Quick charity verification for Chocorua Lake Conservancy (EIN: 20277083)
Verdict: Chocorua Lake Conservancy appears trustworthy
95/100Mission Score
$823KRevenue
$4.1MAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Consistent asset growth, from $936,909 in 2014 to $3,715,558 in 2023.
Zero officer compensation reported across all ten filings, indicating high operational efficiency.
Consistently low or zero liabilities, demonstrating strong financial management.
Regular and transparent IRS 990 filings over a decade.
Expenses consistently lower than revenue in most years, allowing for asset accumulation.
Spending Breakdown
How Chocorua Lake Conservancy allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
5%
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 Chocorua Lake Conservancy
Is Chocorua Lake Conservancy a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Chocorua Lake Conservancy (EIN: 20277083) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Chocorua Lake Conservancy a good charity to donate to?
Chocorua Lake Conservancy has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $823K. Assets: $4.1M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Chocorua Lake Conservancy?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Chocorua Lake Conservancy is 20277083. 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 Chocorua Lake Conservancy spend its money?
Chocorua Lake Conservancy allocates 90% to programs, 5% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Chocorua Lake Conservancy's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Chocorua Lake Conservancy's tax-exempt status using EIN 20277083 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 Chocorua Lake Conservancy demonstrates consistent financial health and a strong commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its IRS 990 filings. The organization has shown steady growth in assets, increasing from $936,909 in 2014 to $3,715,558 in 2023, indicating effective asset management and donor confidence. Revenue streams have fluctuated, with notable peaks in 2018 ($857,429) and 2016 ($614,725), but generally support its operational expenses, which have also seen a gradual increase over the decade. The organization consistently reports zero officer compensation, which is a significant indicator of volunteer leadership and a high degree of financial efficiency, ensuring that donor funds are directed towards programmatic activities rather than executive salaries.
Spending efficiency appears robust, with expenses consistently lower than revenue in most years, allowing for asset accumulation. For example, in 2023, revenue was $379,405 against expenses of $305,199. The absence of liabilities in most reporting periods further underscores sound financial management and a low-risk profile. The organization's NTEE code C20 (Land Resources Conservation) aligns well with its name, suggesting a clear programmatic focus. The consistent filing of 10 IRS 990 forms over the period demonstrates a commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance.
Overall, the Chocorua Lake Conservancy appears to be a well-managed and financially stable organization with a clear mission. Its strong asset base, low overhead (due to zero officer compensation), and consistent financial reporting paint a picture of a responsible steward of donor contributions. The lack of reported liabilities in most years is also a positive sign of fiscal prudence.