Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust
Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust maintains stable finances with volunteer leadership and consistent asset growth.
EIN: 161714124 · Ellsworth, ME · NTEE: A80 · Updated: 2026-03-28
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Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust is mapped to EIN 161714124.
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| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $429K |
| Total Expenses | $266K |
| Program Spending | 85% |
| Net Assets | $1.2M |
| Transparency Score | 90/100 |
Search Intent Cockpit
Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust Form 990, Revenue, CEO Pay, and IRS Filing Signals
Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust is surfaced here as a decision-ready nonprofit financial profile, not just a charity listing. The page consolidates IRS Form 990 revenue, expenses, assets, tax-exempt classification, executive compensation, mission score, red flags, and year-by-year filing history so donors, researchers, journalists, and grant teams can answer the common search questions around Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust in one place.
Form 990 Filing Summary
13 filing years are available, with latest revenue of $301K and expenses of $266K.
Revenue and Expenses
Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust reported $301K in revenue and $266K in expenses, a surplus of $35K.
Executive Compensation
Officer, director, trustee, and key employee pay is reviewed from IRS 990 compensation disclosures when present.
Charity Score and Red Flags
90/100 mission score, 0 red flags, and 4 strengths are shown from structured and AI review.
Is Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust Legit?
Appears Legitimate
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
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Where the Money Comes From and Where It Goes
Revenue Source Mix
Revenue-source line items are not available on the stored filing yet. Future ingestion now preserves contribution, program-revenue, and investment-income fields when ProPublica provides them.
Expense Deployment
| Program services | $226K (85%) |
Across stored filings, Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust shows contribution history pending. Next enrichment targets: revenue-source fields, IRS BMF classification.
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| Decision Lens | Signal | What to Inspect Next |
|---|---|---|
| Legitimacy | Appears Legitimate | Good filing record; no red flags identified |
| Mission spend | 85% to programs | Excellent |
| Financial durability | Grade A | 13 stored filing years |
| Peer context | Compare with Maine Composite Materials Applied Technology Development Center | