011842
IRS990/OccupancyGrp/ProgramServicesAmt0280231
IRS990/OccupancyGrp/TotalAmt0292073
IRS990/OfficeExpensesGrp/FundraisingAmt06903
IRS990/OfficeExpensesGrp/ManagementAndGeneralAmt060704
IRS990/OfficeExpensesGrp/ProgramServicesAmt012733
IRS990/OfficeExpensesGrp/TotalAmt080340
IRS990/OfficerMailingAddressInd0false
IRS990/OnBehalfOfIssuerInd0false
IRS990/OperateHospitalInd0false
IRS990/Organization501c3Ind0X
IRS990/OrganizationFollowsFASB117Ind0X
IRS990/OtherAssetsTotalGrp/BOYAmt023338
IRS990/OtherAssetsTotalGrp/EOYAmt023338
IRS990/OtherEmployeeBenefitsGrp/FundraisingAmt01544
IRS990/OtherEmployeeBenefitsGrp/ManagementAndGeneralAmt030009
IRS990/OtherEmployeeBenefitsGrp/ProgramServicesAmt0153976
IRS990/OtherEmployeeBenefitsGrp/TotalAmt0185529
IRS990/OtherExpensesGrp/Desc0SOFTWARE/LICENSING/PROGRAMS
IRS990/OtherExpensesGrp/Desc1PROGRAM EXPENSES
IRS990/OtherExpensesGrp/FundraisingAmt01252
IRS990/OtherExpensesGrp/FundraisingAmt182897
IRS990/OtherExpensesGrp/ManagementAndGeneralAmt0899
IRS990/OtherExpensesGrp/ProgramServicesAmt0307086
IRS990/OtherExpensesGrp/ProgramServicesAmt18935
IRS990/OtherExpensesGrp/TotalAmt0309237
IRS990/OtherExpensesGrp/TotalAmt191832
IRS990/OtherSalariesAndWagesGrp/FundraisingAmt021439
IRS990/OtherSalariesAndWagesGrp/ManagementAndGeneralAmt0370825
IRS990/OtherSalariesAndWagesGrp/ProgramServicesAmt01833677
IRS990/OtherSalariesAndWagesGrp/TotalAmt02225941
IRS990/PartialLiquidationInd0false
IRS990/PaymentsToAffiliatesGrp/TotalAmt00
IRS990/PayPremiumsPrsnlBnftCntrctInd0false
IRS990/PayrollTaxesGrp/FundraisingAmt01640
IRS990/PayrollTaxesGrp/ManagementAndGeneralAmt031797
IRS990/PayrollTaxesGrp/ProgramServicesAmt0163575
IRS990/PayrollTaxesGrp/TotalAmt0197012
IRS990/PensionPlanContributionsGrp/TotalAmt00
IRS990/PledgesAndGrantsReceivableGrp/BOYAmt01562476
IRS990/PledgesAndGrantsReceivableGrp/EOYAmt0500000
IRS990/PoliticalCampaignActyInd0false
IRS990/PrepaidExpensesDefrdChargesGrp/BOYAmt025687
IRS990/PrepaidExpensesDefrdChargesGrp/EOYAmt054290
IRS990/PrincipalOfficerNm0MICHELLE BROWN
IRS990/ProfessionalFundraisingInd0false
IRS990/ProgramServiceRevenueGrp/BusinessCd0900099
IRS990/ProgramServiceRevenueGrp/Desc0Earned Revenue
IRS990/ProgramServiceRevenueGrp/TotalRevenueColumnAmt01245806
IRS990/ProhibitedTaxShelterTransInd0false
IRS990/PYContributionsGrantsAmt05496736
IRS990/PYExcessBenefitTransInd0false
IRS990/PymtTravelEntrtnmntPubOfclGrp/TotalAmt00
IRS990/PYOtherExpensesAmt01363739
IRS990/PYProgramServiceRevenueAmt01100884
IRS990/PYRevenuesLessExpensesAmt03034752
IRS990/PYSalariesCompEmpBnftPaidAmt02116929
IRS990/PYTotalExpensesAmt03562868
IRS990/PYTotalProfFndrsngExpnsAmt082200
IRS990/PYTotalRevenueAmt06597620
IRS990/QuidProQuoContributionsInd0false
IRS990/QuidProQuoContriDisclInd0false
IRS990/RcvFndsToPayPrsnlBnftCntrctInd0false
IRS990/ReconcilationRevenueExpnssAmt0-232508
IRS990/RegularMonitoringEnfrcInd0true
IRS990/RelatedEntityInd0false
IRS990/RelatedOrganizationCtrlEntInd0false
IRS990/ReportInvestmentsOtherSecInd0false
IRS990/ReportLandBuildingEquipmentInd0false
IRS990/ReportOtherAssetsInd0false
IRS990/ReportOtherLiabilitiesInd0false
IRS990/ReportProgramRelatedInvstInd0false
IRS990/RevenueAmt01245806
IRS990/RoyaltiesGrp/TotalAmt00
IRS990ScheduleA/GiftsGrantsContriRcvd170Grp/CurrentTaxYearAmt04167286
IRS990ScheduleA/GiftsGrantsContriRcvd170Grp/CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt05486736
IRS990ScheduleA/GiftsGrantsContriRcvd170Grp/CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt02442339
IRS990ScheduleA/GiftsGrantsContriRcvd170Grp/CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt0728845
IRS990ScheduleA/GiftsGrantsContriRcvd170Grp/CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt063694
IRS990ScheduleA/GiftsGrantsContriRcvd170Grp/TotalAmt012888900
IRS990ScheduleA/InvestmentIncomeCYPct00.00000
IRS990ScheduleA/OtherIncome170Grp/CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt0296
IRS990ScheduleA/OtherIncome170Grp/TotalAmt0296
IRS990ScheduleA/PublicOrganization170Ind0X
IRS990ScheduleA/PublicSupportCY170Pct01.00000
IRS990ScheduleA/PublicSupportCY509Pct00.00000
IRS990ScheduleA/PublicSupportTotal170Amt012888900
IRS990ScheduleA/ThirtyThrPctSuprtTestsCY170Ind0X
