Quick charity verification for Opera Maine (EIN: 10496860)
Verdict: Opera Maine appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$773KRevenue
$291KAssets
1Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Slight deficit in 202309 (Expenses $516,075 exceeded Revenue $471,319)
Strengths
Consistent 0% officer compensation across all filings
Growing assets, from $118,129 in 202009 to $220,938 in 202309
Significant reduction in liabilities, from $103,374 in 201909 to $18,954 in 202309
Long history of consistent IRS 990 filings (12 filings) demonstrating transparency
Revenues generally cover expenses in most recent periods
Spending Breakdown
How Opera Maine allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
15%
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 Opera Maine
Is Opera Maine a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Opera Maine (EIN: 10496860) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Opera Maine a good charity to donate to?
Opera Maine has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $773K. Assets: $291K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Opera Maine?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Opera Maine is 10496860. 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 Opera Maine spend its money?
Opera Maine allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Opera Maine's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Opera Maine's tax-exempt status using EIN 10496860 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
Opera Maine demonstrates generally stable financial health, with revenues consistently covering expenses in most recent years. For instance, in 202209, revenue was $549,384 against expenses of $524,078, indicating a surplus. While the 202309 period showed a slight deficit with revenues of $471,319 and expenses of $516,075, this appears to be an anomaly in recent trends. The organization's assets have shown growth, increasing from $118,129 in 202009 to $220,938 in 202309, suggesting prudent financial management and accumulation of reserves. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings indicates a commitment to directing funds towards its mission rather than executive salaries, enhancing its spending efficiency and transparency profile.
Spending efficiency appears strong, particularly given the absence of reported officer compensation. This suggests that a significant portion of operational expenses is likely directed towards program delivery and administrative support necessary for its artistic mission. The organization's liabilities have also been managed effectively, decreasing from $103,374 in 201909 to $18,954 in 202309, which is a positive indicator of financial stability and reduced debt burden. The consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over a long period (12 filings) demonstrates a commitment to transparency and public accountability.
Overall, Opera Maine appears to be a financially sound organization with a clear focus on its mission, supported by responsible financial practices and a high degree of transparency through its consistent public filings and zero executive compensation. The growth in assets and reduction in liabilities over recent years further solidify its financial standing.