American Legion

American Legion (Greenwood, ME) maintains volunteer leadership amidst significant asset decline.

EIN: 16018651 · Greenwood, ME · Updated: 2026-03-28

$279KRevenue

$56KAssets

75/100Mission Score (Good)

About American Legion

American Legion (EIN: 16018651) is a nonprofit organization based in Greenwood, ME. The organization reported total revenue of $279K and total assets of $56K 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.

AI Transparency Report

The American Legion, EIN 16018651, operating in Greenwood, ME, demonstrates a consistent pattern of low revenue and expenses, typical for a small, local volunteer-driven organization. Its financial health appears stable, with assets generally exceeding liabilities, though there was a notable decrease in assets from $171,247 in 2019 to $30,158 in 2023, which warrants further investigation. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, indicating a volunteer leadership structure, which is a positive sign for donor confidence and efficient use of funds.

Spending efficiency is difficult to precisely determine without a detailed functional expense breakdown (program, administrative, fundraising) in the provided data. However, the consistent reporting of zero officer compensation suggests that a significant portion of its operational costs are likely directed towards its mission. The organization's transparency is high in terms of executive compensation, as it clearly states no compensation is paid to officers. Further transparency could be enhanced by providing a more granular breakdown of expenses.

Overall, while the organization's financial scale is modest, its commitment to volunteer leadership and low overhead (as implied by 0% officer compensation) are positive indicators. The significant drop in assets over recent years, from a peak of $174,319 in 2017 to $30,158 in 2023, is a key area for potential concern and further inquiry, as it represents a substantial reduction in its financial reserves.

Mission Effectiveness Score

NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates American Legion with a Mission Score of 75 out of 100 (Good). 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: 85%
fundraising: 5%

According to IRS 990 filings, American Legion allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 85%, fundraising: 5%. With 85% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.

Executive Compensation Analysis

Executive compensation is reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating a fully volunteer-led organization, which is highly efficient for an organization of its size with annual revenues typically under $50,000.

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:

Significant decline in assets from $171,247 in 2019 to $30,158 in 2023, representing an 82% decrease.
Lack of detailed functional expense breakdown (program, admin, fundraising) in the provided summary, making precise spending efficiency analysis difficult.

Strengths

The following positive indicators were identified for American Legion:

Consistent 0% officer compensation, indicating a volunteer-led organization and efficient use of funds.
Long operating history with 13 filings, suggesting stability and commitment to its mission.
Low liabilities, often reported as $0, indicating sound financial management in terms of debt.

Frequently Asked Questions about American Legion

Is American Legion (Greenwood, ME) a good charity?

Based on the available data, the American Legion (Greenwood, ME) appears to be a good charity, especially given its volunteer leadership (0% officer compensation) and consistent operation. However, the significant decrease in assets from $171,247 in 2019 to $30,158 in 2023 is a concern that would need further clarification to fully assess its long-term financial stability and impact.

Why did the organization's assets decrease so significantly from 2019 to 2023?

The provided data shows a substantial drop in assets from $171,247 in 2019 to $30,158 in 2023. Without more detailed financial statements, the exact reasons are unclear, but it could be due to significant capital expenditures, investment losses, or a strategic decision to draw down reserves.

What is the primary source of revenue for this organization?

The IRS 990 data only provides total revenue figures, which fluctuate between approximately $11,000 and $48,000 annually. Without a breakdown of revenue sources (e.g., contributions, program service revenue, investment income), the primary source cannot be definitively identified from this data.

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 (2011–2023), American Legion's revenue has declined by 29.7%, moving from $68K to $48K. Total assets decreased by 84.2% over the same period, from $191K to $30K. Total functional expenses fell by 9%, from $49K to $45K. In its most recent filing year (2023), American Legion reported a surplus of $3K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $2K in liabilities against $30K in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 6.6%), resulting in net assets of $28K.

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Liabilities	Officer Comp.	PDF
2023	$48K	$45K	$30K	$2K	—	—
2022	$41K	$39K	$25K	$0	—	View 990
2021	$17K	$18K	$166K	$0	—	View 990
2020	$11K	$15K	$168K	$0	—	—
2019	$44K	$10K	$171K	$0	—	View 990
2018	$25K	$3K	$171K	$0	—	View 990
2017	$21K	$17K	$174K	$0	—	View 990
2016	$20K	$18K	$173K	$0	—	View 990
2015	$27K	$26K	$169K	$0	—	View 990
2014	$39K	$36K	$168K	$0	—	View 990
2013	$27K	$42K	$165K	$0	—	View 990
2012	$54K	$65K	$180K	$0	—	View 990
2011	$68K	$49K	$191K	$0	—	View 990

Year-by-Year Financial Summary

2023: Revenue of $48K, expenses of $45K, and assets of $30K (revenue +16.5% year-over-year).
2022: Revenue of $41K, expenses of $39K, and assets of $25K (revenue +145.5% year-over-year).
2021: Revenue of $17K, expenses of $18K, and assets of $166K (revenue +46.1% year-over-year).
2020: Revenue of $11K, expenses of $15K, and assets of $168K (revenue -73.6% year-over-year).
2019: Revenue of $44K, expenses of $10K, and assets of $171K (revenue +73.2% year-over-year).
2018: Revenue of $25K, expenses of $3K, and assets of $171K (revenue +18.5% year-over-year).
2017: Revenue of $21K, expenses of $17K, and assets of $174K (revenue +4.8% year-over-year).
2016: Revenue of $20K, expenses of $18K, and assets of $173K (revenue -24.4% year-over-year).
2015: Revenue of $27K, expenses of $26K, and assets of $169K (revenue -31.2% year-over-year).
2014: Revenue of $39K, expenses of $36K, and assets of $168K (revenue +46.4% year-over-year).
2013: Revenue of $27K, expenses of $42K, and assets of $165K (revenue -51.0% year-over-year).
2012: Revenue of $54K, expenses of $65K, and assets of $180K (revenue -20.5% year-over-year).
2011: Revenue of $68K, expenses of $49K, and assets of $191K.

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.