Quick charity verification for Down East Lakes Land Tr (EIN: 10541131)
Verdict: Down East Lakes Land Tr appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$2.4MRevenue
$32.2MAssets
1Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Expenses exceeded revenue in 2023 and 2022, indicating operational deficits in those periods.
Strengths
Consistent 0% officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating high transparency and dedication.
Strong and growing asset base, reaching over $30 million in 2023, providing financial stability.
Low liabilities relative to assets, suggesting sound financial management.
Clear focus on program delivery, aligning with its land conservation mission.
Spending Breakdown
How Down East Lakes Land Tr 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 Down East Lakes Land Tr
Is Down East Lakes Land Tr a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Down East Lakes Land Tr (EIN: 10541131) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Down East Lakes Land Tr a good charity to donate to?
Down East Lakes Land Tr has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $2.4M. Assets: $32.2M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Down East Lakes Land Tr?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Down East Lakes Land Tr is 10541131. 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 Down East Lakes Land Tr spend its money?
Down East Lakes Land Tr allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Down East Lakes Land Tr's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Down East Lakes Land Tr's tax-exempt status using EIN 10541131 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
Down East Lakes Land Trust demonstrates a strong commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its consistent program spending. In 2023, the organization spent $1,180,169, with a significant portion likely directed towards its conservation efforts, aligning with its NTEE code for land conservation. While the organization experienced a deficit in 2023, with expenses exceeding revenue ($1,180,169 vs. $805,891), this follows a pattern of fluctuating revenue and expenses over the past few years, including a substantial revenue year in 2021 ($5,353,217). The organization's assets have steadily grown, reaching over $30 million in 2023, indicating long-term financial stability despite annual fluctuations in operating income.
The organization's transparency is commendable, particularly its consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings. This suggests that executive leadership is either volunteer-based or compensated through other means not categorized as officer compensation, which is a positive indicator for donor confidence. The relatively low liabilities compared to assets also point to sound financial management. Overall, Down East Lakes Land Trust appears to be a financially stable organization with a strong focus on its programmatic goals and a high degree of transparency regarding executive pay.