Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper: Strong Mission, Volatile Finances
EIN: 222993054 · Buffalo, NY · NTEE: C320 · Updated: 2026-04-04
Is Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc directs 75% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc (EIN: 222993054) is a nonprofit organization based in Buffalo, NY, classified under NTEE code C320. The organization reported total revenue of $3.7M and total assets of $13.1M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 37 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 23.2%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $12.4M |
| Total Expenses | $11.8M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$625K |
| Total Assets | $11.3M |
| Total Liabilities | $9.5M |
| Net Assets | $1.8M |
| Operating Margin | 5.0% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 84.1% |
| Months of Reserves | 11.4 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc reported a surplus of $625K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 11.4 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 84.1% (high leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.2%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +220.4% | +178.5% | -33.3% |
| 2022 | -34.6% | -6.4% | +39.6% |
| 2021 | +129.5% | +56.2% | -18.1% |
| 2020 | -44.9% | -34.5% | -2.5% |
| 2019 | +22.0% | +9.7% | +4.2% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1989 |
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 Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc 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: 75%
- fundraising: 10%
According to IRS 990 filings, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 15%, programs: 75%, fundraising: 10%. With 75% 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 $625K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 84.1%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is not explicitly detailed in the provided data, preventing a specific assessment of individual salaries. However, overall expenses have shown significant variability, with total expenses reaching $11,813,790 in 2023.
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 Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc's IRS 990 filings:
- Significant revenue volatility: Revenue jumped from $3,882,426 in 2022 to $12,438,775 in 2023, indicating potential reliance on large, infrequent grants or projects.
- Large swings in net assets: Net assets decreased from $16,858,516 in 2022 to $11,252,371 in 2023, suggesting substantial spending or asset revaluation.
- Accumulated deficit in some years: Expenses exceeded revenue in multiple years (e.g., 2022, 2020, 2018), which could impact long-term financial stability if not offset by prior surpluses.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc:
- Consistent mission focus: The organization's name and reported activities align clearly with environmental protection and water resource management.
- Substantial asset base: Despite fluctuations, the organization maintains a significant asset base, with $11,252,371 in assets reported in 2023.
- Demonstrated ability to secure large funding: The $12,438,775 in revenue in 2023 shows capacity to attract substantial financial support.
- Low lobbying expenses: Consistently reporting 0% lobbying indicates a focus on direct program implementation rather than political advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc
Is Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc (EIN: 222993054) some concerns. Mission Score: 85/100. 3 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc spend its money?
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc directs 75% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc tax-deductible?
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 222993054). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What does Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc do?
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc is a nonprofit organization in the Environment sector, located in Buffalo, New York. It is classified under NTEE code C320.
How much revenue does Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc have?
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc reported total revenue of $3,723,829. Based on 13 IRS 990 filings on record.
What are Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc's total assets?
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc holds total assets of $13,104,300 as reported in IRS 990 filings.
Where is Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc located?
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc is based in Buffalo, New York.
What is Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc's EIN?
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc's Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 222993054. This is the unique tax ID assigned by the IRS for tax-exempt organizations.
What type of nonprofit is Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc?
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc is classified under NTEE code C320 (Environment).
Is Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc a registered 501(c)(3)?
Yes, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc is recognized as a tax-exempt organization by the IRS. EIN: 222993054.
Does Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc file IRS Form 990?
Yes, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc has 13 IRS Form 990 filings on record. The most recent covers tax period 202312.
What was Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc's revenue in 2023?
In the 202312 filing period, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc reported total revenue of $12,438,775, total expenses of $11,813,790, and net assets of $11,252,371.
Is Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc's revenue growing or declining?
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc's revenue is growing. Revenue went from $3,882,426 (202212) to $12,438,775 (202312), a +220.4% change. Based on 13 filings on record.
What is Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc's most recent 990 filing?
The most recent IRS Form 990 filing for Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc covers tax period 202312. It shows revenue of $12,438,775, expenses of $11,813,790, total assets of $11,252,371, and liabilities of $9,460,018.
How much does Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc spend on programs vs administration?
Based on IRS 990 analysis, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc allocates approximately 75% of expenses to program services, 15% to administrative costs, and 10% to fundraising. This indicates strong program focus.
Is Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc a trustworthy charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 data, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100 (Excellent). 3 red flags identified. 4 strengths noted.
What are the red flags for Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc?
