Is American Legion Legit?

Quick charity verification for American Legion (EIN: 10133155)

Verdict: American Legion appears trustworthy

85/100Mission Score
$162KRevenue
$212KAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths

No red flags identified.

Strengths

Spending Breakdown

How American Legion allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

85%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
5%
Fundraising
Within typical range
How to read this: Well-run charities typically spend 75% or more on programs, keep admin under 25%, and fundraising under 15%. A high program ratio means more of every dollar goes directly to the mission.

How to Interpret This Report

What Red Flags Mean

Red flags are potential warning signs identified by AI analysis of IRS 990 filings. They may indicate issues like declining revenue, high executive pay relative to program spending, lack of transparency, or governance concerns. A single red flag does not necessarily mean an organization is untrustworthy, but multiple flags warrant further investigation before donating.

What Mission Score Measures

The Mission Score (0-100) evaluates how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated purpose. It combines multiple factors: program spending efficiency (how much goes to programs vs. overhead), financial health and sustainability, governance quality, transparency in reporting, and consistency of operations over time. A score of 70+ indicates strong alignment with the organization’s mission.

Using This Data for Donation Decisions

Use this report as one input in your decision. Look at the overall Mission Score for a quick assessment, review red flags and strengths for specific concerns, check the spending breakdown to see where money goes, and compare executive compensation to the organization’s size. Consider viewing the full transparency report for deeper analysis, and always verify tax-exempt status with the IRS before making large donations.

Frequently Asked Questions about American Legion

Is American Legion a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, American Legion (EIN: 10133155) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.

Is American Legion a good charity to donate to?

American Legion has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $162K. Assets: $212K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for American Legion?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for American Legion is 10133155. This is the unique tax ID assigned by the IRS.

What is a Mission Score?

The Mission Score is a 0-100 rating that measures how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated mission. It factors in program spending efficiency, financial transparency, governance practices, and outcome reporting. Scores above 70 indicate strong mission alignment, 40-69 suggest mixed performance, and below 40 signals potential concerns.

How does American Legion spend its money?

American Legion allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify American Legion's tax-exempt status?

You can verify American Legion's tax-exempt status using EIN 10133155 on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. You can also request copies of their Form 990 directly from the organization, as they are required by law to provide them upon request.

AI Transparency Report

The American Legion in Rumford, ME, demonstrates consistent financial activity, with revenues and expenses generally in balance over the past decade. For the most recent period (202404), the organization reported revenues of $109,034 against expenses of $117,013, indicating a slight deficit. However, this is not uncommon for smaller nonprofits and the organization has shown periods of surplus, such as in 202204 where revenue significantly exceeded expenses ($140,497 vs. $80,371). The organization's assets have grown substantially, from $13,941 in 201604 to $78,211 in 202404, suggesting prudent financial management and accumulation of resources. A notable strength is the consistent reporting of zero liabilities across all available filings, indicating a very healthy balance sheet and no outstanding debt. The absence of officer compensation also points to a volunteer-driven leadership model, which can be a positive indicator of efficiency and dedication. Regarding spending efficiency, without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, it's challenging to provide a precise assessment. However, the consistent balance between revenue and expenses suggests that funds are being utilized for the organization's operations. The lack of reported officer compensation implies that a significant portion of operational costs would likely be directed towards program activities or essential administrative functions. The organization's transparency is good in terms of filing its IRS 990s consistently, providing public access to its financial data. The consistent reporting of zero liabilities and officer compensation further enhances its transparency profile. Overall, the American Legion in Rumford, ME, appears to be a financially stable and responsibly managed small nonprofit. Its consistent asset growth, lack of liabilities, and volunteer leadership are strong indicators of good financial health and a commitment to its mission. While a detailed spending breakdown would offer more granular insights into efficiency, the available data suggests a well-managed organization.

View Full Transparency Report →

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.

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