Form990


Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue Service
Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax
Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (except private foundations)
Do not enter social security numbers on this form as it may be made public.
Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2024
Open to Public Inspection
A For the 2024 calendar year, or tax year beginning 01-01-2024 , and ending 12-31-2024
BCheck if applicable:
CName of organization
COTTON INCORPORATED
 
 
Doing business as
 
 
Number and street (or P.O. box if mail is not delivered to street address)
6399 WESTON PARKWAY
 
Room/suite
City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code
CARY, NC27513
D Employer identification number

62-0786018
E Telephone number

G Gross receipts $ 89,064,927
F Name and address of principal officer:
TIMOTHY JOHNSON
6399 WESTON PARKWAY
CARY,NC27513
I
Tax-exempt status: ( 6 ) (insert no.) or
J
Website:
WWW.COTTONINC.COM
H(a)
Is this a group return for
subordinates?
H(b)
Are all subordinates
included?
If "No," attach a list. See instructions.
H(c)
Group exemption number  
K Form of organization:  
L Year of formation: 1967
M State of legal domicile: TN
Part I
Summary
Activities & Governance 1 Briefly describe the organization’s mission or most significant activities: SEE SCHEDULE O.
2 Check this box
3 Number of voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1a) ........ 3 116
4 Number of independent voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1b) ..... 4 116
5 Total number of individuals employed in calendar year 2024 (Part V, line 2a) ...... 5 145
6 Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary) ............. 6 116
7a Total unrelated business revenue from Part VIII, column (C), line 12 ........ 7a 0
b Net unrelated business taxable income from Form 990-T, Part I, line 11 ......... 7b  
Revenues Prior Year Current Year
8 Contributions and grants (Part VIII, line 1h) ......... 87,174,483 89,064,927
9 Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g) ......... 0 0
10 Investment income (Part VIII, column (A), lines 3, 4, and 7d ) .... 0 0
11 Other revenue (Part VIII, column (A), lines 5, 6d, 8c, 9c, 10c, and 11e) 0 0
12 Total revenue—add lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12) 87,174,483 89,064,927
Expenses; 13 Grants and similar amounts paid (Part IX, column (A), lines 1–3 )... 257,514 274,085
14 Benefits paid to or for members (Part IX, column (A), line 4)..... 0 0
15 Salaries, other compensation, employee benefits (Part IX, column (A), lines 5–10) 21,112,258 23,190,542
16a Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e) ..... 0 0
b Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25) 0    
17 Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a–11d, 11f–24e).... 63,167,569 63,957,922
18 Total expenses. Add lines 13–17 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) 84,537,341 87,422,549
19 Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12....... 2,637,142 1,642,378
Net Assets or Fund Balances; Beginning of Current Year End of Year
20 Total assets (Part X, line 16)............. 27,503,293 28,431,643
21 Total liabilities (Part X, line 26)............. 20,115,500 19,401,472
22 Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20..... 7,387,793 9,030,171
Part II
Signature Block
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than officer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.
Sign Here
Signature of officer Date
Type or print name and title
Paid Preparer Use Only
Print/Type preparer's name
Preparer's signature
Date
PTIN
Firm's name

Firm's EIN
Firm's address



Phone no.
May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? See Instructions. ..........
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.
Cat. No. 11282Y Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 2
Part III
Statement of Program Service Accomplishments
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part III..............
1
Briefly describe the organization’s mission: COTTON INCORPORATED, FUNDED BY U.S. GROWERS OF UPLAND COTTON AND IMPORTERS OF COTTON AND COTTON TEXTILE PRODUCTS, IS THE RESEARCH AND MARKETING COMPANY REPRESENTING UPLAND COTTON. THE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED AND OPERATED TO IMPROVE THE DEMAND FOR AND PROFITABILITY OF COTTON.
2
Did the organization undertake any significant program services during the year which were not listed on
the prior Form 990 or 990-EZ? .....................
If "Yes," describe these new services on Schedule O.
3
Did the organization cease conducting, or make significant changes in how it conducts, any program
services? ...........................
If "Yes," describe these changes on Schedule O.
4
Describe the organization’s program service accomplishments for each of its three largest program services, as measured by expenses. Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations are required to report the amount of grants and allocations to others, the total expenses, and revenue, if any, for each program service reported.
4a (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 0 including grants of $ 0 ) (Revenue $ 0 )
SEE SCHEDULE O.
4b (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 0 including grants of $ 0 ) (Revenue $ 0 )
SEE SCHEDULE O.
4c (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 0 including grants of $ 0 ) (Revenue $ 0 )
SEE SCHEDULE O.
4d Other program services (Describe in Schedule O.)
(Expenses $   including grants of $   ) (Revenue $   )
4e Total program service expenses0
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 3
Part IV
Checklist of Required Schedules
Yes
No
1
Is the organization described in section 501(c)(3) or 4947(a)(1) (other than a private foundation)? If "Yes," complete Schedule A.....................
1
 
No
2
Is the organization required to complete Schedule B, Schedule of Contributors? See instructions. Click to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
...
2
Yes
 
3
Did the organization engage in direct or indirect political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part I.............
3
 
No
4
Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization engage in lobbying activities, or have a section 501(h) election in effect during the tax year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part II.........
4
 
No
5
Is the organization a section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organization that receives membership dues, assessments, or similar amounts as defined in Rev. Proc. 98-19? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part IIIClick to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
..
5
 
No
6
Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds or any similar funds or accounts for which donors have the right to provide advice on the distribution or investment of amounts in such funds or accounts? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part I.........................
6
 
No
7
Did the organization receive or hold a conservation easement, including easements to preserve open space,
the environment, historic land areas, or historic structures? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part II....
7
 
No
8
Did the organization maintain collections of works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets? If "Yes,"
complete Schedule D, Part III..............
8
 
No
9
Did the organization report an amount in Part X, line 21 for escrow or custodial account liability; serve as a custodian for amounts not listed in Part X; or provide credit counseling, debt management, credit repair, or debt negotiation services? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IV..............
9
 
No
10
Did the organization, directly or through a related organization, hold assets in temporarily restricted endowments, permanent endowments, or quasi endowments? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part V......
10
 
No
11
If the organization’s answer to any of the following questions is "Yes," then complete Schedule D, Parts VI, VII, VIII, IX, or X, as applicable.
a
Did the organization report an amount for land, buildings, and equipment in Part X, line 10? If "Yes," complete
Schedule D, Part VI. Click to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
...................
11a
Yes
 
b
Did the organization report an amount for investments—other securities in Part X, line 12 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VII.......
11b
 
No
c
Did the organization report an amount for investments—program related in Part X, line 13 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VIII.......
11c
 
No
d
Did the organization report an amount for other assets in Part X, line 15 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IXClick to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
............
11d
Yes
 
e
Did the organization report an amount for other liabilities in Part X, line 25? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part XClick to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
11e
Yes
 
f
Did the organization’s separate or consolidated financial statements for the tax year include a footnote that addresses the organization’s liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740)? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part XClick to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
11f
Yes
 
12a
Did the organization obtain separate, independent audited financial statements for the tax year? If "Yes," complete
Schedule D, Parts XI and XIIClick to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
......................
12a
Yes
 
b
Was the organization included in consolidated, independent audited financial statements for the tax year? If "Yes," and if the organization answered "No" to line 12a, then completing Schedule D, Parts XI and XII is optional
12b
 
No
13
Is the organization a school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)? If "Yes," complete Schedule E
13
 
No
14a
Did the organization maintain an office, employees, or agents outside of the United States? .....
14a
Yes
 
b
Did the organization have aggregate revenues or expenses of more than $10,000 from grantmaking, fundraising, business, investment, and program service activities outside the United States, or aggregate foreign investments valued at $100,000 or more? If "Yes," complete Schedule F, Parts I and IV.........Click to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
14b
Yes
 
15
Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to or for any foreign organization? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts II and IV.....
15
 
No
16
Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of aggregate grants or other assistance to or for foreign individuals? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts III and IV...
16
 
No
17
Did the organization report a total of more than $15,000 of expenses for professional fundraising services on Part IX, column (A), lines 6 and 11e? If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part I. See instructions. ....
17
 
No
18
Did the organization report more than $15,000 total of fundraising event gross income and contributions on Part VIII, lines 1c and 8a? If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part II............
18
 
No
19
Did the organization report more than $15,000 of gross income from gaming activities on Part VIII, line 9a? If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part III...................
19
 
No
20a
Did the organization operate one or more hospital facilities? If "Yes," complete Schedule H....
20a
 
No
b
If "Yes" to line 20a, did the organization attach a copy of its audited financial statements to this return?
20b
 
 
21
Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to any domestic organization or domestic government on Part IX, column (A), line 1? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and II.....
21
 
No
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 4
Part IV
Checklist of Required Schedules (continued)
Yes
No
22
Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to or for domestic individuals on Part IX, column (A), line 2? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and III........Click to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
22
Yes
 
23
Did the organization answer "Yes" to Part VII, Section A, line 3, 4, or 5, about compensation of the organization’s current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees? If "Yes," complete Schedule J....................... Click to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
23
Yes
 
24a
Did the organization have a tax-exempt bond issue with an outstanding principal amount of more than $100,000 as of the last day of the year, that was issued after December 31, 2002? If “Yes,” answer lines 24b through 24d and complete Schedule K. If “No,” go to line 25a...............
24a
 
No
b
Did the organization invest any proceeds of tax-exempt bonds beyond a temporary period exception?...
24b
 
 
c
Did the organization maintain an escrow account other than a refunding escrow at any time during the year
to defease any tax-exempt bonds? ...............
24c
 
No
d
Did the organization act as an "on behalf of" issuer for bonds outstanding at any time during the year?...
24d
 
No
25a
Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Did the organization engage in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person during the year? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I ....
25a
 
No
b
Is the organization aware that it engaged in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person in a prior year, and that the transaction has not been reported on any of the organization’s prior Forms 990 or 990-EZ? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I.......................
25b
 
No
26
Did the organization report any amount on Part X, line 5 or 22 for receivables from or payables to any current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, substantial contributor, or 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part II...........
26
 
No
27
Did the organization provide a grant or other assistance to any current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, substantial contributor, or employee thereof, a grant selection committee member, or to a 35% controlled entity (including an employee thereof) or family member of any of these persons?
If "Yes," complete
Schedule L, Part III.........................
27
 
No
28
Was the organization a party to a business transaction with one of the following parties (see the Schedule L, Part IV instructions for applicable filing thresholds, conditions, and exceptions):
a
A current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, or substantial contributor? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part IV......................
28a
 
No
b
A family member of any individual described in line 28a? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part IV.....
28b
 
No
c
A 35% controlled entity of one or more individuals and/or organizations described in line 28a or 28b? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part IV.....................
28c
 
No
29
Did the organization receive more than $25,000 in non-cash contributions? If "Yes," complete Schedule M..
29
 
No
30
Did the organization receive contributions of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets, or qualified conservation contributions? If "Yes," complete Schedule M .................
30
 
No
31
Did the organization liquidate, terminate, or dissolve and cease operations? If "Yes," complete Schedule N, Part I
31
 
No
32
Did the organization sell, exchange, dispose of, or transfer more than 25% of its net assets? If "Yes," complete Schedule N, Part II........................
32
 
No
33
Did the organization own 100% of an entity disregarded as separate from the organization under Regulations sections 301.7701-2 and 301.7701-3? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part I............
33
 
No
34
Was the organization related to any tax-exempt or taxable entity? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part II, III, or IV, and Part V, line 1.........................
34
 
No
35a
Did the organization have a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)?
35a
 
No
b
If ‘Yes’ to line 35a, did the organization receive any payment from or engage in any transaction with a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2 ...
35b
 
No
36
Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non-charitable related organization? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2.............
36
 
No
37
Did the organization conduct more than 5% of its activities through an entity that is not a related organization and that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part VI
37
 
No
38
Did the organization complete Schedule O and provide explanations on Schedule O for Part VI, lines 11b and 19? Note. All Form 990 filers are required to complete Schedule O. ............
38
Yes
 
Part V
Statements Regarding Other IRS Filings and Tax Compliance
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part V...........
Yes
No
1a
Enter the number reported in box 3 of Form 1096. Enter -0- if not applicable ..
1a
130
b
Enter the number of Forms W-2G included on line 1a. Enter -0- if not applicable .
1b
0
c
Did the organization comply with backup withholding rules for reportable payments to vendors and reportable gaming (gambling) winnings to prize winners? ..................
1c
Yes
 
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 5
Part V
Statements Regarding Other IRS Filings and Tax Compliance (continued)
2a
Enter the number of employees reported on Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and
Tax Statements, filed for the calendar year ending with or within the year covered by this return ..................
2a
145
b
If at least one is reported on line 2a, did the organization file all required federal employment tax returns?
2b
Yes
 
3a
Did the organization have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year?...
3a
 
No
b
If “Yes,” has it filed a Form 990-T for this year? If “No” to line 3b, provide an explanation in Schedule O...
3b
 
 
4a
At any time during the calendar year, did the organization have an interest in, or a signature or other authority over, a financial account in a foreign country (such as a bank account, securities account, or other financial account)? ..
4a
Yes
 
b
If "Yes," enter the name of the foreign country: HK , JA , MX , CH
See instructions for filing requirements for FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR).
5a
Was the organization a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction at any time during the tax year? ..
5a
 
No
b
Did any taxable party notify the organization that it was or is a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction?
5b
 
No
c
If "Yes," to line 5a or 5b, did the organization file Form 8886-T? ............
5c
 
 
6a
Does the organization have annual gross receipts that are normally greater than $100,000, and did the organization solicit any contributions that were not tax deductible as charitable contributions? ...
6a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization include with every solicitation an express statement that such contributions or gifts were not tax deductible? ......................
6b
 
 
7
Organizations that may receive deductible contributions under section 170(c).
a
Did the organization receive a payment in excess of $75 made partly as a contribution and partly for goods and services provided to the payor? ....................
7a
 
 
b
If "Yes," did the organization notify the donor of the value of the goods or services provided? .....
7b
 
 
c
Did the organization sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of tangible personal property for which it was required to file Form 8282? .........................
7c
 
 
d
If "Yes," indicate the number of Forms 8282 filed during the year ....
7d
 
e
Did the organization receive any funds, directly or indirectly, to pay premiums on a personal benefit contract?
7e
 
 
f
Did the organization, during the year, pay premiums, directly or indirectly, on a personal benefit contract? ..
7f
 
 
g
If the organization received a contribution of qualified intellectual property, did the organization file Form 8899 as required? ......................
7g
 
 
h
If the organization received a contribution of cars, boats, airplanes, or other vehicles, did the organization file a Form 1098-C? ..........................
7h
 
 
8
Sponsoring organizations maintaining donor advised funds. Did a donor advised fund maintained by the sponsoring organization have excess business holdings at any time during the year? ........
8
 
 
9
Sponsoring organizations maintaining donor advised funds.
a
Did the sponsoring organization make any taxable distributions under section 4966?........
9a
 
 
b
Did the sponsoring organization make a distribution to a donor, donor advisor, or related person?...
9b
 
 
10
Section 501(c)(7) organizations. Enter:
a
Initiation fees and capital contributions included on Part VIII, line 12 ...
10a
 
b
Gross receipts, included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, for public use of club facilities
10b
 
11
Section 501(c)(12) organizations. Enter:
a
Gross income from members or shareholders .........
11a
 
b
Gross income from other sources. (Do not net amounts due or paid to other sources against amounts due or received from them.) ..........
11b
 
12a
Section 4947(a)(1) non-exempt charitable trusts. Is the organization filing Form 990 in lieu of Form 1041?
12a
 
 
b
If "Yes," enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the year.
12b
 
13
Section 501(c)(29) qualified nonprofit health insurance issuers.
a
Is the organization licensed to issue qualified health plans in more than one state? .........
Note. See the instructions for additional information the organization must report on Schedule O.
13a
 
 
b
Enter the amount of reserves the organization is required to maintain by the states in which the organization is licensed to issue qualified health plans ....
13b
 
c
Enter the amount of reserves on hand ............
13c
 
14a
Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the tax year?.....
14a
 
No
b
If "Yes," has it filed a Form 720 to report these payments? If "No," provide an explanation in Schedule O..
14b
 
 
15
Is the organization subject to the section 4960 tax on payment(s) of more than $1,000,000 in remuneration or excess parachute payment(s) during the year? ....................
If "Yes," see the instructions and file Form 4720, Schedule N.
15
 
No
16
Is the organization an educational institution subject to the section 4968 excise tax on net investment income? ..
If "Yes," complete Form 4720, Schedule O.
16
 
No
17
Section 501(c)(21) organizations. Did the trust, or any disqualified or other person engage in any activities that would result in the imposition of an excise tax under section 4951, 4952, or 4953? ..
If "Yes," complete Form 6069.
17
 
 
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 6
Part VI
Governance, Management, and Disclosure. For each "Yes" response to lines 2 through 7b below, and for a "No" response to lines 8a, 8b, or 10b below, describe the circumstances, processes, or changes in Schedule O. See instructions.
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VI..............
Section A. Governing Body and Management
Yes
No
1a
Enter the number of voting members of the governing body at the end of the tax year
1a
116
If there are material differences in voting rights among members of the governing body, or if the governing body delegated broad authority to an executive committee or similar committee, explain in Schedule O.
b
Enter the number of voting members included in line 1a, above, who are independent
1b
116
2
Did any officer, director, trustee, or key employee have a family relationship or a business relationship with any other officer, director, trustee, or key employee? .................
2
Yes
 
3
Did the organization delegate control over management duties customarily performed by or under the direct supervision of officers, directors or trustees, or key employees to a management company or other person? .
3
 
No
4
Did the organization make any significant changes to its governing documents since the prior Form 990 was filed? .
4
 
No
5
Did the organization become aware during the year of a significant diversion of the organization’s assets? .
5
 
No
6
Did the organization have members or stockholders? ................
6
 
No
7a
Did the organization have members, stockholders, or other persons who had the power to elect or appoint one or more members of the governing body? ....................
7a
 
No
b
Are any governance decisions of the organization reserved to (or subject to approval by) members, stockholders, or persons other than the governing body? ...................
7b
 
No
8
Did the organization contemporaneously document the meetings held or written actions undertaken during the year by the following:
a
The governing body? .......................
8a
Yes
 
b
Each committee with authority to act on behalf of the governing body? ............
8b
Yes
 
9
Is there any officer, director, trustee, or key employee listed in Part VII, Section A, who cannot be reached at the organization’s mailing address? If "Yes," provide the names and addresses in Schedule O.......
9
 
No
Section B. Policies (This Section B requests information about policies not required by the Internal Revenue Code.)
Yes
No
10a
Did the organization have local chapters, branches, or affiliates? ............
10a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization have written policies and procedures governing the activities of such chapters, affiliates, and branches to ensure their operations are consistent with the organization's exempt purposes?
10b
 
No
11a
Has the organization provided a complete copy of this Form 990 to all members of its governing body before filing the form? ............................
11a
 
No
b
Describe on Schedule O the process, if any, used by the organization to review this Form 990. .....
12a
Did the organization have a written conflict of interest policy? If "No," go to line 13.......
12a
Yes
 
b
Were officers, directors, or trustees, and key employees required to disclose annually interests that could give rise to conflicts? ..........................
12b
Yes
 
c
Did the organization regularly and consistently monitor and enforce compliance with the policy? If "Yes," describe on Schedule O how this was done...................
12c
Yes
 
13
Did the organization have a written whistleblower policy? ...............
13
Yes
 
14
Did the organization have a written document retention and destruction policy? .........
14
Yes
 
15
Did the process for determining compensation of the following persons include a review and approval by independent persons, comparability data, and contemporaneous substantiation of the deliberation and decision?
a
The organization’s CEO, Executive Director, or top management official ...........
15a
Yes
 
b
Other officers or key employees of the organization ................
15b
Yes
 
If "Yes" to line 15a or 15b, describe the process on Schedule O. See instructions.
16a
Did the organization invest in, contribute assets to, or participate in a joint venture or similar arrangement with a taxable entity during the year? ......................
16a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization follow a written policy or procedure requiring the organization to evaluate its participation in joint venture arrangements under applicable federal tax law, and take steps to safeguard the organization’s exempt status with respect to such arrangements? ............
16b
 
No
Section C. Disclosure
17
List the states with which a copy of this Form 990 is required to be filed
FL , MI , NY , NC , TN
18
Section 6104 requires an organization to make its Form 1023 (1024 or 1024-A, if applicable), 990, and 990-T (section 501(c)(3)s only) available for public inspection. Indicate how you made these available. Check all that apply.
19
Describe in Schedule O whether (and if so, how) the organization made its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public during the tax year.
20
State the name, address, and telephone number of the person who possesses the organization's books and records:
TIMOTHY JOHNSON6399 WESTON PARKWAY   CARY,NC27513 (919) 678-2306
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 7
Part VII
Compensation of Officers, Directors,Trustees, Key Employees, Highest Compensated Employees, and Independent Contractors
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VII..............
Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees
1a Complete this table for all persons required to be listed. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organization’s tax year.
RoundBullet List all of the organization’s current officers, directors, trustees (whether individuals or organizations), regardless of amount
of compensation. Enter -0- in columns (D), (E), and (F) if no compensation was paid.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s current key employees, if any. See the instructions for definition of "key employee."
RoundBullet List the organization’s five current highest compensated employees (other than an officer, director, trustee or key employee)
who received reportable compensation (box 5 of Form W-2, box 6 of Form 1099-MISC, and/or box 1 of Form 1099-NEC) of more than $100,000 from the organization and any related organizations.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s former officers, key employees, or highest compensated employees who received more than $100,000
of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s former directors or trustees that received, in the capacity as a former director or trustee of the
organization, more than $10,000 of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations.

