Quick charity verification for Maine Farmland Trust Inc (EIN: 10528014)
Verdict: Maine Farmland Trust Inc appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$8.3MRevenue
$27.0MAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating high efficiency in resource allocation.
Strong and consistent asset base, with assets reaching $29.2 million in 2021, providing long-term stability.
Low liabilities relative to assets, demonstrating sound financial management (e.g., $2.0 million liabilities vs. $28.3 million assets in 2023).
Extensive filing history (13 filings) indicating strong transparency and accountability.
Mission-aligned NTEE code (K25 - Land Resources Conservation) supporting its stated purpose.
Spending Breakdown
How Maine Farmland Trust Inc 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 Maine Farmland Trust Inc
Is Maine Farmland Trust Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Maine Farmland Trust Inc (EIN: 10528014) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Maine Farmland Trust Inc a good charity to donate to?
Maine Farmland Trust Inc has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $8.3M. Assets: $27.0M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Maine Farmland Trust Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Maine Farmland Trust Inc is 10528014. 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 Maine Farmland Trust Inc spend its money?
Maine Farmland Trust Inc allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Maine Farmland Trust Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Maine Farmland Trust Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 10528014 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
Maine Farmland Trust Inc demonstrates generally sound financial health, though with notable fluctuations in revenue and expenses over the past decade. For instance, revenue peaked at over $16 million in 2015 but dropped to $2.7 million in 2018, before rebounding to $7.9 million in 2022. The organization consistently maintains substantial assets, with a recent high of $29.2 million in 2021, indicating a strong balance sheet. Their liabilities have also remained manageable, typically below $5 million, suggesting good financial stewardship.
Spending efficiency appears strong, particularly given the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which is a significant positive indicator of resource allocation towards mission-related activities rather than executive pay. While specific program, administrative, and fundraising expense breakdowns are not provided in the summary data, the absence of officer compensation suggests a commitment to directing funds effectively. The organization's NTEE code K25 (Land Resources Conservation) aligns with its mission, and the consistent asset base supports long-term conservation efforts.
Transparency is excellent regarding executive compensation, with no reported officer compensation. The availability of 13 years of filing history further enhances transparency, allowing for a comprehensive review of financial trends. The fluctuations in revenue and expenses, while sometimes significant, are not necessarily red flags for a land trust, as large grants or land acquisitions/easements can cause such variations. Overall, Maine Farmland Trust appears to be a well-managed and transparent organization.