Blandford Nature Center
Blandford Nature Center shows consistent financial growth and operational surpluses with no reported officer compensation.
EIN: 200739420 · Grand Rapids, MI · NTEE: B90 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $6.0M |
| Total Expenses | $2.1M |
| Program Spending | 80% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $18.2 |
| Net Assets | $17.9M |
| Transparency Score | 90/100 |
Is Blandford Nature Center Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Blandford Nature Center directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Blandford Nature Center
Blandford Nature Center (EIN: 200739420) is a nonprofit organization based in Grand Rapids, MI, classified under NTEE code B90. The organization reported total revenue of $6.0M and total assets of $20.4M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Blandford Nature Center's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Blandford Nature Center is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 22 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 14.1%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $2.4M |
| Total Expenses | $2.1M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$359K |
| Total Assets | $18.2M |
| Total Liabilities | $336K |
| Net Assets | $17.9M |
| Operating Margin | 14.8% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 1.8% |
| Months of Reserves | 105.5 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Blandford Nature Center reported a surplus of $359K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 105.5 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 1.8% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Blandford Nature Center's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.1%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -28.1% | +4.8% | +7.7% |
| 2022 | +7.6% | +20.6% | -0.4% |
| 2021 | +13.1% | +11.1% | +12.6% |
| 2020 | -6.1% | -5.7% | +14.0% |
| 2019 | +47.8% | +0.5% | +9.3% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2004 |
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 Blandford Nature Center 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: 80%
- fundraising: 10%
According to IRS 990 filings, Blandford Nature Center allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 80%, fundraising: 10%. 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 surplus of $359K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 1.8%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which is highly unusual for an organization of its size and asset base ($18.2 million in 2023). This suggests that key leadership may be volunteer-based or compensated through mechanisms not classified as 'officer compensation' on the 990, warranting further inquiry for complete understanding.
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 Blandford Nature Center's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent 0% officer compensation reported, which is unusual for an organization of this size and may obscure actual executive compensation practices.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Blandford Nature Center:
- Strong and consistent asset growth, from $3.26M in 2014 to $18.2M in 2023.
- Consistent operational surpluses, with revenues regularly exceeding expenses.
- Low liabilities relative to assets, indicating a healthy balance sheet.
- Demonstrates long-term financial stability and growth over a decade.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blandford Nature Center
Is Blandford Nature Center a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Blandford Nature Center (EIN: 200739420) some concerns. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Blandford Nature Center spend its money?
Blandford Nature Center directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Blandford Nature Center tax-deductible?
Blandford Nature Center is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 200739420). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the Blandford Nature Center CEO make?
Blandford Nature Center's highest-compensated officer earns $18.2 annually. The organization reported $6.0M in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
What percentage of Blandford Nature Center's spending goes to programs?
Blandford Nature Center directs 80% to programs, 10% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Blandford Nature Center compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 90/100 (Excellent), Blandford Nature Center is above average for NTEE category B90 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Blandford Nature Center located?
Blandford Nature Center is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan and files with the IRS under EIN 200739420. It is classified under NTEE code B90.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Blandford Nature Center have?
Blandford Nature Center 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 $6.0M in total revenue.
Is Blandford Nature Center a good charity?
Based on its strong financial health, consistent asset growth, and operational surpluses, Blandford Nature Center appears to be a well-managed and financially stable organization. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation is a unique characteristic that could indicate a highly efficient use of funds for its mission.
How does Blandford Nature Center manage its executive compensation?
The IRS 990 filings consistently show 0% officer compensation. This is highly unusual and suggests that executive leadership may be volunteer-based or compensated through other means not categorized as 'officer compensation' on the 990 form, which would require further investigation to fully understand.
Has Blandford Nature Center's financial health improved over time?
Yes, the organization's assets have grown significantly from $3,262,914 in 2014 to $18,235,323 in 2023, and it has consistently maintained operational surpluses, indicating strong and improving financial health.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Blandford Nature Center showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Blandford Nature Center's revenue has grown by 386.3%, moving from $500K to $2.4M. Total assets increased by 2402.6% over the same period, from $729K to $18.2M. Total functional expenses rose by 251.5%, from $590K to $2.1M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Blandford Nature Center reported a surplus of $359K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $336K in liabilities against $18.2M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 1.8%), resulting in net assets of $17.9M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $2.4M | $2.1M | $18.2M | $336K | — | — |
| 2022 | $3.4M | $2.0M | $16.9M | $145K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $3.1M | $1.6M | $17.0M | $281K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $2.8M | $1.5M | $15.1M | $275K | — | — |
| 2019 | $3.0M | $1.6M | $13.2M | $293K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $2.0M | $1.6M | $12.1M | $1.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $4.9M | $1.4M | $12.9M | $1.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $2.1M | $967K | $7.9M | $466K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $4.0M | $793K | $6.4M | $88K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $2.3M | $769K | $3.3M | $112K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $1.6M | $697K | $1.6M | $60K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $659K | $661K | $749K | $60K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $500K | $590K | $729K | $38K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $2.4M, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $18.2M (revenue -28.1% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $3.4M, expenses of $2.0M, and assets of $16.9M (revenue +7.6% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $3.1M, expenses of $1.6M, and assets of $17.0M (revenue +13.1% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $2.8M, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $15.1M (revenue -6.1% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $3.0M, expenses of $1.6M, and assets of $13.2M (revenue +47.8% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $2.0M, expenses of $1.6M, and assets of $12.1M (revenue -59.3% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $4.9M, expenses of $1.4M, and assets of $12.9M (revenue +135.5% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $2.1M, expenses of $967K, and assets of $7.9M (revenue -47.6% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $4.0M, expenses of $793K, and assets of $6.4M (revenue +70.7% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $2.3M, expenses of $769K, and assets of $3.3M (revenue +46.9% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $1.6M, expenses of $697K, and assets of $1.6M (revenue +141.3% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $659K, expenses of $661K, and assets of $749K (revenue +31.8% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $500K, expenses of $590K, and assets of $729K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Blandford Nature Center:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Blandford Nature Center 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.