See the instructions for the order in which to list the persons above.
Check this box if neither the organization nor any related organization compensated any current officer, director, or trustee.
(A)
Name and title 		(B)
Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line) 		(C)
Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee) 		(D)
Reportable compensation from the organization (W-2/1099-MISC/1099-NEC) 		(E)
Reportable compensation from related organizations (W-2/1099-MISC/1099-NEC) 		(F)
Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
Individual Trustee or Director; Institutional Trustee; OfficerInd; Key Employee; Highest compensated employee; FormerOfcrDirectorTrusteeInd;
(1) DONNY LASSITER......................................................................
TREASURER
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X   X       0 0 0
(2) JAMES JOHNSON......................................................................
CHAIR
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X   X       0 0 0
(3) JEFF HUX......................................................................
SECRETARY
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X   X       0 0 0
(4) MARVIN BEYER......................................................................
VICE CHAIR
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X   X       0 0 0
(5) ALBERT ANDEL......................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(6) ALFRED PENNINGTON......................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(7) ALLEN BELOW......................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(8) ANDREW WENDLAND......................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(9) AUSTIN LITTLETON......................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(10) BASIL THOMPSON......................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(11) BENJAMIN BOYD......................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(12) BERNARD JORDAN......................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(13) BILL WALKER......................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(14) BRAD HARRISON......................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(15) BRAD WARREN......................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(16) BRADLEY JONES......................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(17) BRENT NELSON......................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 8
Part VII
Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees (continued)
(A)
Name and title 		(B)
Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line) 		(C)
Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee) 		(D)
Reportable compensation from the organization (W-2/1099-MISC/1099-NEC) 		(E)
Reportable compensation from related organizations (W-2/1099-MISC/1099-NEC) 		(F)
Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
Individual Trustee or Director; Institutional Trustee; OfficerInd; Key Employee; Highest compensated employee; FormerOfcrDirectorTrusteeInd;
(18) CASSY ENGLAND........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(19) CHARLES MATHIS........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(20) CHRISTOPHER HOPKINS........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(21) CLINT WEBB........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(22) COLEY BAILEY........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(23) COLLIN MCKINLEY........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(24) CURTIS WILDE........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(25) DAN METZ........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(26) DARREN HEMBREE........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(27) DEAN ROVEY........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(28) DOUGLAS JARRELL........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(29) EARL STILES........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(30) ELIZABETH SPRUELL........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(31) ERIC SEIDENBERGER........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(32) FARNSWORTH PUGH........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(33) GARY HENDRIX........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(34) GREG GLOVER........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(35) GREG SLOUGH........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(36) GREGG MAYBERRY........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(37) HAROLD MAY........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(38) HARRY SCHROEDER........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(39) HENRY MCLAURIN........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(40) HERRICK NORCROSS........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(41) JACOB SANDEFORD........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(42) JACOB SHEELY........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(43) JAMES FERGUSON........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(44) JAMES MASSEY........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(45) JAN JONES........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(46) JASON CONDREY........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(47) JASON FELTON........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(48) JASON MAYER........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(49) JENIFER LANE........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(50) JEREMY BROWN........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(51) JEREMY GONZALES........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(52) JERRY DAVIS........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(53) JERRY SOWDER........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(54) JESSE FLYE........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(55) JOAQUIN TOLEDO........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(56) JOE BAUMGARDNER........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(57) JOHN DOUGLAS NEWTON........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(58) JOHN MCDOWELL........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(59) JOHN ROBINSON........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(60) JOHN RUARK........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(61) JONATHAN BERRY........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(62) JONATHAN ISBELL........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(63) JONATHAN JAMES........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(64) JOSEPH JIMMERSON........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(65) JUDSON HERRINGTON........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(66) KELLY WHATLEY........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(67) KENDALL GARRAWAY........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(68) KENDALL WANNAMAKER........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(69) KENT GOYEN........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(70) KENTON DUNN........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(71) KODY BEAVERS........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(72) KRISTOFER VERETT........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(73) LACY VARDEMAN........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(74) LAWRENCE LONG........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(75) LEWIE JOE SMITH........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(76) LINK CARLTON........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(77) LLOYD ARTHUR........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(78) LONNIE FORTNER........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(79) MALCOLM CALHOUN........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(80) MARK HOWARD........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(81) MARTIN STOERNER........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(82) MICHAEL PATSCHKE........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(83) MONTE THOM........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(84) NATHAN REED........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(85) PHILIP EDWARDS........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(86) PHILLIP MURRAY........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(87) REID NICHOLS........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(88) RICHARD HEIDEN........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(89) RICHY BIBB........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(90) ROBERT COKER........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(91) ROBERT ENGLERT........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(92) ROBERT FLEMING........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(93) ROBERT WALKER........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(94) ROSE FULLEN........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(95) ROSS KENDRICK........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(96) ROSS RAYNER........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(97) RUSSELL EGGEMEYER........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(98) SAM SHACKELFORD........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(99) SAM SPARKS........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(100) SAMUEL VINYARD........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(101) SAMUEL WALTON........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(102) STACY SMITH........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(103) STEPHEN LOGAN........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(104) STEVEN CLAY........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(105) STEVEN DROKE........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(106) TERRY POLLARD........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(107) TOBY ROBERTSON........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(108) TRAVIS MIRES........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(109) TYLER ISBELL........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(110) VONDA STEVENS-KIRKPATRICK........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(111) WALT HAGOOD........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(112) WENDELL SUMNER........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(113) WILLIAM HARDWICK........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(114) WILLIAM SANFORD........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(115) WILLIAM THOMPSON........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(116) ZACH LOGAN........................................................................
BOARD MEMBER
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(117) J BERRYE WORSHAM........................................................................
PRESIDENT & CEO (THRU 11/2024)
 40.0
.......................0.0 		    X       784,861 0 126,060
(118) JOHN KUCMIERZ........................................................................
VP, ADMINISTRATION (AS OF 08/2024)
 40.0
.......................0.0 		    X       193,166 0 78,210
(119) JOHN MORGANS........................................................................
VP, ADMINISTRATION & ASSISTANT TO PRESIDENT (THRU 08/2024)
 40.0
.......................0.0 		    X       271,721 0 55,464
(120) TIMOTHY JOHNSON........................................................................
VP & CFO
 40.0
.......................0.0 		    X       263,996 0 64,047
(121) WILLIAM KIMBRELL........................................................................
PRESIDENT & CEO (AS OF 11/2024)
 40.0
.......................0.0 		    X       350,168 0 79,830
(122) KIMBERLY S KITCHINGS........................................................................
SENIOR VP, CONSUMER MARKETING
 40.0
.......................0.0 		      X     317,614 0 87,812
(123) MARK MESSURA........................................................................
SENIOR VP, GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN MARKETING
 40.0
.......................0.0 		      X     357,939 0 126,183
(124) MIKE SHEN........................................................................
VP & MANAGING DIRECTOR, PDI
 40.0
.......................0.0 		      X     281,297 0 49,214
(125) RYAN KURTZ........................................................................
VP, AGRICULTURAL & ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
 40.0
.......................0.0 		      X     238,733 0 43,988
(126) BONNY KWAN........................................................................
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN MARKETING
 40.0
.......................0.0 		        X   207,110 0 5,825
(127) JESSE DAYSTAR........................................................................
VP & CHIEF SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER
 40.0
.......................0.0 		        X   265,828 0 37,177
(128) JOHN CHIAVACCI........................................................................
VP, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & CTO
 40.0
.......................0.0 		        X   254,102 0 88,213
(129) MARY ANKENY........................................................................
VP, PDI OPERATIONS
 40.0
.......................0.0 		        X   252,618 0 76,573
(130) VIKKI MARTIN........................................................................
VP, FIBER COMPETITION
 40.0
.......................0.0 		        X   261,731 0 66,775
1b Sub-Total..............
c Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A..
d Total (add lines 1b and 1c)......... 4,300,884 0 985,371
2
Total number of individuals (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of reportable compensation from the organization 66
Yes
No
3
Did the organization list any former officer, director or trustee, key employee, or highest compensated employee on line 1a? If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such individual ..............
3
 
No
4
For any individual listed on line 1a, is the sum of reportable compensation and other compensation from the organization and related organizations greater than $150,000? If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such
individual...........................
4
Yes
 
5
Did any person listed on line 1a receive or accrue compensation from any unrelated organization or individual for services rendered to the organization? If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such person ........
5
 
No
Section B. Independent Contractors
1
Complete this table for your five highest compensated independent contractors that received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organization’s tax year.
(A)
Name and business address 		(B)
Description of services 		(C)
Compensation
MINDSHARE USA LLC

3 WORLD TRADE CENTER
175 GREENWICH STREET
NEW YORK,NY10007 		MARKETING 18,198,756
COTTON COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL

1521 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVENUE
NW WASHINGTON,DC20036 		MARKETING 3,700,000
GALE PARTNERS LLC

ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER FLOOR 62
NEW YORK,NY10007 		MARKETING 2,719,558
TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE RESEARCH

400 HARVEY MITCHELL PARKWAY 300
COLLEGE STATION,TX77845 		RESEARCH SERVICES 1,428,385
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

OFFICE OF RESEARCH ACCOUNTING
BOX 41105
LUBBOCK,TX79409 		RESEARCH SERVICES 1,130,942
2
Total number of independent contractors (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization 68
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 9
Part VIII
Statement of Revenue
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VIII.............
(A)
Total revenue 		(B)
Related or
exempt
function
revenue 		(C)
Unrelated
business
revenue 		(D)
Revenue
excluded from
tax under sections
512 - 514
Contributions, Gifts, Grants, and OtherAmt Similar Amounts 1a Federated campaigns..1a  
b Membership dues..1b  
c Fundraising events..1c  
d Related organizations1d  
e Government grants (contributions)1e 40,000
f All other contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts not included above1f 89,024,927
g Noncash contributions included in lines 1a - 1f:$ 1g  
h Total. Add lines 1a-1f....... 89,064,927
Program Service RevenueAmt Business Code
2a
b
c
d
e
f All other program service revenue. 0 0 0 0
g Total. Add lines 2a–2f ..... 0
OtherAmtRevenueAmt 3 Investment income (including dividends, interest, and othersimilar amounts) ......        
4 Income from investment of tax-exempt bond proceeds        
5 Royalties...........        
(i) Real (ii) Personal
6a Gross rents 6a    
b Less: rental expenses 6b    
c Rental income or (loss) 6c 0 0
d Net rental income or (loss).......        
(i) Securities (ii) Other
7a Gross amount from sales of assets other than inventory 7a    
b Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses 7b    
c Gain or (loss) 7c 0 0
d Net gain or (loss).........        
8a Gross income from fundraising events (not including $   of contributions reported on line 1c). See Part IV, line 18 ....
8a  
b Less: direct expenses ... 8b  
c Net income or (loss) from fundraising events.. 0    
9a Gross income from gaming activities.
See Part IV, line 19 ...
9a  
b Less: direct expenses ... 9b  
c Net income or (loss) from gaming activities..        
10a Gross sales of inventory, less
returns and allowances ..
10a  
b Less: cost of goods sold .. 10b  
c Net income or (loss) from sales of inventory..        
OtherRevenueMiscAmt
Business Code
11a            
b            
c            
d All other revenue .... 0 0 0 0
e Total. Add lines 11a–11d ...... 0
12 Total revenue. See instructions..... 89,064,927 0 0 0
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 10
Part IX
Statement of Functional Expenses
Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations must complete all columns. All other organizations must complete column (A).Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part IX..............
Do not include amounts reported on lines 6b,
7b, 8b, 9b, and 10b of Part VIII. 		(A)
Total expenses 		(B)
Program service expenses 		(C)
Management and general expenses 		(D)
Fundraising
expenses
1 Grants and other assistance to domestic organizations and domestic governments. See Part IV, line 21 .... 0  
2 Grants and other assistance to domestic individuals. See Part IV, line 22 ........... 274,085  
3 Grants and other assistance to foreign organizations, foreign governments, and foreign individuals. See Part IV, lines 15 and 16. ............. 0  
4 Benefits paid to or for members ....... 0  
5 Compensation of current officers, directors, trustees, and key employees ........... 3,690,389      
6 Compensation not included above, to disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)) and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B) ......... 0      
7 Other salaries and wages........ 15,691,520      
8 Pension plan accruals and contributions (include section 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions) .... -156,374      
9 Other employee benefits ....... 2,815,042      
10 Payroll taxes ........... 1,149,965      
11 Fees for services (non-employees):        
a Management ...... 3,952,226      
b Legal ......... 225,348      
c Accounting ........... 180,162      
d Lobbying ........... 0      
e Professional fundraising services. See Part IV, line 17 0  
f Investment management fees ...... 291,322      
g Other (If line 11g amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 11g expenses on Schedule O) 768,986      
12 Advertising and promotion .... 27,339,057      
13 Office expenses ....... 419,597      
14 Information technology ...... 1,514,591      
15 Royalties .. 0      
16 Occupancy ........... 1,558,932      
17 Travel ............ 2,288,831      
18 Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials . 0      
19 Conferences, conventions, and meetings .... 2,103,526      
20 Interest ........... 0      
21 Payments to affiliates ....... 0      
22 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization .. 1,335,737      
23 Insurance ... 233,203      
24 Other expenses. Itemize expenses not covered above (List miscellaneous expenses in line 24e. If line 24e amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 24e expenses on Schedule O.)
a RESEARCH & EDUCATION 15,259,219      
b SPONSORSHIPS 2,394,768      
c GRAPHIC ARTS 1,537,902      
d MAINTENANCE 972,975      
e All other expenses 1,581,540      
25 Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24e 87,422,549      
26 Joint costs. Complete this line only if the organization reported in column (B) joint costs from a combined educational campaign and fundraising solicitation. Check here if following SOP 98-2 (ASC 958-720).        
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 11
Part X
Balance Sheet
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part IX..............
(A)
Beginning of year 		(B)
End of year
Assets 1 Cash–non-interest-bearing ........ 1,979 1 1,782
2 Savings and temporary cash investments ......... 5,018,789 2 5,538,753
3 Pledges and grants receivable, net ...... 0 3 0
4 Accounts receivable, net ............. 9,180,350 4 8,622,862
5 Loans and other receivables from any current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, substantial contributor, or 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons .......
0 5 0
6 Loans and other receivables from other disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)), and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B) ...
0 6 0
7 Notes and loans receivable, net ........... 0 7 0
8 Inventories for sale or use ............ 0 8 0
9 Prepaid expenses and deferred charges ...... 1,404,369 9 1,731,499
10a Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis. Complete Part VI of Schedule D 10a 25,056,192
b Less: accumulated depreciation 10b 21,986,121 3,712,740 10c 3,070,071
11 Investments—publicly traded securities . 0 11 0
12 Investments—other securities. See Part IV, line 11 ..... 0 12  
13 Investments—program-related. See Part IV, line 11 .. 0 13  
14 Intangible assets ............... 0 14 0
15 Other assets. See Part IV, line 11 ........... 8,185,066 15 9,466,676
16 Total assets. Add lines 1 through 15 (must equal line 33)... 27,503,293 16 28,431,643
Liabilities 17 Accounts payable and accrued expenses ..... 15,952,713 17 16,225,178
18 Grants payable ... 0 18 0
19 Deferred revenue ......... 0 19 0
20 Tax-exempt bond liabilities ......... 0 20 0
21 Escrow or custodial account liability. Complete Part IV of Schedule D 0 21 0
22 Loans and other payables to any current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, substantial contributor, or 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons .........
0 22 0
23 Secured mortgages and notes payable to unrelated third parties .. 0 23 0
24 Unsecured notes and loans payable to unrelated third parties .. 0 24 0
25 Other liabilities (including federal income tax, payables to related third parties, and other liabilities not included on lines 17 - 24). Complete Part X of Schedule D 4,162,787 25 3,176,294
26 Total liabilities. Add lines 17 through 25.. 20,115,500 26 19,401,472
Net Assets or Fund Balance Organizations that follow FASB ASC 958, check here and complete lines 27, 28, 32, and 33.
27 Net assets without donor restrictions .......... 7,387,793 27 9,030,171
28 Net assets with donor restrictions ........... 0 28 0
Organizations that do not follow FASB ASC 958, check here right arrow and complete lines 29 through 33.
29 Capital stock or trust principal, or current funds .....   29  
30 Paid-in or capital surplus, or land, building or equipment fund ...   30  
31 Retained earnings, endowment, accumulated income, or other funds   31  
32 Total net assets or fund balances ........... 7,387,793 32 9,030,171
33 Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances ........ 27,503,293 33 28,431,643
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 12
Part XI
Reconcilliation of Net Assets
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part XI..............
1
Total revenue (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12) ............
1
89,064,927
2
Total expenses (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) ............
2
87,422,549
3
Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 2 from line 1 ..............
3
1,642,378
4
Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (must equal Part X, line 32, column (A)) ..
4
7,387,793
5
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments ...............
5
 
6
Donated services and use of facilities .................
6
 
7
Investment expenses .....................
7
 
8
Prior period adjustments .....................
8
 
9
Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O) ........
9
0
10
Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 3 through 9 (must equal Part X, line 32, column (B))
10
9,030,171
Part XII
Financial Statements and Reporting
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part XII.............
Yes
No
1
Accounting method used to prepare the Form 990:  
If the organization changed its method of accounting from a prior year or checked "Other," explain on
Schedule O.
2a
Were the organization’s financial statements compiled or reviewed by an independent accountant?
2a
 
No
If ‘Yes,’ check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were compiled or reviewed on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:
b
Were the organization’s financial statements audited by an independent accountant?
2b
Yes
 
If ‘Yes,’ check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were audited on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:
c
If "Yes," to line 2a or 2b, does the organization have a committee that assumes responsibility for oversight of the audit, review, or compilation of its financial statements and selection of an independent accountant?
2c
Yes
 
If the organization changed either its oversight process or selection process during the tax year, explain in Schedule O.
3a
As a result of a federal award, was the organization required to undergo an audit or audits as set forth in the Uniform Guidance, 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart F?
3a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization undergo the required audit or audits? If the organization did not undergo the required audit or audits, explain why in Schedule O and describe any steps taken to undergo such audits.
3b
 
 
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Additional Data


Software ID: 24020961
Software Version: 2024v5.1
Form 990, Special Condition Description:
Special Condition Description
Schedule B
(Form 990)
(Rev. January 2025)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Schedule of Contributors

right arrow Attach to Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.
right arrow Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
Name of the organization
COTTON INCORPORATED
 
Employer identification number

62-0786018
Organization type (check one):
Filers of:
Section:
Form 990 or 990-EZ
501(c)( ) (enter number) organization

4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust not treated as a private foundation

527 political organization


Form 990-PF
501(c)(3) exempt private foundation

4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust treated as a private foundation

501(c)(3) taxable private foundation
Check if your organization is covered by the General Rule or a Special Rule.  
Note:  Only a section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) organization can check boxes for both the General Rule and a Special Rule. See instructions.
General Rule
For an organization filing Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF that received, during the year, contributions totaling $5,000 or more (in money or other property) from any one contributor. Complete Parts I and II. See instructions for determining a contributor's total contributions.
Special Rules
For an organization described in section 501(c)(3) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that met the 331/3% support test of the regulations
under sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi), that checked Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ), Part II, line 13, 16a, or 16b, and that received from any one contributor, during the year, total contributions of the greater of (1) $5,000 or (2) 2% of the amount on (i) Form 990, Part VIII, line 1h, or (ii) Form 990-EZ, line 1. Complete Parts I and II.
For an organization described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that received from any one contributor,
during the year, total contributions of more than $1,000 exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals. Complete Parts I, II, and III.
For an organization described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that received from any one contributor,
during the year, contributions exclusively for religious, charitable, etc., purposes, but no such contributions totaled more than $1,000. If this box is checked, enter here the total contributions that were received during the year for an exclusively religious, charitable, etc., purpose. Don't complete any of the parts unless the General Rule applies to this organization because it received nonexclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions totaling $5,000 or more during the year ......... Right Arrow $  
Caution: An organization that isn't covered by the General Rule and/or the Special Rules doesn't file Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF), but it must answer “No” on Part IV, line 2, of its Form 990; or check the box on line H of its Form 990-EZ
or on its Form 990PF, Part I, line 2, to certify that it doesn't meet the filing requirements of Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF).
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions
for Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.
Cat. No. 30613XSchedule B (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Schedule B (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025) Page 2
Name of organization
COTTON INCORPORATED
  		Employer identification number
62-0786018
Part I
Contributors (see instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part I if additional space is needed.
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
RESTRICTED
 
 
 
 
  ,    

$ RESTRICTED


(Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 
 

$  


(Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 
 

$  


(Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 
 

$  


(Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 
 

$  


(Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 
 

$  


(Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
Schedule B (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Schedule B (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 3
Name of organization
COTTON INCORPORATED
  		Employer identification number

62-0786018
Part II
Noncash Property (see instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part II if additional space is needed.
(a)
No. from Part I 		(b)
Description of noncash property given 		(c)
FMV (or estimate)
(See instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a)
No. from Part I 		(b)
Description of noncash property given 		(c)
FMV (or estimate)
(See instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a)
No. from Part I 		(b)
Description of noncash property given 		(c)
FMV (or estimate)
(See instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a)
No. from Part I 		(b)
Description of noncash property given 		(c)
FMV (or estimate)
(See instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a)
No. from Part I 		(b)
Description of noncash property given 		(c)
FMV (or estimate)
(See instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a)
No. from Part I 		(b)
Description of noncash property given 		(c)
FMV (or estimate)
(See instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
Schedule B (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Schedule B (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 4
Name of organization
COTTON INCORPORATED
  		Employer identification number

62-0786018
Part III
Exclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions to organizations described in section 501(c) (7), (8), or (10) that total more than $1,000 for the year from any one contributor. Complete columns (a) through (e) and the following line entry. For organizations completing Part III, enter the total of exclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions of $1,000 or less for the year. (Enter this information once. See instructions.) $  
Use duplicate copies of Part III if additional space is needed.
(a)
No. from Part I		 (b) Purpose of gift (c) Use of gift (d) Description of how gift is held
 
(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
     
 
(a)
No. from Part I		 (b) Purpose of gift (c) Use of gift (d) Description of how gift is held
 
(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
     
 
(a)
No. from Part I		 (b) Purpose of gift (c) Use of gift (d) Description of how gift is held
 
(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
     
 
(a)
No. from Part I		 (b) Purpose of gift (c) Use of gift (d) Description of how gift is held
 
(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
     
 
Schedule B (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Additional Data


Software ID: 24020961
Software Version: 2024v5.1
SCHEDULE D
(Form 990)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Financial Statements
right arrow Complete if the organization answered "Yes," on Form 990,
Part IV, line 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 12a, or 12b.
right arrow Attach to Form 990.
right arrow Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
COTTON INCORPORATED
 
Employer identification number

62-0786018
Part I
Organizations Maintaining Donor Advised Funds or Other Similar Funds or Accounts. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 6.
(a) Donor advised funds (b) Funds and other accounts
1 Total number at end of year .........    
2 Aggregate value of contributions to (during year)    
3 Aggregate value of grants from (during year)    
4 Aggregate value at end of year ........    
5
Did the organization inform all donors and donor advisors in writing that the assets held in donor advised funds are the organization’s property, subject to the organization’s exclusive legal control? ............
6
Did the organization inform all grantees, donors, and donor advisors in writing that grant funds can be used only for charitable purposes and not for the benefit of the donor or donor advisor, or for any other purpose conferring impermissible private benefit? ...................................
Part II
Conservation Easements.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 7.
1
Purpose(s) of conservation easements held by the organization (check all that apply).
2
Complete lines 2a through 2d if the organization held a qualified conservation contribution in the form of a conservation easement on the last day of the tax year.
Held at the End of the Year
a Total number of conservation easements ...................... 2a  
b Total acreage restricted by conservation easements .................... 2b  
c Number of conservation easements on a certified historic structure included in (a) ..... 2c  
d Number of conservation easements included in (c) acquired after July 25, 2006, and not on a historic structure listed in the National Register ... 2d  
3
Number of conservation easements modified, transferred, released, extinguished, or terminated by the organization during the
tax year right arrow  
4
Number of states where property subject to conservation easement is located right arrow  
5
Does the organization have a written policy regarding the periodic monitoring, inspection, handling of violations, and enforcement of the conservation easements it holds? ............
6
Staff and volunteer hours devoted to monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
right arrow  
7
Amount of expenses incurred in monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
right arrow $  
8
Does each conservation easement reported on line 2(d) above satisfy the requirements of section 170(h)(4)(B)(i) and section 170(h)(4)(B)(ii)? .............................
9
In Part XIII, describe how the organization reports conservation easements in its revenue and expense statement, and
balance sheet, and include, if applicable, the text of the footnote to the organization’s financial statements that describes
the organization’s accounting for conservation easements.
Part III
Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 8.
1a
If the organization elected, as permitted under FASB ASC 958, not to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide, in Part XIII, the text of the footnote to its financial statements that describes these items.
b
If the organization elected, as permitted under FASB ASC 958, to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide the following amounts relating to these items:
(i)
Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 .........................right arrow $  
(ii)
Assets included in Form 990, Part X ...............................right arrow $  
2
If the organization received or held works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets for financial gain, provide the
following amounts required to be reported under FASB ASC 958 relating to these items:
a
Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 ..........................right arrow $  
b
Assets included in Form 990, Part X ...............................right arrow $  
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 52283D
Schedule D (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)

Schedule D (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 2
Part III
Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets (continued)
3
Using the organization’s acquisition, accession, and other records, check any of the following that are a significant use of its collection items (check all that apply):
a
d
b
e
 
c
4
Provide a description of the organization’s collections and explain how they further the organization’s exempt purpose in
Part XIII.
5
During the year, did the organization solicit or receive donations of art, historical treasures or other similar
assets to be sold to raise funds rather than to be maintained as part of the organization’s collection?...
Part IV
Escrow and Custodial Arrangements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 9, or reported an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21.
1a
Is the organization an agent, trustee, custodian or other intermediary for contributions or other assets not
included on Form 990, Part X? ....................................
b If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII and complete the following table: Amount
c Beginning balance ............................. 1c  
d Additions during the year ............................ 1d  
e Distributions during the year .......................... 1e  
f Ending balance ................................ 1f  
2a
Did the organization include an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21, for escrow or custodial account liability? ...
b
If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII. Check here if the explanation has been provided in Part XIII ....
Part V
Endowment Funds.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 10.
(a) Current year (b) Prior year (c) Two years back (d) Three years back (e) Four years back
1a Beginning of year balance ....          
b Contributions ...          
c Net investment earnings, gains, and losses          
d Grants or scholarships ...          
e Other expenditures for facilities
and programs ... 		         
f Administrative expenses ....          
g End of year balance ......          
2
Provide the estimated percentage of the current year end balance (line 1g, column (a)) held as:
a
Board designated or quasi-endowment right arrow  
b
Permanent endowment right arrow  
c
Term endowment right arrow  
The percentages on lines 2a, 2b, and 2c should equal 100%.
3a
Are there endowment funds not in the possession of the organization that are held and administered for the
organization by:

Yes
No
(i) Unrelated organizations .................
3a(i)
 
 
(ii) Related organizations .................
3a(ii)
 
 
b
If "Yes" on 3a(ii), are the related organizations listed as required on Schedule R? .........
3b
 
 
4
Describe in Part XIII the intended uses of the organization's endowment funds.
Part VI
Land, Buildings, and Equipment.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 11a. See Form 990, Part X, line 10.
Description of property (a) Cost or other basis
(investment) 		(b) Cost or other basis (other) (c) Accumulated depreciation (d) Book value
1a Land .....      
b Buildings ....        
c Leasehold improvements   6,488,200 5,672,729 815,471
d Equipment ....   16,784,772 14,717,955 2,066,817
e Other .....   1,783,220 1,595,437 187,783
Total. Add lines 1a through 1e. (Column (d) must equal Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 10(c).)..right arrow 3,070,071
Schedule D (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)

Schedule D (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 3
Part VII
Investments - Other Securities.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 11b. See Form 990, Part X, line 12.
(a) Description of security or category
(including name of security)		 (b) Book value (c) Method of valuation:
Cost or end-of-year market value
(1) Financial derivatives.........    
(2) Closely-held equity interests........    
(3)Other
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)
(G)
(H)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col. (B) line 12.)right arrow  
Part VIII
Investments - Program Related. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11c. See Form 990, Part X, line 13.
(a) Description of investment (b) Book value (c) Method of valuation:
Cost or end-of-year market value
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 13.)right arrow  
Part IX
Other Assets.
Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11d. See Form 990, Part X, line 15.
(a) Description (b) Book value
(1)RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS 2,493,477
(2)ACCRUED PENSION ASSET 6,973,199
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 15.)...........right arrow 9,466,676
Part X
Other Liabilities.
Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11e or 11f. See Form 990, Part X, line 25.
1.(a) Description of liability (b) Book value
(1) Federal income taxes  
Federal Income Taxes  
OPERATING LEASE LIABILITIES 3,176,294







Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 25.)right arrow 3,176,294
2. Liability for uncertain tax positions. In Part XIII, provide the text of the footnote to the organization's financial statements that reports the organization's liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740). Check here if the text of the footnote has been provided in Part XIII
Schedule D (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)

Schedule D (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 4
Part XI Reconciliation of Revenue per Audited Financial Statements With Revenue per Return. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a.
1 Total revenue, gains, and other support per audited financial statements ....... 1 93,222,007
2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12:
a Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments .... 2a  
b Donated services and use of facilities ......... 2b 4,157,080
c Recoveries of prior year grants ........... 2c  
d Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ........... 2d 0
e Add lines 2a through 2d ..................... 2e 4,157,080
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1.................. 3 89,064,927
4 Amounts included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, but not on line 1:
a Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b . 4a  
b Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ........... 4b 0
c Add lines 4a and 4b.................... 4c 0
5 Total revenue. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 12.) ...... 5 89,064,927
Part XII Reconciliation of Expenses per Audited Financial Statements With Expenses per Return. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a.
1 Total expenses and losses per audited financial statements ........... 1 91,579,629
2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part IX, line 25:
a Donated services and use of facilities ......... 2a 4,157,080
b Prior year adjustments ............ 2b  
c Other losses ................ 2c  
d Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ........... 2d 0
e Add lines 2a through 2d.................... 2e 4,157,080
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1................... 3 87,422,549
4 Amounts included on Form 990, Part IX, line 25, but not on line 1:
a Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b .. 4a  
b Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ........... 4b 0
c Add lines 4a and 4b..................... 4c 0
5 Total expenses. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 18.) ...... 5 87,422,549
Part XIII
Supplemental Information
Provide the descriptions required for Part II, lines 3, 5, and 9; Part III, lines 1a and 4; Part lV, lines 1b and 2b; Part V, line 4; Part X, line 2; Part XI, lines 2d and 4b; and Part XII, lines 2d and 4b. Also complete this part to provide any additional information.
Return Reference Explanation
Schedule D, Part X, Line 2 FIN 48 (ASC 740) footnote THE COMPANY IS EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAXES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(6) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, EXCEPT FOR ANY UNRELATED BUSINESS INCOME. THE COMPANY IS REQUIRED TO FILE A RETURN OF ORGANIZATION EXEMPT FROM INCOME TAX ("FORM 990") WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE ("IRS") ANNUALLY. THE COMPANY IS ALSO EXEMPT FROM STATE INCOME TAXES WITH THE EXCEPTION FOR ANY UNRELATED BUSINESS INCOME. THERE WAS NO UNRELATED BUSINESS INCOME EARNED DURING THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024 AND 2023. THE COMPANY ACCOUNTS FOR UNCERTAINTY IN INCOME TAXES USING A RECOGNITION THRESHOLD OF MORE-LIKELY-THAN-NOT TO BE SUSTAINED UPON EXAMINATION BY THE APPROPRIATE TAXING AUTHORITY. MEASUREMENT OF UNCERTAINTY OCCURS IF THE RECOGNITION THRESHOLD HAS BEEN MET. THE COMPANY'S TAX RETURNS ARE OPEN FOR EXAMINATION FOR YEARS 2021 THROUGH 2023.
Schedule D (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)


Additional Data


Software ID: 24020961
Software Version: 2024v5.1




SCHEDULE F(Form 990)
(Rev. January 2025)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Statement of Activities Outside the United States
Right arrow Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 14b, 15, or 16.Right arrow Attach to Form 990.Right arrow Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
COTTON INCORPORATED
 
Employer identification number

62-0786018
Part I
General Information on Activities Outside the United States. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 14b.
1
For grantmakers. Does the organization maintain records to substantiate the amount of its grants and
other assistance, the grantees’ eligibility for the grants or assistance, and the selection criteria used
to award the grants or assistance? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
For grantmakers. Describe in Part V the organization’s procedures for monitoring the use of its grants and other assistance outside the United States.
3
Activites per Region. (The following Part I, line 3 table can be duplicated if additional space is needed.)
(a) Region (b) Number of offices in the region (c) Number of employees, agents, and independent contractors in the region (d) Activities conducted in region (by type) (such as, fundraising, program services, investments, grants to recipients located in the region) (e) If activity listed in (d) is a program service, describe specific type of
service(s) in the region		 (f) Total expenditures
for and investments
in the region
East Asia and the Pacific 3 19 Program Services INFORMATION SUPPORT 6,033,251
North America (Canada & Mexico only) 1 4 Program Services INFORMATION SUPPORT 1,339,885
Europe (Including Iceland and Greenland) 0 1 Program Services INFORMATION SUPPORT 983,462
Central America and the Caribbean 0 1 Program Services INFORMATION SUPPORT 342,941
South America 0 0 Program Services INFORMATION SUPPORT 118,811
South Asia 0 2 Program Services INFORMATION SUPPORT 52,117
Russia and Neighboring States 0 0 Program Services INFORMATION SUPPORT 34,575
East Asia and the Pacific 0 0 Program Services AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH 41,580
North America (Canada & Mexico only) 0 0 Program Services AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH 21,788
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
3a Sub-total .... 4 27 8,968,410
b Total from continuation sheets to Part I ... 0 0 0
c Totals (add lines 3a and 3b) 4 27 8,968,410
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.Cat. No. 50082W Schedule F (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Schedule F (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 2
Part II
Grants and Other Assistance to Organizations or Entities Outside the United States. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 15, for any recipient who received more than $5,000. Part II can be duplicated if additional space is needed.
1 (a) Name of organization (b) IRS code section
and EIN (if applicable)		 (c) Region (d) Purpose of
grant 		(e) Amount of
cash grant 		(f) Manner of
cash
disbursement 		(g) Amount
of noncash
assistance 		(h) Description
of noncash
assistance 		(i) Method of
valuation
(book, FMV,
appraisal, other)
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
2 Enter total number of recipient organizations listed above that are recognized as charities by the foreign country, recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS, or for which the grantee or counsel has provided a section 501(c)(3) equivalency letter .......MediumBullet
 
3 Enter total number of other organizations or entities .......................MediumBullet
 
Schedule F (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Schedule F (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)Page 3
Part III
Grants and Other Assistance to Individuals Outside the United States. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 16.
Part III can be duplicated if additional space is needed.
(a) Type of grant or assistance (b) Region (c) Number of recipients (d) Amount of
cash grant 		(e) Manner of cash
disbursement 		(f) Amount of
noncash
assistance 		(g) Description
of noncash
assistance 		(h) Method of
valuation
(book, FMV,
appraisal, other)
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
Schedule F (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Schedule F (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 4
Part IV
Foreign Forms
1 Was the organization a U.S. transferor of property to a foreign corporation during the tax year? If "Yes," the organization may be required to file Form 926, Return by a U.S. Transferor of Property to a Foreign Corporation (see Instructions for Form 926). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Did the organization have an interest in a foreign trust during the tax year? If "Yes," the organization may be required to separately file Form 3520, Annual Return to Report Transactions with Foreign Trusts and Receipt of Certain Foreign Gifts, and/or Form 3520-A, Annual Information Return of Foreign Trust With a U.S. Owner (see Instructions for Forms 3520 and 3520-A; don't file with Form 990). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Did the organization have an ownership interest in a foreign corporation during the tax year? If "Yes," the organization may be required to file Form 5471, Information Return of U.S. Persons with Respect to Certain Foreign Corporations. (see Instructions for Form 5471). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Was the organization a direct or indirect shareholder of a passive foreign investment company or a qualified electing fund during the tax year? If “Yes,” the organization may be required to file Form 8621, Information Return by a Shareholder of a Passive Foreign Investment Company or Qualified Electing Fund. (see Instructions for Form 8621) .
5 Did the organization have an ownership interest in a foreign partnership during the tax year? If "Yes," the organization may be required to file Form 8865, Return of U.S. Persons with Respect to Certain Foreign Partnerships (see Instructions for Form 8865). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Did the organization have any operations in or related to any boycotting countries during the tax year? If "Yes," the organization may be required to separately file Form 5713, International Boycott Report (see Instructions for Form 5713; don't file with Form 990).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Schedule F (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Schedule F (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 5
Part V
Supplemental Information
Provide the information required by Part I, line 2 (monitoring of funds); Part I, line 3, column (f) (accounting method; amounts of investments vs. expenditures per region); Part II, line 1 (accounting method); Part III (accounting method); and Part III, column (c) (estimated number of recipients), as applicable. Also complete this part to provide any additional information. See instructions.
ReturnReference Explanation
Schedule F, Part I, Line 3 Method used to account for expenditures on org's financial statements CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN-Accrual; EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC-Accrual; EUROPE (INCLUDING ICELAND AND GREENLAND)-Accrual; NORTH AMERICA (CANADA & MEXICO ONLY)-Accrual; RUSSIA AND NEIGHBORING STATES-Accrual; SOUTH AMERICA-Accrual; SOUTH ASIA-Accrual
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
Schedule F (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Additional Data


Software ID: 24020961
Software Version: 2024v5.1




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Schedule I
(Form 990)
(Rev. January 2025)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Grants and Other Assistance to Organizations,
Governments and Individuals in the United States
Complete if the organization answered "Yes," on Form 990, Part IV, line 21 or 22.
lBullet Attach to Form 990.
lBullet Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
COTTON INCORPORATED
 
Employer identification number
62-0786018
Part I
General Information on Grants and Assistance
1
Does the organization maintain records to substantiate the amount of the grants or assistance, the grantees' eligibility for the grants or assistance, and
the selection criteria used to award the grants or assistance? ........................
2
Describe in Part IV the organization's procedures for monitoring the use of grant funds in the United States.
Part II
Grants and Other Assistance to Domestic Organizations and Domestic Governments. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 21, for any recipient
that received more than $5,000. Part II can be duplicated if additional space is needed.
(a) Name and address of organization
or government		 (b) EIN (c) IRC section
(if applicable)		 (d) Amount of cash grant (e) Amount of non-cash
assistance		 (f) Method of valuation
(book, FMV, appraisal,
other)		 (g) Description of
noncash assistance		 (h) Purpose of grant
or assistance
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
2
Enter total number of section 501(c)(3) and government organizations listed in the line 1 table ................. Bullet Image
 
3
Enter total number of other organizations listed in the line 1 table ........................ . Bullet Image
 
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 50055P
Schedule I (Form 990) Rev. 1-2025

Schedule I (Form 990) Rev. 1-2025
Page 2
Part III
Grants and Other Assistance to Domestic Individuals. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 22.
Part III can be duplicated if additional space is needed.
(a) Type of grant or assistance (b) Number of
recipients		 (c) Amount of
cash grant		 (d) Amount of
noncash assistance		 (e) Method of valuation (book,
FMV, appraisal, other)		 (f) Description of noncash assistance
(1) SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS IN BREEDING/GENETICS STUDIES. 5 274,085      
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
Part IV
Supplemental Information. Provide the information required in Part I, line 2; Part III, column (b); and any other additional information.
Return Reference Explanation
Schedule I, Part I, Line 2 Procedures for monitoring use of grant funds GRANTS ARE OVERSEEN BY OUR AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH EMPLOYEES. THESE EMPLOYEES MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THOSE RECEIVING GRANTS, INCLUDING REQUIRED COMMUNICATIONS OF THEIR PROGRESS AND SITE VISITS.
Schedule I (Form 990) Rev. 1-2025



Additional Data


Software ID: 24020961
Software Version: 2024v5.1


Schedule J
(Form 990)
(Rev. January 2025)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Compensation Information
For certain Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest
Compensated Employees
medium right arrow graphic Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 23.
medium right arrow graphic Attach to Form 990.
medium right arrow graphic Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
COTTON INCORPORATED
 
