Quick charity verification for Merrymeeting Lake Association (EIN: 20413287)
Verdict: Merrymeeting Lake Association appears trustworthy
95/100Mission Score
$52KRevenue
$187KAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Consistent operating surpluses, such as $22,958 in 2023 ($51,534 revenue - $28,576 expenses).
Zero liabilities reported across all 13 filings, indicating excellent financial management.
100% volunteer executive leadership with 0% officer compensation.
Growing asset base, from $100,237 in 2015 to $187,181 in 2023, demonstrating financial stability.
High program spending efficiency due to minimal administrative and fundraising costs.
Spending Breakdown
How Merrymeeting Lake Association allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
0%
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 Merrymeeting Lake Association
Is Merrymeeting Lake Association a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Merrymeeting Lake Association (EIN: 20413287) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Merrymeeting Lake Association a good charity to donate to?
Merrymeeting Lake Association has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $52K. Assets: $187K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Merrymeeting Lake Association?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Merrymeeting Lake Association is 20413287. 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 Merrymeeting Lake Association spend its money?
Merrymeeting Lake Association allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Merrymeeting Lake Association's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Merrymeeting Lake Association's tax-exempt status using EIN 20413287 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 Merrymeeting Lake Association demonstrates sound financial health and efficient spending, particularly given its modest size. In the latest fiscal period (202312), the organization reported revenue of $51,534 against expenses of $28,576, resulting in a healthy surplus that contributes to its growing asset base of $187,181. The consistent absence of liabilities across all reported periods indicates strong financial management and a debt-free operation. This financial stability allows the organization to focus its resources directly on its mission without the burden of debt. The organization's transparency is high, as evidenced by its consistent filing of IRS Form 990s and the clear reporting of zero officer compensation, which suggests a volunteer-driven leadership model. This commitment to volunteerism and direct program spending enhances its overall financial efficiency and trustworthiness.