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Nonprofiteer
← COMPETITIVE ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE

Form 990 for tax year 2024

Filed by COMPETITIVE ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE.

Totals

Total revenue
$12,854,082
Total expenses
$9,105,214
Contributions and grants received
$13,107,202
Grants paid
$3,100
Program service revenue
$0
Investment income
$113,858
Other revenue
-$366,978
Total assets, end of year
$15,260,215
Total liabilities, end of year
$5,676,082
Net assets or fund balances, end of year
$9,584,133
Program services expenses (Part IX)
$7,139,028
Management and general expenses
$511,026
Fundraising expenses
$1,455,160
Program service expenses (Part III)
$7,139,028

Program services were 78.4% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

Line items

Every line the filer filed in Parts VIII, IX and X, as filed and in filed order. Blank columns are left out, and the lines are not forced to add up to the totals above.

Revenue

Part VIII, the statement of revenue.

  • 1c · Fundraising events

    $392,672

  • 1f · All other contributions, gifts and grants

    $12,714,530

  • 3 · Investment income

    total $113,533 · excluded $113,533

  • 7a · Gross sales of assets other than inventory

    securities $4,214,705

  • 7b · Less cost or other basis and sales expenses

    securities $4,214,380

  • 7c · Gain or loss

    securities $325

  • 7d · Net gain or loss

    total $325 · excluded $325

  • 8a · Fundraising events: gross income

    $90,141

  • 8a · Fundraising events: contributions included on line 1c

    $392,672

  • 8b · Fundraising events: direct expenses

    $465,639

  • 8c · Net income from fundraising events

    total -$375,498 · excluded -$375,498

  • 11a · Other revenue: MISCELLANEOUS

    total $8,730 · related or exempt $8,730

  • 11b · Other revenue: EXCHANGE GAIN/LOSS

    total -$210 · related or exempt -$210

  • 11e · Other revenue, total

    $8,520

Functional expenses

Part IX, the statement of functional expenses.

  • 1 · Grants to domestic organizations and governments

    total $3,100 · program services $3,100

  • 5 · Compensation of officers, directors and key employees

    total $895,876 · program services $405,440 · management and general $196,136 · fundraising $294,300

  • 7 · Other salaries and wages

    total $3,927,078 · program services $3,229,430 · management and general $75,885 · fundraising $621,763

  • 8 · Pension plan contributions

    total $46,962 · program services $34,866 · management and general $3,743 · fundraising $8,353

  • 9 · Other employee benefits

    total $439,436 · program services $325,897 · management and general $10,334 · fundraising $103,205

  • 10 · Payroll taxes

    total $383,152 · program services $296,598 · management and general $23,592 · fundraising $62,962

  • 11b · Fees: legal

    total $50,015 · program services $33,586 · fundraising $16,429

  • 11c · Fees: accounting

    total $104,558 · management and general $104,558

  • 11d · Fees: lobbying

    total $43,302 · program services $43,302

  • 11e · Fees: professional fundraising services

    total $105,304 · fundraising $105,304

  • 11g · Fees: other

    total $1,165,092 · program services $1,158,090 · management and general $2,306 · fundraising $4,696

  • 12 · Advertising and promotion

    total $113,285 · program services $113,285

  • 13 · Office expenses

    total $141,067 · program services $94,599 · management and general $31,559 · fundraising $14,909

  • 14 · Information technology

    total $183,985 · program services $139,070 · management and general $17,089 · fundraising $27,826

  • 16 · Occupancy

    total $673,801 · program services $582,905 · management and general $17,991 · fundraising $72,905

  • 17 · Travel

    total $142,852 · program services $114,248 · management and general $791 · fundraising $27,813

  • 19 · Conferences, conventions and meetings

    total $239,663 · program services $238,319 · management and general $478 · fundraising $866

  • 20 · Interest

    total $3,583 · program services $3,099 · management and general $96 · fundraising $388

  • 22 · Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    total $117,849 · program services $101,951 · management and general $3,147 · fundraising $12,751

  • 23 · Insurance

    total $52,240 · program services $45,445 · management and general $1,345 · fundraising $5,450

  • 24a · Other expenses: DIRECT MAIL

    total $201,819 · program services $110,713 · management and general $16,242 · fundraising $74,864

  • 24b · Other expenses: BOOKS & SUBSCRIPTIONS

    total $66,195 · program services $65,085 · management and general $734 · fundraising $376

  • 24c · Other expenses: BAD DEBT

    total $5,000 · management and general $5,000

  • 26 · Joint costs (an allocation of the lines above)

    total $307,124 · program services $110,714 · management and general $16,242 · fundraising $180,168

Balance sheet

Part X, book values.

  • 1 · Cash, non-interest-bearing

    beginning of year $1,090,300 · end of year $2,750,621

  • 2 · Savings and temporary cash investments

    beginning of year $3,527,374 · end of year $3,394,824

  • 3 · Pledges and grants receivable

    beginning of year $984,500 · end of year $870,000

  • 4 · Accounts receivable

    beginning of year $11,872 · end of year $11,357

  • 9 · Prepaid expenses and deferred charges

    beginning of year $364,768 · end of year $276,107

  • 10a · Land, buildings and equipment: cost or other basis

    $2,066,545

  • 10b · Land, buildings and equipment: accumulated depreciation

    $1,565,234

  • 10c · Land, buildings and equipment, net

    beginning of year $407,983 · end of year $501,311

  • 12 · Investments: other securities

    beginning of year $702,260 · end of year $765,370

  • 15 · Other assets

    beginning of year $2,282,439 · end of year $6,690,625

  • 17 · Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    beginning of year $576,961 · end of year $425,643

  • 25 · Other liabilities

    beginning of year $2,966,444 · end of year $5,250,439

  • 27 · Net assets without donor restrictions

    beginning of year $5,104,366 · end of year $7,237,735

  • 28 · Net assets with donor restrictions

    beginning of year $723,725 · end of year $2,346,398

Mission and programs · 2024

Mission

COMPETITIVE ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE (CEI) IS A NON-PROFIT PUBLIC POLICY ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO THE PRINCIPLES OF FREE ENTERPRISE AND LIMITED GOVERNMENT. WE BELIEVE THAT CONSUMERS ARE BEST HELPED NOT BY GOVERNMENT REGULATION BUT BY BEING ALLOWED TO MAKE THEIR OWN CHOICES IN A FREE MARKETPLACE.

Activities or mission (Part I)

PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH/EDUCATION DEDICATED TO PRINCIPLES OF FREE ENTERPRISE & LIMITED GOVERNMENT.

  • COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACHCEI'S COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH DEPARTMENT ASSISTS THE CEI POLICY CENTERS WITH THEIR EFFORTS TO DISSEMINATE RESEARCH FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS TO VARIOUS AUDIENCES INCLUDING POLICYMAKERS, NEWS MEDIA, ALLIED ORGANIZATIONS, AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC. IT ALSO HELPS THE POLICY CENTERS BUILD COALITIONS OF LIKE MINDED SCHOLARS, ACTIVISTS, AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS TO ADVANCE THE ORGANIZATION'S MISSION OF PROMOTING THE INSTITUTIONS OF LIBERTY AND REMOVING GOVERNMENT-CREATED BARRIERS TO ECONOMIC FREEDOM, INNOVATION, AND PROSPERITY.

    Expenses $1,735,680

  • CENTER FOR ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT CEI'S CENTER FOR ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT MAKES THE POSITIVE CASE FOR ABUNDANT ENERGY AND PROMOTES ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES BASED ON ECONOMIC FREEDOM, PROPERTY RIGHTS, AND LIMITED GOVERNMENT. THE CENTER WORKS TO COMBAT THE BELIEF THAT PROSPERITY THREATENS THE ENVIRONMENT, THAT THE ANSWER TO EVERY ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE IS MORE REGULATION, AND THAT RISKS CAN BE ABOLISHED BY LIMITING HUMAN INGENUITY.

    Expenses $1,103,402

  • CENTER FOR ECONOMIC FREEDOMCEI'S CENTER FOR ECONOMIC FREEDOM ADDRESSES MANY OF THE INDUSTRIES AND ACTIVITIES WHERE LONG-ESTABLISHED, AND OFTEN PATERNALISTIC, REGULATORY POLICIES TEND TO STYMIE THE CREATION AND EVOLUTION OF NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, TECHNOLOGIES, BUSINESS PRACTICES, AND WORK ARRANGEMENTS. KEY ISSUE AREAS INCLUDE BANKING AND SECURITIES REGULATION, CONSUMER FINANCE, LABOR LAW AND EMPLOYMENT POLICY, CONSUMER PRODUCT REGULATION, AND TRADE POLICY. THESE ISSUE AREAS REQUIRE OUR EXPERTS TO HAVE A FIRM UNDERSTANDING OF EXISTING REGULATION, REGULATION'S MONETARY AND SOCIAL COSTS, AND AN APPRECIATION OF THE WAY TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION PRESENT NEW CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS FOR REFORM.

    Expenses $979,795

  • CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION - CEI'S CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION STRIVES TO KEEP THE REGULATORY STATE FROM ENCROACHING UPON FRONTIER INDUSTRIES AND ENSURE THAT 21ST CENTURY TECHNOLOGIES ARE NOT SHACKLED BY 20TH CENTURY REGULATIONS. THE CENTER WORKS TO ADVANCE MARKET DISCIPLINE AS SUPERIOR TO REGULATORY INTERVENTION; WE LEGITIMIZE MARKET PROCESSES AND FORESTALL GOVERNMENTAL RESTRICTIONS ON WEALTH CREATION.

    Expenses $739,145

  • CENTER FOR LITIGATION - THE CENTRAL MISSION OF CEI'S CENTER FOR LAW & LITIGATION IS TO ENCOURAGE GOVERNMENT BODIES TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW THAT GOVERNS THEM. CEI DOES THIS THROUGH REPRESENTATION OF PARTIES IN PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION, SUBMISSION OF AMICUS BRIEFS, POLICY ANALYSIS AND ADVOCACY, GOVERNMENT RECORDS REQUESTS, AND RESEARCH SUPPORT EXTENDED TO CEI'S POLICY COLLEAGUES. ISSUES THAT THE CENTER HAS FOCUSED ON IN THE RECENT PAST INCLUDE CORPORATE AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS, CONSUMER APPLIANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS, THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FEE, MUTUAL FUNDS FEES, AND CIVIL FORFEITURE REFORM.

    Expenses $707,268

  • OTHER PROGRAMS

    Expenses $1,873,738 · Grants $3,100

As filed on the 2024 return. The filer continues this part on Schedule O, which is not shown here.

Listed in Part VII

  • KENT LASSMAN

    PRESIDENT

    Total calculated
    $399,080
    From this org
    $359,403
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $39,677
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $324,403
    Bonus
    $35,000
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $6,900
    Nontaxable benefits
    $32,777
    Filer's total
    $399,080

  • RICHARD TREN

    CHAIRMAN

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • FRED L SMITH JR

    FOUNDER, DIRECTOR UNTIL 11/24

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • KRISTINA CRANE

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • MICHAEL S GREVE

    DIRECTOR UNTIL 11/24

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • DANA MODZELEWSKI

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • GEOFFREY POHANKA

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • TODD ZYWICKI

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • ROGER REAM

    DIRECTOR AS OF 06/25

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • SARAH ATKINS

    DIRECTOR AS OF 06/25

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • CATHY WINDELS

    DIRECTOR AS OF 04/25

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • DAVID STOVER

    DIRECTOR AS OF 04/25

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • FRAN SMITH

    DIRECTOR AS OF 04/25

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • CARRIE DIAMOND

    VP OF ADMINISTRATION

    Total calculated
    $180,998
    From this org
    $176,796
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $4,202
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $148,296
    Bonus
    $28,500
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $3,572
    Nontaxable benefits
    $630
    Filer's total
    $180,998

  • DANIEL GREENBERG

    GENERAL COUNSEL

    Total calculated
    $157,835
    From this org
    $120,547
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $37,288
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $120,547
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $1,984
    Nontaxable benefits
    $35,304
    Filer's total
    $157,835

  • AMANDA FRANCE

    DIRECTOR OF EVENTS

    Total calculated
    $174,480
    From this org
    $161,419
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $13,061
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $134,672
    Bonus
    $26,747
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $3,250
    Nontaxable benefits
    $9,811
    Filer's total
    $174,480

  • JOEL ZINBERG

    SENIOR FELLOW

    Total calculated
    $216,227
    From this org
    $182,652
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $33,575
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $182,652
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $3,822
    Nontaxable benefits
    $29,753
    Filer's total
    $216,227

  • WAYNE CREWS

    FRED L. SMITH FELLOW

    Total calculated
    $223,046
    From this org
    $185,918
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $37,128
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $185,168
    Bonus
    $750
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $3,842
    Nontaxable benefits
    $33,286
    Filer's total
    $223,046

  • IAIN MURRAY

    VICE PRESIDENT FOR STRATEGY

    Total calculated
    $198,130
    From this org
    $161,635
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $36,495
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $160,135
    Bonus
    $1,500
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $3,450
    Nontaxable benefits
    $33,045
    Filer's total
    $198,130

  • DAREN BAKST - DIR OF CENTER

    FOR ENERGY AND ENVT, SR. FELLOW

    Total calculated
    $183,280
    From this org
    $171,456
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $11,824
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $156,921
    Bonus
    $14,535
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $0
    Nontaxable benefits
    $11,824
    Filer's total
    $183,280

  • JESSICA MELUGIN

    DIRECTOR OF CENTER FOR TEC

    Total calculated
    $172,162
    From this org
    $160,753
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $11,409
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $156,013
    Bonus
    $4,740
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $1,300
    Nontaxable benefits
    $10,109
    Filer's total
    $172,162

Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. A Schedule J breakdown is as filed: base pay, bonus, other, deferred compensation and nontaxable benefits from this organization, with any from related organizations beside each, and the filer's own total. It is shown with the Part VII listing of the same name on the same return. The form gives no key between the two, so that pairing is ours, and is marked matched by us.

Schedule J

Answered yes

  • 1a · Health or social club dues or initiation fees
  • 2 · Substantiation required before reimbursing expenses
  • 3 · Compensation committee
  • 3 · Form 990 of other organizations
  • 3 · Compensation survey or study
  • 3 · Approval by the board or compensation committee
  • 7 · Other non-fixed payments

Answered no

  • 1b · Written policy on the line-1a expenses
  • 4a · Severance or change-of-control payment
  • 4b · Supplemental nonqualified retirement plan
  • 4c · Equity-based compensation arrangement
  • 5a · Pay contingent on this organization's revenues
  • 5b · Pay contingent on a related organization's revenues
  • 6a · Pay contingent on this organization's net earnings
  • 6b · Pay contingent on a related organization's net earnings
  • 8 · Paid under the initial-contract exception

The filer's explanations (Part III)

PART I, LINE 1A
CEI PAID THE MEMBERSHIP FEES FOR THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB FOR KENT LASSMAN IN ORDER TO HAVE A LOCATION FOR EVENTS IN NEW YORK, AS THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB DOES NOT HOLD EVENTS FOR NON-MEMBERS.
PART I, LINE 7
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DETERMINES THE BONUS FOR THE PRESIDENT. THE PRESIDENT DETERMINES THE BONUS FOR ALL OTHER OFFICERS AND STAFF.

Part I's answers as filed. A line not listed was left unanswered; on lines 1a and 3 that means the box was not checked.

Grants on this return

No itemized grants to organizations on this return.

Provenance

Return type
form_990
Tax year
2024
Filed
10 March 2026
IRS schema version
2024v5.5
Source object
202610779349301121

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