Employer identification number

62-0786018
Part I
Questions Regarding Compensation
Yes
No
1a
Check the appropiate box(es) if the organization provided any of the following to or for a person listed on Form
990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a. Complete Part III to provide any relevant information regarding these items.
b
If any of the boxes on Line 1a are checked, did the organization follow a written policy regarding payment or reimbursement or provision of all of the expenses described above? If "No," complete Part III to explain .....
1b
Yes
 
2
Did the organization require substantiation prior to reimbursing or allowing expenses incurred by all
directors, trustees, officers, including the CEO/Executive Director, regarding the items checked on Line 1a? ....
2
Yes
 
3
Indicate which, if any, of the following the filing organization used to establish the compensation of the
organization's CEO/Executive Director. Check all that apply. Do not check any boxes for methods
used by a related organization to establish compensation of the CEO/Executive Director, but explain in Part III.
4
During the year, did any person listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, with respect to the filing organization or a related organization:
a
Receive a severance payment or change-of-control payment? .............
4a
 
No
b
Participate in, or receive payment from, a supplemental nonqualified retirement plan? .........
4b
Yes
 
c
Participate in, or receive payment from, an equity-based compensation arrangement? .........
4c
 
No
If "Yes" to any of lines 4a-c, list the persons and provide the applicable amounts for each item in Part III.
Only 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations must complete lines 5-9.
5
For persons listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization pay or accrue any
compensation contingent on the revenues of:
a
The organization? ....................
5a
 
 
b
Any related organization? .......................
5b
 
 
If "Yes," on line 5a or 5b, describe in Part III.
6
For persons listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization pay or accrue any
compensation contingent on the net earnings of:
a
The organization? ..................
6a
 
 
b
Any related organization? ......................
6b
 
 
If "Yes," on line 6a or 6b, describe in Part III.
7
For persons listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization provide any nonfixed
payments not described in lines 5 and 6? If "Yes," describe in Part III ............
7
 
 
8
Were any amounts reported on Form 990, Part VII, paid or accured pursuant to a contract that was
subject to the initial contract exception described in Regulations section 53.4958-4(a)(3)? If "Yes," describe
in Part III ..........................
8
 
 
9
If "Yes" on line 8, did the organization also follow the rebuttable presumption procedure described in Regulations section 53.4958-6(c)? .........................
9
 
 
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 50053T
Schedule J (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)

Schedule J (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 2
Part II
Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees. Use duplicate copies if additional space is needed.
For each individual whose compensation must be reported on Schedule J, report compensation from the organization on row (i) and from related organizations, described in the
instructions, on row (ii). Do not list any individuals that are not listed on Form 990, Part VII.
Note. The sum of columns (B)(i)-(iii) for each listed individual must equal the total amount of Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, applicable column (D) and (E) amounts for that individual.
(A) Name and Title (B) Breakdown of W-2, 1099-MISC compensation, and/or 1099-NEC (C) Retirement and other deferred compensation (D) Nontaxable
benefits		 (E) Total of columns
(B)(i)-(D) 		(F) Compensation in column (B) reported as deferred on prior Form 990
(i) Base
compensation 		(ii) Bonus & incentive
compensation 		(iii) Other reportable compensation
1J BERRYE WORSHAM
PRESIDENT & CEO (THRU 11/2024) 		(i)

(ii)		 579,596
-------------
0 		160,000
-------------
0 		45,265
-------------
0 		88,142
-------------
0 		37,918
-------------
0 		910,921
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
2WILLIAM KIMBRELL
PRESIDENT & CEO (AS OF 11/2024) 		(i)

(ii)		 310,985
-------------
0 		23,925
-------------
0 		15,258
-------------
0 		40,261
-------------
0 		39,569
-------------
0 		429,998
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
3TIMOTHY JOHNSON
VP & CFO 		(i)

(ii)		 216,164
-------------
0 		23,055
-------------
0 		24,777
-------------
0 		27,924
-------------
0 		36,123
-------------
0 		328,043
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
4JOHN MORGANS
VP, ADMINISTRATION & ASSISTANT TO PRESIDENT (THRU 08/2024) 		(i)

(ii)		 185,057
-------------
0 		51,244
-------------
0 		35,420
-------------
0 		41,315
-------------
0 		14,149
-------------
0 		327,185
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
5JOHN KUCMIERZ
VP, ADMINISTRATION (AS OF 08/2024) 		(i)

(ii)		 172,614
-------------
0 		11,663
-------------
0 		8,889
-------------
0 		37,081
-------------
0 		41,129
-------------
0 		271,376
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
6MARK MESSURA
SENIOR VP, GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN MARKETING 		(i)

(ii)		 306,609
-------------
0 		29,607
-------------
0 		21,723
-------------
0 		77,687
-------------
0 		48,496
-------------
0 		484,122
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
7KIMBERLY S KITCHINGS
SENIOR VP, CONSUMER MARKETING 		(i)

(ii)		 265,714
-------------
0 		26,308
-------------
0 		25,592
-------------
0 		50,901
-------------
0 		36,911
-------------
0 		405,426
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
8MIKE SHEN
VP & MANAGING DIRECTOR, PDI 		(i)

(ii)		 238,953
-------------
0 		22,223
-------------
0 		20,121
-------------
0 		34,476
-------------
0 		14,738
-------------
0 		330,511
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
9RYAN KURTZ
VP, AGRICULTURAL & ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 		(i)

(ii)		 215,949
-------------
0 		20,300
-------------
0 		2,484
-------------
0 		29,358
-------------
0 		14,630
-------------
0 		282,721
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
10JOHN CHIAVACCI
VP, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & CTO 		(i)

(ii)		 216,273
-------------
0 		23,067
-------------
0 		14,762
-------------
0 		51,180
-------------
0 		37,033
-------------
0 		342,315
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
11MARY ANKENY
VP, PDI OPERATIONS 		(i)

(ii)		 203,404
-------------
0 		21,758
-------------
0 		27,456
-------------
0 		40,507
-------------
0 		36,066
-------------
0 		329,191
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
12VIKKI MARTIN
VP, FIBER COMPETITION 		(i)

(ii)		 215,809
-------------
0 		22,665
-------------
0 		23,257
-------------
0 		40,169
-------------
0 		26,606
-------------
0 		328,506
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
13JESSE DAYSTAR
VP & CHIEF SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER 		(i)

(ii)		 224,499
-------------
0 		23,497
-------------
0 		17,832
-------------
0 		22,898
-------------
0 		14,279
-------------
0 		303,005
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
14BONNY KWAN
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN MARKETING 		(i)

(ii)		 194,870
-------------
0 		11,712
-------------
0 		528
-------------
0 		2,306
-------------
0 		3,519
-------------
0 		212,935
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
Schedule J (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)

Schedule J (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 3
Part III
Supplemental Information
Provide the information, explanation, or descriptions required for Part I, lines 1a, 1b, 3, 4a, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7, and 8, and for Part II. Also complete this part for any additional information.
Return Reference Explanation
Schedule J, Part I, Line 1a First-class or charter travel THE COMPANY PROVIDES FOR BUSINESS CLASS TICKETS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES ON SELECT INTERNATIONAL TRIPS, WHICH INCLUDE FIRST-CLASS TICKETS WHEN DOMESTIC TRAVEL IS INVOLVED ON THOSE ITINERARIES. THE COMPANY MAY ALSO ALLOW FIRST-CLASS TICKETS FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYEES WITH HEALTH REASONS OR SEAT AVAILABILITY.
Schedule J, Part I, Line 1a Tax indemnification and gross-up payments TAX GROSS-UP PAYMENTS ARE MADE FOR SELECT EXECUTIVES TO REIMBURSE MEDICAL EXPENSES. GROSS UP PAYMENTS WERE ALSO ALLOTTED TO ACCOUNT FOR EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT GIFTS.
Schedule J, Part I, Line 4b Supplemental nonqualified retirement plan BERRYE WORSHAM IS THE PARTICIPANT IN A SUPPLEMENTAL NON-QUALIFIED PLAN.
Schedule J (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)

Additional Data


Software ID: 24020961
Software Version: 2024v5.1
SCHEDULE O
(Form 990)
(Rev. January 2025)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ

Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or 990-EZ or to provide any additional information.
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
 Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
COTTON INCORPORATED
 
