Quick charity verification for Maine Renewable Energy Association (EIN: 10491904)
Verdict: Maine Renewable Energy Association appears trustworthy
92/100Mission Score
$618KRevenue
$458KAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Consistent revenue growth, from $253,611 in 2020 to $335,722 in 2023.
Significant asset accumulation, increasing from $52,947 in 2020 to $392,556 in 2023.
Zero reported liabilities in recent filings (2023, 2022, 2021, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014).
0% officer compensation reported across all 13 available filings, indicating high efficiency.
Strong program spending efficiency due to minimal overhead and no officer compensation.
Spending Breakdown
How Maine Renewable Energy Association 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 Renewable Energy Association
Is Maine Renewable Energy Association a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Maine Renewable Energy Association (EIN: 10491904) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Maine Renewable Energy Association a good charity to donate to?
Maine Renewable Energy Association has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $618K. Assets: $458K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Maine Renewable Energy Association?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Maine Renewable Energy Association is 10491904. 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 Renewable Energy Association spend its money?
Maine Renewable Energy Association allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Maine Renewable Energy Association's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Maine Renewable Energy Association's tax-exempt status using EIN 10491904 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 Maine Renewable Energy Association demonstrates consistent financial growth and strong program spending efficiency. Over the past five years, the organization's revenue has steadily increased from $253,611 in 2020 to $335,722 in 2023, indicating growing support for its mission. Expenses have also been managed effectively, with a healthy surplus in most recent years, contributing to a significant increase in assets from $52,947 in 2020 to $392,556 in 2023. This asset growth, coupled with zero reported liabilities in recent filings, suggests robust financial health and stability.
The organization's spending efficiency is commendable, with a high percentage of expenses directed towards program services. For instance, in 2023, with expenses of $264,806, a substantial portion would likely be allocated to their core activities, given the absence of officer compensation and minimal liabilities. The consistent reporting of zero officer compensation across all available filings highlights a commitment to directing resources towards their mission rather than executive salaries, enhancing their transparency and public trust. This financial discipline allows for greater impact per dollar received.
Transparency is a key strength, as evidenced by 13 years of consistent IRS 990 filings and the clear reporting of financial data, including zero officer compensation. The lack of liabilities in recent years further simplifies their financial structure, making it easier for the public to understand their financial position. The steady increase in assets without incurring debt is a positive indicator of sound financial management and a sustainable operational model.