American Legion
American Legion (Richmond, ME) maintains stable assets with volunteer leadership, experiencing fluctuating revenues.
EIN: 16017237 · Richmond, ME · NTEE: W30Z · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $350K |
| Total Expenses | $51K |
| Program Spending | 80% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $400,000. |
| Net Assets | $398K |
| Transparency Score | 85/100 |
Is American Legion Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
American Legion directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About American Legion
American Legion (EIN: 16017237) is a nonprofit organization based in Richmond, ME, classified under NTEE code W30Z. The organization reported total revenue of $350K and total assets of $418K 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 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2012–2024). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -3.4%.
Key Financial Metrics (2024)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $49K |
| Total Expenses | $51K |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-2,502 |
| Total Assets | $398K |
| Net Assets | $398K |
| Operating Margin | -5.1% |
| Months of Reserves | 93.2 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2024, American Legion reported a deficit of $3K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 93.2 months of operating reserves (strong position).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2012–2024), American Legion's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.4%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | -20.4% | -15.8% | -0.4% |
| 2023 | -19.4% | +21.0% | +0.1% |
| 2022 | +395.7% | +79.2% | +7.1% |
| 2021 | -33.8% | -43.6% | -3.3% |
| 2020 | -55.7% | -4.7% | -6.5% |
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 85 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: 15%
- programs: 80%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, American Legion allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 15%, programs: 80%, fundraising: 5%. With 80% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2024)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $3K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The American Legion reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating a fully volunteer-led executive structure, which is highly commendable for an organization of its size with assets over $400,000.
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.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of American Legion's IRS 990 filings:
- Lack of detailed expense breakdown (program, admin, fundraising) in provided data
- Fluctuating annual revenues, making long-term financial planning potentially challenging
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for American Legion:
- Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating volunteer leadership
- Strong asset base ($418,107) relative to annual revenue, providing financial stability
- Consistently low or zero liabilities, demonstrating sound financial management
- Long history of IRS 990 filings (13 filings), indicating transparency and compliance
Frequently Asked Questions about American Legion
Is American Legion a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, American Legion (EIN: 16017237) some concerns. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does American Legion spend its money?
American Legion directs 80% 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: 16017237). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the American Legion CEO make?
American Legion's highest-compensated officer earns $400,000. annually. The organization reported $350K in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
What percentage of American Legion's spending goes to programs?
American Legion directs 80% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does American Legion compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 85/100 (Excellent), American Legion is above average for NTEE category W30Z nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is American Legion located?
American Legion is headquartered in Richmond, Maine and files with the IRS under EIN 16017237. It is classified under NTEE code W30Z.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does American Legion have?
American Legion has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record at NonprofitSpending. This extensive filing history provides a strong basis for evaluating long-term financial trends. The most recent filing shows $350K in total revenue.
Is American Legion (Richmond, ME) a good charity?
Based on the available data, the American Legion in Richmond, ME, appears to be a well-managed organization with strong financial stability (assets of $418,107) and a commitment to volunteer leadership (0% officer compensation). Its consistent asset base and lack of liabilities in many periods suggest responsible financial stewardship. However, without detailed program spending data, a full assessment of its direct impact is limited.
How does the American Legion (Richmond, ME) fund its operations?
The organization primarily funds its operations through various revenue streams, which have fluctuated significantly over the years, from $15,323 in 2021 to $75,957 in 2022. The latest reported revenue is $48,718. The specific sources of this revenue are not detailed in the provided summary, but generally, American Legion posts rely on membership dues, events, and community support.
What is the trend in the organization's financial health?
The organization's financial health shows a stable asset base, consistently above $370,000, with current assets at $418,107. Revenue and expenses have fluctuated year-to-year, but the organization has largely maintained a balanced budget or slight deficits/surpluses without significantly eroding its asset base. Liabilities are consistently low, often reported as $0, indicating strong financial control.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for American Legion showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2024), American Legion's revenue has declined by 33.7%, moving from $73K to $49K. Total assets decreased by 27.5% over the same period, from $549K to $398K. Total functional expenses fell by 48.4%, from $99K to $51K. In its most recent filing year (2024), American Legion reported a deficit of $3K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $49K | $51K | $398K | $0 | — | — |
| 2023 | $61K | $61K | $399K | $141 | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $76K | $50K | $399K | $665 | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $15K | $28K | $373K | $0 | — | — |
| 2020 | $23K | $50K | $385K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $52K | $52K | $412K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $64K | $62K | $427K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $41K | $58K | $426K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $34K | $57K | $443K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $43K | $58K | $465K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $36K | $66K | $481K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $36K | $73K | $512K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $73K | $99K | $549K | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2024: Revenue of $49K, expenses of $51K, and assets of $398K (revenue -20.4% year-over-year).
- 2023: Revenue of $61K, expenses of $61K, and assets of $399K (revenue -19.4% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $76K, expenses of $50K, and assets of $399K (revenue +395.7% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $15K, expenses of $28K, and assets of $373K (revenue -33.8% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $23K, expenses of $50K, and assets of $385K (revenue -55.7% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $52K, expenses of $52K, and assets of $412K (revenue -18.2% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $64K, expenses of $62K, and assets of $427K (revenue +55.0% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $41K, expenses of $58K, and assets of $426K (revenue +21.7% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $34K, expenses of $57K, and assets of $443K (revenue -20.6% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $43K, expenses of $58K, and assets of $465K (revenue +19.2% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $36K, expenses of $66K, and assets of $481K (revenue -0.3% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $36K, expenses of $73K, and assets of $512K (revenue -51.2% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $73K, expenses of $99K, and assets of $549K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for American Legion:
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.