Employer identification number

62-0786018
Return Reference Explanation
Form 990, Part I, Line 1 BRIEF MISSION COTTON INCORPORATED, FUNDED BY U.S. GROWERS OF UPLAND COTTON AND IMPORTERS OF COTTON AND COTTON TEXTILE PRODUCTS, IS THE RESEARCH AND MARKETING COMPANY REPRESENTING UPLAND COTTON. THE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED AND OPERATED TO IMPROVE THE DEMAND FOR AND PROFITABILITY OF COTTON.
Form 990, Part III, Line 4d DESCRIPTION OF OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES INCLUDE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND CORPORATE SERVICES.
Form 990, Part III, Line 4a PROGRAM SERVICE DESCRIPTION CONSUMER MARKETING COMMITTEE GALE, THE NEWLY APPOINTED CREATIVE AGENCY, AND THE ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT ALIGNED TO A 2024 (AND BEYOND) STRATEGIC PLATFORM, THE FABRIC OF NOW. THIS FULL SCALE 360 EFFORT LAUNCHED IN APRIL 2024 WITH :06 SECOND AND :15 SECOND COMMERCIALS, AS WELL AS (NEW FOR THIS YEAR) A :30 SECOND COMMERCIAL. THE VIDEO IS PLACED ACROSS KEY PRIME T.V. UNITS LIKE WILL TRENT, THE ROOKIE, AMERICAN IDOL, AND 911 AS WELL AS CABLE CHANNELS SUCH AS BRAVO, HGTV, AND THE FOOD NETWORK. THE STREAMING BUY IS PLACED ACROSS AMAZON, CW FEP, DISCOVERY+, HULU, MAX, NETFLIX, PEACOCK, ROKU, TUBI AND YOUTUBE. ALIGNING WITH THE FABRIC OF NOW PLATFORM, THE DIGITAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA EFFORTS ARE FOCUSED ON A "FEWER, BIGGER AND BETTER" APPROACH ACROSS PARTNERS. THE DIGITAL PLAN BEGAN ACROSS AD SERVING NETWORKS VIRAL GAINS, ZEFR AND NEXXEN. CUSTOM UNITS WITH KEY LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS: WELL+GOOD, DOT DASH MEREDITH AND DEAR MEDIA PODCAST NETWORK BEGINNING IN APRIL AND GOING THROUGH YEAR-END. GAMING LAUNCHED OVER THE SUMMER WITH CUSTOMIZED INFLUENCER PROGRAMS, PODCASTS, AND AN IN-PERSON ACTIVATION AT DREAMHACK ATLANTA. PAID SOCIAL MEDIA EFFORTS ACROSS META (FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM), TIK TOK, PINTEREST, YOUTUBE AND SNAPCHAT LAUNCHED IN MAY (AND WILL RUN THROUGH DECEMBER) WITH A VARIETY OF INFLUENCER, BRAND AND UGC CONTENT. INFLUENCER EFFORTS IN 2024 REMAINED ROBUST WITH THE ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT COLLABORATING WITH MEGA-INFLUENCER MELISSA WOOD TEPPERBERG ACROSS SOCIAL MEDIA, PUBLIC RELATIONS, EXPERIENTIAL ACTIVATIONS, AND PODCAST MEDIA. MELISSA HAS OVER 2.4M DEDICATED FOLLOWERS WHO ARE SQUARELY IN THE TARGET DEMOGRAPHIC. ADDITIONALLY THE DEPARTMENT WORKED WITH A VARIETY OF INFLUENCERS DEDICATED TO COTTON'S AREAS OF FOCUS: STYLE, SPACE AND SUSTAINABILITY. COTTON ALSO COLLABORATED WITH NICHE PERFUMERY, D.S. & DURGA TO LAUNCH A LIMITED-EDITION HOLIDAY BLANKET. A LAUNCH EVENT IN EARLY DECEMBER GARNERED A NUMBER OF PRESS AND INFLUENCERS EXTENDING THE REACH AND EARNED MEDIA PICK-UP THROUGHOUT YEAR-END. IN MARCH 2024, THE DEPARTMENT EXPANDED ITS YOUTH CURRICULUM PROGRAM TO REACH OLDER STUDENTS (9TH-12TH GRADE) TO CONTINUE THE COTTON EDUCATION AS APPLICATE TO YOUNG PEOPLE (I.E. "HOW A CRISP COTTON OUTFIT IS A JOB INTERVIEW MUST" AS WELL AS A "BE PREPARED FOR THE BIG GAME WITH A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP ON COTTON SHEETS" ETC.) THIS EFFORT INCLUDED AN ADDITIONAL 184,000 EDUCATORS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THE PROGRAM IS NOW INCLUSIVE OF 2ND-12TH GRADE STUDENTS. SEEDING THE COTTON NATURA PLANT STORY WITH 2ND-4TH, THE COTTON STEM AND SUSTAINABILITY STORY WITH 5TH-8TH AND ADDING PRACTICAL USES TO 9TH-12TH. IN THIS WAY, THE DEPARTMENT IS CURATING A PIPELINE OF EDUCATED AND EMPOWERED FUTURE CONSUMERS. IN 2024, ADVERTISING CONTINUES TO SUPPORT MACROTRADE ACROSS DIGITAL AND PRINT PUBLICATIONS ALONG WITH A ROBUST LINKEDIN LEAD GENERATION CAMPAIGN. THE PROGRAM LAUNCHED A NEW CREATIVE CAMPAIGN IN 2024 FEATURING THE BENEFITS OF COTTON SUSTAINABILITY AND VERSATILITY. FOR THE SECOND HALF OF 2024, THE CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT ESTIMATES OVER 4,100 NEWS ITEMS ABOUT THE COMPANY AND ITS ACTIVITIES, REPRESENTING A REACH OF OVER 26.6 BILLION. THIS IS AN ALMOST 12 PERCENT INCREASE IN REACH OVER THE SAME TIME PERIOD IN 2023. IN 2024 BRAND PARTNERSHIPS CONTINUED PLANNING AND EXECUTING CONSUMER-FACING FASHION AND RETAIL PROGRAMS, AND ACTIVITIES AROUND MESSAGING, COLLECTION, AND DISTRIBUTION EFFORTS FOR COTTON'S CONSUMER SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE, THE BLUE JEANS GO GREEN DENIM RECYCLING PROGRAM. THE BLUE JEANS GO GREEN DENIM RECYCLING PROGRAM REMAINED RESILIENT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WITH MONTHLY DENIM CONTRIBUTIONS STRONG AND TOTALING AROUND 400,000 PIECES OF DENIM COLLECTED. BLUE JEANS GO GREEN HAD MANY RETURNING BRAND AND RETAIL PARTICIPANTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, INCLUDING ABERCROMBIE & FITCH, ANTHROPOLOGIE, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, ARIAT, ARIANA PITTILLI, ASKKNY, CARHARTT, CONE DENIM, FRANK & OAK, GAP, HEMLINE, J.CREW, KIMES RANCH, MADEWELL, OLD NAVY, PAIGE, 7 FOR ALL MANKIND, RAG & BONE, THEISEN'S, THE PARLOR ROOM, VERONICA BEARD, WILCO AND ZAPPOS TO NAME A FEW. IN 2024 THE BLUE JEANS GO GREEN PROGRAM WORKED WITH SEVERAL SCHOOLS AND NON-ENDEMIC ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING AND ENGAGING WITH THE BLUE JEANS GO GREEN PROGRAM, INCLUDING JOHN DEERE, AND GULF COMPRESS. THE DENIM RECYCLING PROGRAM CONTINUES TO THRIVE DUE TO ITS UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY, AS WELL AS PROVIDING INFORMATION NOT ONLY TO BRANDS AND RETAILERS, BUSINESSES, AND ORGANIZATIONS, BUT ALSO TO THE LARGER PUBLIC ABOUT COTTON CIRCULARITY. STRATEGIC AND RETAIL PARTNERSHIPS HAD A HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE YEAR WITH ITS FIVE (5) SALES-CONVERSION-FOCUSED POINT-OF-SALE PROGRAMS. FROM NATIONAL SPECIALTY CHAIN PARTNERS TO MASS E-TAILERS, A LARGE IMPACT WAS MADE AT RETAIL WITH APPROXIMATELY OVER 590 MILLION COTTON IMPRESSIONS AND APPROXIMATELY $63 MILLION DOLLARS IN SALES. EACH PROGRAM WAS UNIQUE WITH VERSATILE STRATEGIES TO APPEAL TO EACH RETAILER'S SPECIFIC AUDIENCE. COTTON MESSAGING RANGED FROM ENCOURAGING CONSUMERS TO CHECK THE LABEL TO PROMOTING COTTON'S INHERENT NATURAL BENEFITS TO EXTENDING THE 2024 ADVERTISING PLATFORM TAGLINE, "THE FABRIC OF NOW". THE SEAL OF COTTON WAS PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED WITH EVERY COTTON SKU ACROSS ALL PROGRAMS AND ITS COMBINED REACH OF OVER 17,000 APPAREL, ACCESSORY, AND HOME STYLES. TIGHTENING BUDGETS, INFLATION AND COMPETITION FROM SYNTHETIC FIBERS HAS PUSHED THE TEAM TO BE RESOURCEFUL AND TO CONTINUE TO BE INNOVATIVE AND CREATE NEWNESS IN DEVELOPING UNIQUE COTTON EXPERIENCES AT RETAIL. THE INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM SUMMARIES FOR PARTNERS LUCKY BRAND, REVOLVE, LOVESHACKFANCY, AEROPOSTALE, AND WEWOREWHAT CAN BE FOUND BELOW. IN 2024, CSI LED EFFORTS TO IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS FOR COTTON USING MARKET INTELLIGENCE INCLUDING ONGOING RESEARCH OF U.S. CONSUMERS' ATTITUDES FROM THE LIFESTYLE MONITOR SURVEY, ASSESSMENTS OF COTTON'S SHARE THROUGH IMPORT DATA AND THE RETAIL MONITOR STUDY, AS WELL AS GLOBAL CONSUMER, MARKET, AND ECONOMIC RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS. CSI PROVIDED OVER 190 INFORMATION REQUESTS; PARTICIPATED IN ALMOST 120 MEETINGS AND PRESENTATIONS; AUTHORED OVER 165 PUBLICATIONS, VIDEOS, TV/RADIO SEGMENTS, INTERVIEWS, AND PODCASTS; AND WORKED ON 26 PROJECTS. WORK COMPLETED BY CSI DURING 2024 INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO: THE COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF DATA ON MORE THAN 20M PRODUCTS OFFERED AT RETAIL IN THE U.S.; THE EVALUATION OF JUST OVER 26K U.S. AND 44K INTERNATIONAL CONSUMERS; THE UPDATE OF A COMPREHENSIVE DATABASE OF MONTHLY APPAREL AND HOME FURNISHING IMPORTS TO ASSESS SOURCING PATTERNS AND TARIFF IMPACTS; THE MANAGEMENT OF COTTON INCORPORATED'S BRAND TRACKING METRICS; AND THE DELIVERY OF ECONOMIC OUTLOOK AND CONSUMER TREND PRESENTATIONS.
Form 990, Part III, Line 4b PROGRAM SERVICE DESCRIPTION GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN MARKETING COMMITTEE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN MARKETING (GSCM) PROMOTED AWARENESS OF COTTON TO SUPPLY CHAIN COMPANIES THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN INDUSTRY TRADE EVENTS, REGIONAL EVENTS, AND MEETINGS WITH KEY ACCOUNTS. U.S. STAFF CONDUCTED SEVEN PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS IN 2024 WITH MORE THAN 175 ATTENDEES IN TOTAL. THESE WORKSHOPS WERE IMPLEMENTED WITH INDIVIDUAL COMPANIES TO ADDRESS ASPECTS OF COTTON THAT INCLUDED PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, TECHNOLOGY, MARKET ECONOMICS, AND SUSTAINABILITY. A ONE-DAY EVENT WAS ORGANIZED IN HONG KONG TO CREATE A PLATFORM FOR BRANDS, RETAILERS, AND SOURCING COMPANIES TO NETWORK AND CREATE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES WITH REGIONAL TEXTILE/GARMENT MILLS AND CHEMICAL COMPANIES. A TOTAL OF 193 PARTICIPANTS FROM MORE THAN 70 COMPANIES ATTENDED THE EVENT. THE EVENT INCLUDED 1) PRESENTATIONS ON THE LATEST FASHION TRENDS, FABRIC DEVELOPMENTS, 3D CREATIONS, AND DEVELOPMENTS; 2) TWENTY-ONE EXHIBITORS FROM EIGHT COUNTRIES DISPLAYING THEIR LATEST COTTON PRODUCTS; 3) DRAPING DISPLAY OF SOME INNOVATIVE FABRICS FROM THE EXHIBITORS; AND 4) DISCUSSIONS ABOUT PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGIES AND COTTON INFORMATION UPDATES. STAFF ORGANIZED TWO INDUSTRY GATHERING EVENTS IN ASIA, BRINGING TOGETHER KEY INDUSTRY PARTICIPANTS TO BE CONNECTED TO THE INDUSTRY AND BE UPDATED ON THE CURRENT MARKET STATUS. AROUND 100 PARTICIPANTS FROM 40 COMPANIES AT THE HONG KONG INDUSTRY GATHERING EVENT WERE INTRODUCED TO COTTON INCORPORATED'S NEW CEO AND FIVE COMPANIES WERE PRESENTED WITH "SUPPLY CHAIN PARTNER AWARDS". THESE COMPANIES WERE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO ADVANCE THE USE OF COTTON AND DEVELOPMENT OF COTTON PRODUCTS. AROUND 50 PARTICIPANTS FROM 20 COMPANIES ATTENDED THE OSAKA INDUSTRY GATHERING EVENT. KEY INDUSTRY PARTICIPANTS WERE INTRODUCED TO COTTON INCORPORATED'S NEW CEO AND THE CLOSURE OF THE OSAKA OFFICE WAS ANNOUNCED AFTER 42 YEARS OF EXISTENCE. STAFF ORGANIZED TWO SEMINARS IN VIETNAM, ONE IN HCMC AND ONE IN HANOI, BRINGING UPDATED FIBER ECONOMICS INFORMATION TO AROUND 60 PARTICIPANTS FROM 35 COMPANIES. PARTICIPANTS AT THE EVENTS WERE ALSO INTRODUCED TO COTTON INCORPORATED'S EFS SYSTEM. STAFF HOSTED 13 FASHION DESIGNERS AND FOUR COMMUNICATION MEDIA AT THE MEXICO CITY OFFICE TO LAUNCH THE STYLING COTTON: READY-TO-WEAR TALENT 2024 PLATFORM TO PROMOTE THE COTTONWORKS PLATFORM, THE FABRICAST COLLECTION, THE DIGITAL PRODUCT CREATION, AND FASHION MARKETING TOOLS. MEXICO CITY STAFF ORGANIZED TWO WEBINARS. THE FIRST FOCUSED ON FASHION MARKETING AND WAS ATTENDED BY 275 EXECUTIVES FROM 99 COMPANIES FROM SEVEN COUNTRIES. THE SECOND FOCUSED ON CONSUMER ACTIVEWEAR AND ATHLEISURE PURCHASING BEHAVIOR AND FASHION TRENDS AND WAS ATTENDED BY 265 EXECUTIVES FROM 113 COMPANIES FROM 