Is American Legion Legit?

The American Legion, EIN 16018651, operating in Greenwood, ME, demonstrates a consistent pattern of low revenue and expenses, typical for a small, local volunteer-driven organization. Its financial health appears stable, with assets generally exceeding liabilities, though there was a notable decrease in assets from $171,247 in 2019 to $30,158 in 2023, which warrants further investigation. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, indicating a volunteer leadership structure, which is a positive sign for donor confidence and efficient use of funds. Spending efficiency is difficult to precisely determine without a detailed functional expense breakdown (program, administrative, fundraising) in the provided data. However, the consistent reporting of zero officer compensation suggests that a significant portion of its operational costs are likely directed towards its mission. The organization's transparency is high in terms of executive compensation, as it clearly states no compensation is paid to officers. Further transparency could be enhanced by providing a more granular breakdown of expenses. Overall, while the organization's financial scale is modest, its commitment to volunteer leadership and low overhead (as implied by 0% officer compensation) are positive indicators. The significant drop in assets over recent years, from a peak of $174,319 in 2017 to $30,158 in 2023, is a key area for potential concern and further inquiry, as it represents a substantial reduction in its financial reserves.