IRS990ScheduleA/TotalCalendarYear170Grp/CurrentTaxYearAmt04167286
IRS990ScheduleA/TotalCalendarYear170Grp/CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt05486736
IRS990ScheduleA/TotalCalendarYear170Grp/CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt02442339
IRS990ScheduleA/TotalCalendarYear170Grp/CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt0728845
IRS990ScheduleA/TotalCalendarYear170Grp/CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt063694
IRS990ScheduleA/TotalCalendarYear170Grp/TotalAmt012888900
IRS990ScheduleA/TotalSupportAmt012889196
IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInformationGrp/ContributorBusinessName/BusinessNameLine10RESTRICTED
IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInformationGrp/ContributorNum0RESTRICTED
IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInformationGrp/ContributorUSAddress/AddressLine10RESTRICTED
IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInformationGrp/ContributorUSAddress/AddressLine20RESTRICTED
IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInformationGrp/ContributorUSAddress/City0RESTRICTED
IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInformationGrp/ContributorUSAddress/State0RESTRICTED
IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInformationGrp/ContributorUSAddress/ZIPCode0RESTRICTED
IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInformationGrp/TotalContributionsAmt0RESTRICTED
IRS990/ScheduleBRequiredInd0true
IRS990ScheduleD/ExpensesSubtotalAmt04399794
IRS990ScheduleD/InclEscrowCustodialAcctLiabInd0false
IRS990ScheduleD/OtherLiabilitiesOrgGrp/Desc0Federal income taxes
IRS990ScheduleD/OtherSecuritiesGrp/Desc0Financial derivatives and other financial products
IRS990ScheduleD/OtherSecuritiesGrp/Desc1Closely-held equity interests
IRS990ScheduleD/RevenueSubtotalAmt04167286
IRS990ScheduleD/SupplementalInformationDetail/ExplanationTxt0CommonLit, Inc. is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable state law. The accounting standard on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes addresses the determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements. Under that guidance, CommonLit may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The Federal Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax, is subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service, generally for the three years after it is filed.
IRS990ScheduleD/SupplementalInformationDetail/FormAndLineReferenceDesc0X
IRS990ScheduleD/TotalExpensesPerForm990Amt04399794
IRS990ScheduleD/TotalRevenuePerForm990Amt04167286
IRS990ScheduleD/TotalRevEtcAuditedFinclStmtAmt04167286
IRS990ScheduleD/TotExpnsEtcAuditedFinclStmtAmt04399794
IRS990ScheduleF/AccountActivitiesOutsideUSGrp/EmployeeCnt02
IRS990ScheduleF/AccountActivitiesOutsideUSGrp/RegionTotalExpendituresAmt075267
IRS990ScheduleF/AccountActivitiesOutsideUSGrp/RegionTxt0North America
IRS990ScheduleF/AccountActivitiesOutsideUSGrp/SpecificServicesProvidedTxt0EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
IRS990ScheduleF/AccountActivitiesOutsideUSGrp/TypeOfActivitiesConductedTxt0PROGRAM SERVICES
IRS990ScheduleF/BoycottCountriesInd0false
IRS990ScheduleF/ForeignCorpOwnershipInd0false
IRS990ScheduleF/ForeignPartnershipInd0false
IRS990ScheduleF/InterestInForeignTrustInd0false
IRS990ScheduleF/PassiveForeignInvestmestCoInd0false
IRS990ScheduleF/SubtotalEmployeesCnt02
IRS990ScheduleF/SubtotalSpentAmt075267
IRS990ScheduleF/TotalEmployeeCnt02
IRS990ScheduleF/TotalSpentAmt075267
IRS990ScheduleF/TransferToForeignCorpInd0false
IRS990/ScheduleJRequiredInd0false
IRS990/ScheduleORequiredInd0true
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/ExplanationTxt0COMMONLIT DELEGATED CONTROL OVER SOME MANAGEMENT DUTIES CUSTOMARILY PERFORMED BY THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, TRUSTEES OR KEY EMPLOYEES TO RUBINO AND COMPANY, CHARTERED.
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/ExplanationTxt1THE ORGANIZATIONS ACCOUNTANTS PROVIDE A DRAFT 990 TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND TREASURER. THE BOARD AND TREASURER PROVIDE COMMENTS WHICH THE CPA FIRM INCORPORATES. THE CPA FIRM PROVIDES THE FINAL RETURN TO THE CEO, WHO APPROVES, SIGNS, AND SUBMITS.