11 COUNTRIES. GSCM STAFF CONTINUE TO INTERACT EXTENSIVELY WITH GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN COMPANIES. GSCM U.S. MARKETING STAFF HELD 194 INDIVIDUAL MEETINGS WITH 112 ORGANIZATIONS. GSCM ASIAN STAFF CONDUCTED A TOTAL OF 310 MEETINGS AND 13 GROUP PRESENTATIONS IN THE REGION TO PROVIDE BRANDS, RETAILERS, SOURCING COMPANIES, GARMENT, AND TEXTILE MILLS, ETC. TO WITH UPDATED INFORMATION ON COTTON SERVICES AND PROMOTE THE USE OF COTTON. GSCM STAFF IN MEXICO CONDUCTED 48 MEETINGS WITH 32 COMPANIES. STAFF IN TURKEY HELD MORE THAN 50 MEETINGS WITH MORE THAN 30 COMPANIES. GSCM STAFF WORKED ON GLOBAL INITIATIVES WITH MAKE THE LABEL COUNT, THE INTERNATIONAL COTTON ADVISORY COMMITTEE, COTTON COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL, AND THE BREMEN COTTON EXCHANGE TO FURTHER THE GSCM'S DIVISIONAL OBJECTIVES. GSCM ADVANCED THE SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY FOR COTTON THROUGH COTTONWORKS.COM AND MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS AND MATERIALS AIMED AT THE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN COMPANIES AND ORGANIZATIONS. STAFF WORKED WITH REGIONAL TEXTILE MILLS TO DEVELOP DENIM SAMPLES USING MORE SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES AS COMPARED TO TRADITIONAL METHODS. INFORMATION ON COTTON TRACEABILITY AND CUSTOMS REGULATIONS WAS PROVIDED AT A REGIONAL EVENT ORGANIZED FOR BRANDS, RETAILERS, SOURCING COMPANIES, AND THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY. STAFF CONTINUED TO SOURCE AND UPDATE THE SUPPLIER LIST FOR RECYCLED COTTON. THE COTTONWORKS PLATFORM CONTINUES TO BE AN IMPORTANT MARKETING TOOL FOR THE GSCM DIVISION WITH OVER 749,197 PAGEVIEWS TO DATE, THE MOST PAGEVIEWS IN THE LAST SIX YEARS. A NEW COTTONWORKS PLATFORM IS BEING DEVELOPED TO LAUNCH IN 2025. EXTENSIVE WORK WAS DONE ON THIS ACTIVITY THROUGHOUT 2024. GSCM RECENTLY LAUNCHED A NEW TRADE CAMPAIGN "COTTON CAN." THE CAMPAIGN CHALLENGES INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS AND DECISION-MAKERS IN THE APPAREL, HOME, AND NONWOVEN MARKETS WITH THE QUESTION, "WHAT WILL YOU CREATE?" THIS INITIATIVE WILL EXTEND INTO HUNDREDS OF PRINT, DIGITAL, SOCIAL, AND TRADESHOW PLACEMENTS. EXTENSIVE INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED TO INDUSTRY CONTACTS REGARDING SOURCING TOPICS INCLUDING TARIFF ENGINEERING, TRACEABILITY, CBP-RELATED INFORMATION AND COST AND FLOW OF COTTON MATERIALS. THIRTY-SEVEN TECHNICAL EDUCATION WORKSHOPS HAVE BEEN EXECUTED, IN SUPPORT OF COTTON USE. OVER 1,000 PROFESSIONALS FROM OVER 150 COMPANIES ATTENDED. DENIM MANUFACTURING AND VALUE ENGINEERING ARE TWO OF THE MOST POPULAR TOPICS. THE RETAILER AND BRAND FARM TOUR PROGRAM HOSTED 75 DECISION MAKERS FROM 43 COMPANIES, THE LARGEST TOUR TO DATE. THE 2024 COTTON SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT WAS HELD IN SEPTEMBER 2024. THE EVENT POSITIONED COTTON INCORPORATED AS A LEADER AND A CONVENOR IN COTTON SUSTAINABILITY AMONGST BRAND DECISION-MAKERS.
Form 990, Part III, Line 4c PROGRAM SERVICE DESCRIPTION AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COMMITTEE THE AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH DEPARTMENT (AERD) MANAGES THE PROGRAM AREA THAT MOST DIRECTLY INFLUENCES U.S. COTTON PRODUCERS. ITS UNIQUE MISSION IS TO IMPROVE THE PROFITABILITY OF U.S. COTTON PRODUCTION BY FUNDING THE CREATION OF AGRICULTURAL INNOVATIONS AND THEIR ADOPTION BY COTTON PRODUCERS. AERD HAD FIVE KEY STRATEGIC AREAS FOR 2024: PEST MANAGEMENT, COTTONSEED, SUSTAINABILITY SUPPORT, EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES, AND GENOMICS. FOR PEST MANAGEMENT, AERD CONTINUED EFFORTS ON DELIVERING STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE PROFITABILITY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND CONSERVATION. TO ULTIMATELY ALLOW FOR REVERSAL OF HERBICIDE RESISTANCE, DECREASED WEED SEED VIABILITY, OR IDENTIFY OTHER WEED LIFE CYCLE VULNERABILITIES, RESEARCH CONTINUED TO STUDY THE GENETICS/PHYSIOLOGY OF HERBICIDE RESISTANT WEEDS. ENTOMOLOGY RESEARCH FOCUSED ON IMPROVING THRESHOLDS, SCOUTING, INSECTICIDE RECOMMENDATIONS, AND ADDRESSING RESISTANCE TO BT PROTEINS AND CONVENTIONAL INSECTICIDES. PATHOLOGY RESEARCH FOCUSED ON SOLUTIONS FOR FOV4, TARGET SPOT, AREOLATE MILDEW, NEMATODES, AS WELL AS CURRENT AND EMERGING SEEDLING DISEASE THREATS. NEW RESEARCH ON INVASIVE PEST SPECIES AS WELL AS DAMAGE CAUSED BY WHITETAIL DEER WAS INITIATED THIS YEAR LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR LEVERAGING OUTSIDE FUNDING TO ADDRESS THIS NEW THREAT. COTTON INCORPORATED'S OBJECTIVE FOR THE COTTONSEED PROGRAM IS TO ADD VALUE TO COTTONSEED THROUGH RESEARCH AND PROMOTION. COTTONSEED RESEARCH CONTINUED TO FOCUS ON THREE KEY AREAS THIS YEAR: HUMAN NUTRITION, ANIMAL NUTRITION, AND OIL CONTENT AND QUALITY. COTTONSEED OIL (CSO) HAS BEEN OF KEY INTEREST, AND THE PROGRAM IS INVESTIGATING THE AMOUNT HUMANS WOULD NEED TO CONSUME TO SEE BLOOD LIPID OUTCOMES, IMPACTS ON INFLAMMATION, AND THE UNDERLYING MECHANISM. SUSTAINABILITY SUPPORT RUNS ACROSS ALL AREAS OF AERD RESEARCH, BUT NOTABLY, RESEARCH ON OPTIMIZING MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR SOIL HEALTH, WATER AND NUTRIENT USE EFFICIENCIES WAS CONDUCTED WITH NEW RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY COMING SOON. FOR EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES, DRONE APPLICATIONS, DETECT-N-SPRAY, LOW DRIFT POTENTIAL APPLICATORS FOR WEED CONTROL WERE EVALUATED AS WERE MACHINE VISION TOOLS TO DETECT MECHANICAL DAMAGE OF PLANTING SEED AND PLASTIC IN THE FIELD AND GINNING PROCESS. OPPORTUNITIES TO UTILIZE AUTOMATION ACROSS THE COTTON PRODUCTION PROCESS WERE EVALUATED. FINALLY, FOR GENOMICS, EFFORTS CONTINUED TO MAKE THE COTTON PANGENOME MORE BREEDER FRIENDLY AND FOV4 RESISTANT GERMPLASM WAS DEVELOPED AND RELEASED. THE SUSTAINABILITY DIVISION CONTINUES TO PRIORITIZE ENHANCING THE COTTON INDUSTRY'S SUSTAINABILITY PROFILE THROUGH THREE CORE FOCUS AREAS: 1) SUPPORTING THE U.S. COTTON TRUST PROTOCOL, 2) CONDUCTING RESEARCH TO ADVANCE COTTON SUSTAINABILITY, AND 3) IMPLEMENTING COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES TO ELEVATE COTTON'S SUSTAINABILITY NARRATIVE. BY MAINTAINING THESE FOCAL POINTS, THE DIVISION STRENGTHENS COTTON'S POSITION AS A LEADING, SUSTAINABLE, AND COMPETITIVE FIBER ACROSS THE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN. OUR COLLABORATION WITH THE U.S. COTTON TRUST PROTOCOL (CTP) REACHED NEW MILESTONES IN 2024. GROWER ENROLLMENT INCREASED AND NOW ENCOMPASSES 2.1 MILLION ACRES, UP BY 31%, WITH CONTINUED PROGRESS IN THE CLIMATE SMART COTTON PROGRAM. OVER $2 MILLION HAS BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO GROWERS UNDER THIS PROGRAM, INCENTIVIZING CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES AND SOIL HEALTH IMPROVEMENTS. IN SUPPORT OF THIS PROGRAM, THE DIVISION PROVIDED COST-SHARING CONTRIBUTIONS FOR RESEARCH INITIATIVES, INCLUDING SOIL HEALTH SAMPLING, BENCHMARKING, AND OUTREACH AND EDUCATION. RESEARCH EFFORTS FOCUSED ON CIRCULARITY, BIODEGRADABILITY, DATA TRANSPARENCY, AND CARBON STORAGE IN COTTON. KEY INITIATIVES INCLUDED THE ADVANCING CIRCULAR TEXTILES COMPOSTING STUDY, WHICH EXPLORED COTTON'S POTENTIAL IN CIRCULARITY AND ONGOING STUDIES HIGHLIGHTING ITS UNIQUE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS, SUCH AS BIODEGRADABILITY AND CAPACITY FOR TEMPORARY CARBON STORAGE. THE DIVISION ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE THROUGH THE PUBLICATION OF EIGHT PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLES. ADDITIONALLY, A LANDMARK STUDY PUBLISHED IN NATURE COMMUNICATIONS EMPHASIZED GLOBAL APPAREL PLASTIC LEAKAGE AND COTTON'S CRITICAL ROLE IN MITIGATING ENVIRONMENTAL HARM CAUSED BY SYNTHETIC FIBERS. THE DIVISION ALSO EXPANDED ITS GLOBAL INFLUENCE THROUGH TARGETED COMMUNICATIONS AND STRATEGIC COLLABORATIONS. ENHANCEMENTS TO THE COTTONTODAY PLATFORM, WEBINARS, AND EARNED MEDIA CAMPAIGNS AMPLIFIED COTTON'S SUSTAINABILITY STORY. PARTICIPATION IN HIGH-PROFILE INDUSTRY GROUPS, SUCH AS CASCALE, TEXTILE EXCHANGE, AND ACLCA, ALLOWED THE DIVISION TO INFLUENCE KEY METHODOLOGIES AND INITIATIVES, ENSURING COTTON IS FAIRLY REPRESENTED. THROUGH TRADE SHOW PRESENTATIONS, WORKSHOPS, AND COLLABORATIONS WITH NGOS AND INDUSTRY LEADERS, THE DIVISION CONSISTENTLY SHOWCASED COTTON'S ROLE AS A NATURAL, BIODEGRADABLE FIBER THAT AVOIDS THE MACROPLASTIC AND MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION ASSOCIATED WITH SYNTHETIC APPAREL. THESE COLLECTIVE EFFORTS DEMONSTRATE THE DIVISION'S CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO ADVANCING SUSTAINABILITY, FOSTERING INNOVATION, AND REINFORCING COTTON'S REPUTATION AS THE FIBER OF CHOICE FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.
Form 990, Part VI, Line 15 PROCESS TO ESTABLISH COMPENSATION AN INDEPENDENT COMPENSATION COMMITTEE DETERMINES COMPENSATION FOR ALL EMPLOYEES OF THE COMPANY. THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE ENGAGES AN OUTSIDE CONSULTANT TO PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON COMPARABLE PAY INFORMATION AS WELL.
Form 990, Part VI, Line 1a Delegate broad authority to a committee IN ABSENCE OF THE FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS BEING AVAILABLE, THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAY VOTE ON ISSUES THAT ARISE. THE RESULTS OF ANY ACTION BROUGHT FORTH ARE VOTED ON AND RECOGNIZED IN THE MINUTES. UPON THE NEXT MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WILL PROVIDE A SUMMARY OF SUCH ACTION AND NOTIFY OF THE OUTCOME. THE VOTING MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ARE COMPRISED SOLELY OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMPOSITION IS VOTED UPON BY THE FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNUALLY.
Form 990, Part VI, Line 2 Family/business relationships amongst interested persons JONATHAN ISBELL AND TYLER ISBELL - Family relationship
Form 990, Part VI, Line 11b Review of form 990 by governing body THE FORM 990 IS REVIEWED IN DETAIL WITH THE COMPANY'S AUDIT COMMITTEE AT THE AUGUST BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING FOR APPROVAL PRIOR TO FILING. SUBSEQUENT TO REVIEW, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE WILL INFORM THE COMPLETE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND OUTCOME.
Form 990, Part VI, Line 12c Conflict of interest policy ALL DIRECTORS ARE REQUESTED TO ATTEST THAT THEY ARE FREE OF ANY CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.
Form 990, Part VI, Line 19 Required documents available to the public THE ORGANIZATION MAKES ITS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST BY AN APPROPRIATE PARTY.
Form 990, Part XII, Line 2c Change of oversight process or selection process THERE HAVE BEEN NO CHANGES DURING THE YEAR IN THE PROCESS FOR OVERSIGHT OF THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 51056K
Schedule O (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)


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