Down East Lakes Land Tr
Down East Lakes Land Trust maintains strong assets despite fluctuating annual revenues and consistent 0% officer compensation.
EIN: 10541131 · Grand Lk Strm, ME · NTEE: C340 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $2.4M |
| Total Expenses | $1.2M |
| Program Spending | 85% |
| Net Assets | $30.1M |
| Transparency Score | 90/100 |
Is Down East Lakes Land Tr Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Down East Lakes Land Tr directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Down East Lakes Land Tr
Down East Lakes Land Tr (EIN: 10541131) is a nonprofit organization based in Grand Lk Strm, ME, classified under NTEE code C340. The organization reported total revenue of $2.4M and total assets of $32.2M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Down East Lakes Land Tr's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Down East Lakes Land Tr is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 25 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -3.0%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $806K |
| Total Expenses | $1.2M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-374,278 |
| Total Assets | $30.1M |
| Total Liabilities | $23K |
| Net Assets | $30.1M |
| Operating Margin | -46.4% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 0.1% |
| Months of Reserves | 305.9 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Down East Lakes Land Tr reported a deficit of $374K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 305.9 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), Down East Lakes Land Tr's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.0%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +24.8% | -8.6% | +1.7% |
| 2022 | -87.9% | -60.4% | -6.2% |
| 2021 | +128.1% | +157.1% | +10.7% |
| 2020 | +8.5% | -15.5% | +6.2% |
| 2019 | +57.2% | +28.5% | +5.7% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2001 |
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 Down East Lakes Land Tr 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: 85%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Down East Lakes Land Tr 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.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $374K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 0.1%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is consistently reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that officers are either uncompensated or compensated through non-officer categories, which is highly favorable for donor perception and suggests a strong commitment to mission over personal gain.
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 Down East Lakes Land Tr's IRS 990 filings:
- Expenses exceeded revenue in 2023 and 2022, indicating operational deficits in those periods.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Down East Lakes Land Tr:
- Consistent 0% officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating high transparency and dedication.
- Strong and growing asset base, reaching over $30 million in 2023, providing financial stability.
- Low liabilities relative to assets, suggesting sound financial management.
- Clear focus on program delivery, aligning with its land conservation mission.
Frequently Asked Questions about Down East Lakes Land Tr
Is Down East Lakes Land Tr a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Down East Lakes Land Tr (EIN: 10541131) some concerns. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Down East Lakes Land Tr spend its money?
Down East Lakes Land Tr directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Down East Lakes Land Tr tax-deductible?
Down East Lakes Land Tr is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 10541131). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Down East Lakes Land Tr's spending goes to programs?
Down East Lakes Land Tr directs 85% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Down East Lakes Land Tr compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 90/100 (Excellent), Down East Lakes Land Tr is above average for NTEE category C340 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Down East Lakes Land Tr located?
Down East Lakes Land Tr is headquartered in Grand Lk Strm, Maine and files with the IRS under EIN 10541131. It is classified under NTEE code C340.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Down East Lakes Land Tr have?
Down East Lakes Land Tr 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 $2.4M in total revenue.
Is Down East Lakes Land Trust a good charity?
Based on the available data, Down East Lakes Land Trust appears to be a good charity. It demonstrates strong asset growth, consistent program focus, and exceptional transparency regarding executive compensation (0% reported).
How does Down East Lakes Land Trust manage its finances given fluctuating revenues?
The organization manages fluctuating revenues by maintaining a strong asset base, which has grown to over $30 million. This allows it to absorb years where expenses exceed revenue, such as in 2023 and 2022, while continuing its operations.
What is the trend in the organization's assets?
The organization's assets have shown a consistent upward trend over the past decade, growing from $18,431,882 in 2014 to $30,087,621 in 2023, indicating long-term financial health and growth.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Down East Lakes Land Tr showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Down East Lakes Land Tr's revenue has declined by 30.8%, moving from $1.2M to $806K. Total assets increased by 111.4% over the same period, from $14.2M to $30.1M. Total functional expenses rose by 14%, from $1.0M to $1.2M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Down East Lakes Land Tr reported a deficit of $374K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $23K in liabilities against $30.1M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.1%), resulting in net assets of $30.1M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $806K | $1.2M | $30.1M | $23K | — | — |
| 2022 | $646K | $1.3M | $29.6M | $44K | — | — |
| 2021 | $5.4M | $3.3M | $31.5M | $74K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $2.3M | $1.3M | $28.5M | $32K | — | — |
| 2019 | $2.2M | $1.5M | $26.8M | $28K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $1.4M | $1.2M | $25.4M | $44K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $1.3M | $899K | $25.5M | $29K | — | — |
| 2016 | $7.1M | $1.3M | $24.5M | $14K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $1.2M | $1.0M | $19.1M | $645K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $1.3M | $1.1M | $18.4M | $42K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $2.6M | $1.0M | $18.1M | $37K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $3.8M | $1.5M | $16.2M | $28K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $1.2M | $1.0M | $14.2M | $513K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $806K, expenses of $1.2M, and assets of $30.1M (revenue +24.8% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $646K, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $29.6M (revenue -87.9% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $5.4M, expenses of $3.3M, and assets of $31.5M (revenue +128.1% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $2.3M, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $28.5M (revenue +8.5% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $2.2M, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $26.8M (revenue +57.2% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $1.4M, expenses of $1.2M, and assets of $25.4M (revenue +5.0% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $899K, and assets of $25.5M (revenue -81.6% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $7.1M, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $24.5M (revenue +480.1% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $1.0M, and assets of $19.1M (revenue -4.1% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $1.1M, and assets of $18.4M (revenue -51.4% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $2.6M, expenses of $1.0M, and assets of $18.1M (revenue -30.2% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $3.8M, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $16.2M (revenue +224.0% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $1.0M, and assets of $14.2M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Down East Lakes Land Tr:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Down East Lakes Land Tr 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.