The following concerns were identified: Significant revenue volatility: Revenue jumped from $3,882,426 in 2022 to $12,438,775 in 2023, indicating potential reliance on large, infrequent grants or projects.. Large swings in net assets: Net assets decreased from $16,858,516 in 2022 to $11,252,371 in 2023, suggesting substantial spending or asset revaluation.. Accumulated deficit in some years: Expenses exceeded revenue in multiple years (e.g., 2022, 2020, 2018), which could impact long-term financial stability if not offset by prior surpluses.. These flags are based on automated analysis of IRS 990 public filings and should be verified independently.
What are Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc's strengths?
Positive indicators for Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc include: Consistent mission focus: The organization's name and reported activities align clearly with environmental protection and water resource management.. Substantial asset base: Despite fluctuations, the organization maintains a significant asset base, with $11,252,371 in assets reported in 2023.. Demonstrated ability to secure large funding: The $12,438,775 in revenue in 2023 shows capacity to attract substantial financial support.. Low lobbying expenses: Consistently reporting 0% lobbying indicates a focus on direct program implementation rather than political advocacy.. These findings are derived from AI analysis of the organization's financial filings.
How does Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc compensate executives?
Executive compensation is not explicitly detailed in the provided data, preventing a specific assessment of individual salaries. However, overall expenses have shown significant variability, with total expenses reaching $11,813,790 in 2023. Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require disclosure of officer, director, and key employee pay.
How transparent is Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc?
• The organization consistently reports 0% lobbying costs across all available filings. • Detailed program service accomplishments are provided, aligning with their mission to protect and restore water resources. • Financial statements are generally clear, though the significant fluctuations in revenue and expenses warrant closer examination. Transparency assessment is based on the availability and consistency of IRS 990 filing data, spending disclosure, and governance indicators.
What specific events or grants led to the dramatic increase in revenue from $3.88M in 2022 to $12.44M in 2023, and how sustainable is this level of funding?
The provided data does not specify the source of the revenue increase. Further investigation into their annual reports or grant disclosures would be necessary to identify the specific grants or projects that contributed to this significant jump and to assess the likelihood of similar funding in future years.
Given the substantial decrease in net assets from $16.86M in 2022 to $11.25M in 2023, what were the primary drivers of this reduction?
The decrease in net assets, despite a large revenue year in 2023, suggests that expenses ($11,813,790 in 2023) were very high, potentially due to the execution of large projects funded by the increased revenue, or significant asset write-downs. A detailed breakdown of expenses and asset changes would be needed for a precise answer.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc's revenue has grown by 1119.1%, moving from $1.0M to $12.4M. Total assets increased by 320.2% over the same period, from $2.7M to $11.3M. Total functional expenses rose by 872.1%, from $1.2M to $11.8M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc reported a surplus of $625K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $9.5M in liabilities against $11.3M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 84.1%), resulting in net assets of $1.8M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $12.4M | $11.8M | $11.3M | $9.5M | — | — |
| 2022 | $3.9M | $4.2M | $16.9M | $15.7M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $5.9M | $4.5M | $12.1M | $10.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $2.6M | $2.9M | $14.7M | $14.6M | — | — |
| 2019 | $4.7M | $4.4M | $15.1M | $14.7M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $3.8M | $4.0M | $14.5M | $14.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $4.3M | $4.2M | $5.0M | $4.6M | — | — |
| 2016 | $2.3M | $2.4M | $6.0M | $5.7M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $3.4M | $3.3M | $5.1M | $4.7M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $1.5M | $1.8M | $3.8M | $3.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $3.2M | $3.0M | $665K | $345K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $1.5M | $1.6M | $3.5M | $3.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $1.0M | $1.2M | $2.7M | $2.5M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $12.4M, expenses of $11.8M, and assets of $11.3M (revenue +220.4% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $3.9M, expenses of $4.2M, and assets of $16.9M (revenue -34.6% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $5.9M, expenses of $4.5M, and assets of $12.1M (revenue +129.5% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $2.6M, expenses of $2.9M, and assets of $14.7M (revenue -44.9% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $4.7M, expenses of $4.4M, and assets of $15.1M (revenue +22.0% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $3.8M, expenses of $4.0M, and assets of $14.5M (revenue -10.0% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $4.3M, expenses of $4.2M, and assets of $5.0M (revenue +83.7% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $2.3M, expenses of $2.4M, and assets of $6.0M (revenue -30.7% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $3.4M, expenses of $3.3M, and assets of $5.1M (revenue +127.9% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $1.5M, expenses of $1.8M, and assets of $3.8M (revenue -53.6% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $3.2M, expenses of $3.0M, and assets of $665K (revenue +112.9% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $1.5M, expenses of $1.6M, and assets of $3.5M (revenue +46.3% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $1.0M, expenses of $1.2M, and assets of $2.7M.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc 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.