Breakwater Learning
Breakwater Learning shows consistent revenue growth and positive net income with no reported officer compensation.
EIN: 10249577 · Portland, ME · NTEE: B20Z · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $5.1M |
| Total Expenses | $4.7M |
| Program Spending | 90% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $5 |
| Net Assets | $2.3M |
| Transparency Score | 92/100 |
Is Breakwater Learning Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Breakwater Learning directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Breakwater Learning
Breakwater Learning (EIN: 10249577) is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, ME, classified under NTEE code B20Z. The organization reported total revenue of $5.1M and total assets of $5.7M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Breakwater Learning's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Breakwater Learning is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 49 years, with 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2012–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 7.0%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $4.8M |
| Total Expenses | $4.7M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$86K |
| Total Assets | $5.9M |
| Total Liabilities | $3.6M |
| Net Assets | $2.3M |
| Operating Margin | 1.8% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 60.8% |
| Months of Reserves | 15.1 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Breakwater Learning reported a surplus of $86K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 15.1 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 60.8% (high leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 12 years of filings (2012–2023), Breakwater Learning's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +13.7% | +19.7% | +10.4% |
| 2022 | +9.6% | +12.3% | +4.1% |
| 2021 | -5.9% | -9.9% | +27.3% |
| 2020 | +5.6% | -4.0% | -2.0% |
| 2019 | +1.3% | -2.4% | -8.0% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1977 |
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 Breakwater Learning with a Mission Score of 92 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, Breakwater Learning 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 $86K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 60.8%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Breakwater Learning consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which is highly unusual for an organization with revenues approaching $5 million. This suggests either a fully volunteer executive leadership or that executive compensation is categorized differently and not reported under 'Officer Comp' on the 990, which would warrant further investigation for complete transparency.
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 Breakwater Learning's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent 0% officer compensation reported, which is unusual for an organization of this size and may require further clarification on how executive leadership is compensated or structured.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Breakwater Learning:
- Consistent revenue growth, increasing from $2.79M in 2014 to $4.77M in 2023.
- Positive net income in most years, indicating sound financial management (e.g., $85,502 surplus in 2023).
- Strong asset growth, reaching $5.88M in 2023, enhancing financial stability.
- No reported officer compensation, suggesting a high proportion of funds are directed towards programs or a volunteer-led executive structure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breakwater Learning
Is Breakwater Learning a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Breakwater Learning (EIN: 10249577) some concerns. Mission Score: 92/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Breakwater Learning spend its money?
Breakwater Learning directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Breakwater Learning tax-deductible?
Breakwater Learning is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 10249577). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the Breakwater Learning CEO make?
Breakwater Learning's highest-compensated officer earns $5 annually. The organization reported $5.1M in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
How does Breakwater Learning compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 92/100 (Excellent), Breakwater Learning is above average for NTEE category B20Z nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Breakwater Learning located?
Breakwater Learning is headquartered in Portland, Maine and files with the IRS under EIN 10249577. It is classified under NTEE code B20Z.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Breakwater Learning have?
Breakwater Learning has 12 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 $5.1M in total revenue.
Is Breakwater Learning a good charity?
Based on the provided financial data, Breakwater Learning appears to be a well-managed and financially healthy organization. It demonstrates consistent revenue growth, maintains expenses below revenue, and reports 0% officer compensation, which suggests a strong commitment to program spending and efficiency.
How has Breakwater Learning's revenue grown over time?
Breakwater Learning has shown strong revenue growth, increasing from $2,798,085 in 2014 to $4,775,965 in 2023, representing a significant increase of over 70% in less than a decade.
What is the trend in Breakwater Learning's assets and liabilities?
The organization's assets have steadily grown from $3,736,378 in 2014 to $5,885,434 in 2023, while liabilities have also increased but at a slower pace, indicating a healthy and growing balance sheet with increasing net assets.
Does Breakwater Learning spend efficiently?
Yes, Breakwater Learning appears to spend efficiently. In 2023, expenses ($4,690,463) were less than revenue ($4,775,965), resulting in a surplus. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation also suggests a high degree of efficiency in allocating resources towards its mission.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Breakwater Learning showing financial trends over 12 years of public records:
Over 12 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2023), Breakwater Learning's revenue has grown by 109.9%, moving from $2.3M to $4.8M. Total assets increased by 55.5% over the same period, from $3.8M to $5.9M. Total functional expenses rose by 96.4%, from $2.4M to $4.7M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Breakwater Learning reported a surplus of $86K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $3.6M in liabilities against $5.9M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 60.8%), resulting in net assets of $2.3M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $4.8M | $4.7M | $5.9M | $3.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $4.2M | $3.9M | $5.3M | $3.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $3.8M | $3.5M | $5.1M | $3.1M | — | — |
| 2020 | $4.1M | $3.9M | $4.0M | $2.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $3.9M | $4.0M | $4.1M | $2.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $3.8M | $4.1M | $4.5M | $2.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $3.5M | $3.5M | $4.4M | $2.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $3.2M | $3.2M | $4.1M | $2.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $3.1M | $3.1M | $3.8M | $1.7M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $2.8M | $2.4M | $3.7M | $1.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $2.2M | $2.4M | $3.8M | $2.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $2.3M | $2.4M | $3.8M | $1.9M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $4.8M, expenses of $4.7M, and assets of $5.9M (revenue +13.7% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $4.2M, expenses of $3.9M, and assets of $5.3M (revenue +9.6% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $3.8M, expenses of $3.5M, and assets of $5.1M (revenue -5.9% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $4.1M, expenses of $3.9M, and assets of $4.0M (revenue +5.6% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $3.9M, expenses of $4.0M, and assets of $4.1M (revenue +1.3% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $3.8M, expenses of $4.1M, and assets of $4.5M (revenue +7.8% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $3.5M, expenses of $3.5M, and assets of $4.4M (revenue +11.2% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $3.2M, expenses of $3.2M, and assets of $4.1M (revenue +1.6% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $3.1M, expenses of $3.1M, and assets of $3.8M (revenue +11.8% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $2.8M, expenses of $2.4M, and assets of $3.7M (revenue +28.0% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $2.2M, expenses of $2.4M, and assets of $3.8M (revenue -3.9% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $2.3M, expenses of $2.4M, and assets of $3.8M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Breakwater Learning:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Breakwater Learning 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.