Bethel Historical Society
Bethel Historical Society maintains strong assets and low liabilities despite fluctuating revenues and no reported officer compensation.
EIN: 10327007 · Bethel, ME · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $282K |
| Total Expenses | $150K |
| Program Spending | 80% |
| Net Assets | $1.4M |
| Transparency Score | 85/100 |
Is Bethel Historical Society Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Bethel Historical Society directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Bethel Historical Society
Bethel Historical Society (EIN: 10327007) is a nonprofit organization based in Bethel, ME. The organization reported total revenue of $282K and total assets of $1.5M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Bethel Historical Society's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Bethel Historical Society is a small nonprofit that has been operating for 28 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -0.3%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $127K |
| Total Expenses | $150K |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-22,760 |
| Total Assets | $1.4M |
| Total Liabilities | $717 |
| Net Assets | $1.4M |
| Operating Margin | -17.9% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 0.1% |
| Months of Reserves | 111.1 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Bethel Historical Society reported a deficit of $23K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 111.1 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 0.1% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Bethel Historical Society's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -0.3%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +28.3% | +2.3% | -0.8% |
| 2022 | -32.7% | -19.6% | -6.5% |
| 2021 | -57.6% | +1.7% | +0.8% |
| 2020 | +151.9% | -13.1% | +13.9% |
| 2019 | -25.8% | +2.8% | -3.2% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1998 |
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 Bethel Historical Society 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, Bethel Historical Society 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 (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $23K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 0.1%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that the organization's leadership is either entirely volunteer-based or compensated through non-officer roles, which is a positive sign for a nonprofit of its size and mission.
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 Bethel Historical Society's IRS 990 filings:
- Inconsistent revenue streams, leading to reliance on prior year surpluses or asset drawdowns in some periods.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Bethel Historical Society:
- Strong and consistent asset base, exceeding $1.3 million in all reported periods.
- Extremely low liabilities, indicating minimal debt and strong financial health.
- Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, suggesting volunteer leadership or efficient compensation structures.
- Regular and transparent IRS 990 filing history (13 filings).
Frequently Asked Questions about Bethel Historical Society
Is Bethel Historical Society a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Bethel Historical Society (EIN: 10327007) some concerns. Mission Score: 85/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Bethel Historical Society spend its money?
Bethel Historical Society directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Bethel Historical Society tax-deductible?
Bethel Historical Society is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 10327007). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Bethel Historical Society's spending goes to programs?
Bethel Historical Society directs 80% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
Where is Bethel Historical Society located?
Bethel Historical Society is headquartered in Bethel, Maine and files with the IRS under EIN 10327007.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Bethel Historical Society have?
Bethel Historical Society 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 $282K in total revenue.
Is Bethel Historical Society financially stable?
Yes, the Bethel Historical Society appears financially stable. While revenue fluctuates, its assets consistently exceed $1.3 million, reaching $1,520,615 most recently, and liabilities are consistently very low, often under $2,000.
How does Bethel Historical Society manage its expenses relative to its income?
The society's expenses sometimes exceed its revenue, for example, in 2023 expenses were $149,884 against $127,124 revenue. This suggests they may be drawing on reserves or prior surpluses to fund operations, indicating active use of resources.
What is the trend in Bethel Historical Society's revenue?
Revenue has been inconsistent, with highs like $519,005 in 2014 and $347,348 in 2020, but also lows such as $62,369 in 2016 and $99,082 in 2022. The latest reported revenue is $282,174.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Bethel Historical Society showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Bethel Historical Society's revenue has declined by 3.8%, moving from $132K to $127K. Total assets increased by 34.7% over the same period, from $1.0M to $1.4M. Total functional expenses fell by 14.1%, from $174K to $150K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Bethel Historical Society reported a deficit of $23K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $717 in liabilities against $1.4M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.1%), resulting in net assets of $1.4M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $127K | $150K | $1.4M | $717 | — | — |
| 2022 | $99K | $146K | $1.4M | $635 | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $147K | $182K | $1.5M | $1K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $347K | $179K | $1.5M | $2K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $138K | $206K | $1.3M | $1K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $186K | $201K | $1.3M | $2K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $100K | $224K | $1.4M | $13K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $62K | $184K | $1.4M | $13K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $78K | $147K | $1.5M | $13K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $519K | $111K | $1.6M | $4K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $283K | $160K | $1.2M | $32K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $428K | $381K | $1.1M | $28K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $132K | $174K | $1.0M | $13K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $127K, expenses of $150K, and assets of $1.4M (revenue +28.3% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $99K, expenses of $146K, and assets of $1.4M (revenue -32.7% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $147K, expenses of $182K, and assets of $1.5M (revenue -57.6% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $347K, expenses of $179K, and assets of $1.5M (revenue +151.9% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $138K, expenses of $206K, and assets of $1.3M (revenue -25.8% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $186K, expenses of $201K, and assets of $1.3M (revenue +85.5% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $100K, expenses of $224K, and assets of $1.4M (revenue +60.7% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $62K, expenses of $184K, and assets of $1.4M (revenue -20.1% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $78K, expenses of $147K, and assets of $1.5M (revenue -85.0% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $519K, expenses of $111K, and assets of $1.6M (revenue +83.1% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $283K, expenses of $160K, and assets of $1.2M (revenue -33.7% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $428K, expenses of $381K, and assets of $1.1M (revenue +223.8% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $132K, expenses of $174K, and assets of $1.0M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Bethel Historical Society:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Bethel Historical Society 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.