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/ExplanationTxt2COMMONLITS MANAGEMENT AND BOARD MEMBERS ARE SUBJECT TO A WRITTEN CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY. IN ADDITION TO SELF REPORTING BY OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AND KEY EMPLOYEES, MANAGEMENT FLAGS POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST REGARDING PURCHASES, POTENTIAL PARTNERSHIPS, AND EARNED REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES. DURING 2019, NO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST WERE IDENTIFIED.
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/ExplanationTxt3CEO COMPENSATION IS SET THROUGH A TWO-STEP PROCESS. FIRST, A SUBCOMMITTEE OF INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS ANALYZES COMPENSATION OF CEOS AT PEER AND COMPARABLE ENTITIES, AND PRESENTS A RECOMMENDATION TO THE FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS. SECOND, THE FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS DELIBERATES AND VOTES ON THE RECOMMENDATION. THE CEO IS TOTALLY RECUSED FROM THE PROCESS, INCLUDING ALL DISCUSSIONS AND ALL VOTES.
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/ExplanationTxt4THE BOARD SETS OFFICERS SALARIES THROUGH A PROCESS BASED ON MARKET SALARY INFORMATION AND PREVIOUS COMPENSATION.
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/ExplanationTxt5ALL INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST AND APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNING BODY.
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/ExplanationTxt6CONTRACT EXPENSES PROGRAM-310,759 CONTRACT EXPENSES ADMIN-182,779
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/ExplanationTxt7MICHELLE BROWN AND PATRICK BROWN ARE SPOUSES
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/FormAndLineReferenceDesc0Form 990, Part VI, Line 3
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/FormAndLineReferenceDesc1Form 990, Part VI, Line 11
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/FormAndLineReferenceDesc2Form 990, Part VI, Line 12c
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/FormAndLineReferenceDesc3Form 990, Part VI, Line 15a
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/FormAndLineReferenceDesc4Form 990, Part VI, Line 15b
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/FormAndLineReferenceDesc5Form 990, Part VI, Line 19
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/FormAndLineReferenceDesc6Form 990, Part IX, Line 11g
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/FormAndLineReferenceDesc7Form 990, Part VI, Line 2
IRS990/SchoolOperatingInd0false
IRS990/SignificantChangeInd0false
IRS990/SignificantNewProgramSrvcInd0false
IRS990/StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd0DC
IRS990/StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd1MA
IRS990/SubjectToExcsTaxNetInvstIncInd0false
IRS990/SubjectToProxyTaxInd0false

Document Assets

No mirrored PDF or thumbnail assets are attached yet.

Filings

Displayed year

2019 • Form 990Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.

Open filing
Assets
$3,701,855
Liabilities
$452,304
Net assets
$3,249,551
Revenue
$4,167,286
Expenses
$4,399,794
Net income
-$232,508
Balance SheetOperations
YearAssetsLiabilitiesNet AssetsRevenueExpensesNet Income
2024Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$11.9$12.2$0.31$15.9$20.6$4.76
2023Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$13.1$8.68$4.45$13.9$17.2$3.35
2022Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$11.4$3.65$7.80$11.9$10.9$0.93
2021Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$8.41$1.54$6.87$9.16$7.08$2.07
2020Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$5.69$1.09$4.60$6.58$5.23$1.35
2019Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$3.70$0.45$3.25$4.17$4.40$0.23
2018Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$3.67$0.19$3.48$6.60$3.56$3.03
2017Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$0.58$0.13$0.45$2.54$2.23$0.32
2016Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$0.22$0.09$0.13$0.73$0.61$0.12
2015Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$0.01$0.00$0.01$0.06$0.05$0.01