American Legion
American Legion of Winthrop, ME shows consistent revenue growth and zero officer compensation over a decade.
EIN: 10201854 · Winthrop, ME · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is American Legion Legit?
Appears Legitimate
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
American Legion directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About American Legion
American Legion (EIN: 10201854) is a nonprofit organization based in Winthrop, ME. The organization reported total revenue of $664K and total assets of $473K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of American Legion's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
American Legion is a small nonprofit that has been operating for 80 years, with 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2012–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 0.8%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $141K |
| Total Expenses | $123K |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$18K |
| Total Assets | $365K |
| Net Assets | $365K |
| Operating Margin | 12.5% |
| Months of Reserves | 35.5 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, American Legion reported a surplus of $18K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 35.5 months of operating reserves (strong position).
Financial Trends
Over 12 years of filings (2012–2023), American Legion's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.8%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -27.5% | +1.8% | +2.5% |
| 2022 | +18.0% | +39.9% | +83.0% |
| 2021 | +16.9% | -10.6% | +0.6% |
| 2020 | +6.4% | -20.1% | +7.0% |
| 2019 | -0.2% | +16.9% | +2.9% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1946 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates American Legion with a Mission Score of 90 out of 100 (Excellent). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 10%
- programs: 90%
- fundraising: 0%
According to IRS 990 filings, American Legion allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 0%. With 90% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a surplus of $18K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is consistently reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that the organization is run by volunteers or that compensation falls below reporting thresholds, which is highly favorable for a nonprofit of its size.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for American Legion:
- Consistent revenue generation and growth in assets (from $184,216 in 2014 to $365,388 in 2023).
- Zero officer compensation reported across all 12 filings, indicating volunteer leadership and efficient use of funds.
- Strong financial health with liabilities consistently at $0 in recent years.
- Expenses generally well below revenue in recent periods (e.g., 2023 revenue $141,093 vs. expenses $123,392).
- Consistent IRS 990 filing history over 12 periods, demonstrating transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions about American Legion
Is American Legion a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, American Legion (EIN: 10201854) appears legitimate. Mission Score: 90/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
How does American Legion spend its money?
American Legion directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to American Legion tax-deductible?
American Legion is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 10201854). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is American Legion (Winthrop, ME) a good charity?
Based on the provided data, the American Legion in Winthrop, ME appears to be a well-managed organization. It consistently operates with revenues exceeding expenses in recent years, has growing assets, and reports zero officer compensation, suggesting a strong commitment to its mission with minimal administrative overhead from salaries.
How does the lack of officer compensation impact its financial health?
The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation significantly boosts the organization's financial health by reducing fixed personnel costs, allowing more funds to be directed towards its programs and operational needs, and contributing to its positive net assets.
What is the trend in the organization's assets and liabilities?
The organization's assets have shown a strong upward trend, growing from $184,216 in 2014 to $365,388 in 2023. Concurrently, liabilities have significantly decreased from $81,069 in 2014 to $0 in recent years, indicating excellent financial management and solvency.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for American Legion showing financial trends over 12 years of public records:
Over 12 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2023), American Legion's revenue has grown by 8.8%, moving from $130K to $141K. Total assets increased by 67.9% over the same period, from $218K to $365K. Total functional expenses fell by 14.6%, from $145K to $123K. In its most recent filing year (2023), American Legion reported a surplus of $18K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $141K | $123K | $365K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $195K | $121K | $357K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $165K | $87K | $195K | $0 | — | — |
| 2020 | $141K | $97K | $194K | $0 | — | — |
| 2019 | $133K | $121K | $181K | $3K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $133K | $104K | $176K | $35K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $103K | $114K | $174K | $65K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $105K | $113K | $178K | $72K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $100K | $117K | $181K | $76K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $125K | $135K | $184K | $81K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $112K | $130K | $200K | $91K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $130K | $145K | $218K | $109K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $141K, expenses of $123K, and assets of $365K (revenue -27.5% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $195K, expenses of $121K, and assets of $357K (revenue +18.0% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $165K, expenses of $87K, and assets of $195K (revenue +16.9% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $141K, expenses of $97K, and assets of $194K (revenue +6.4% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $133K, expenses of $121K, and assets of $181K (revenue -0.2% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $133K, expenses of $104K, and assets of $176K (revenue +29.3% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $103K, expenses of $114K, and assets of $174K (revenue -2.0% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $105K, expenses of $113K, and assets of $178K (revenue +4.7% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $100K, expenses of $117K, and assets of $181K (revenue -19.9% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $125K, expenses of $135K, and assets of $184K (revenue +11.6% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $112K, expenses of $130K, and assets of $200K (revenue -13.6% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $130K, expenses of $145K, and assets of $218K.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for American Legion is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.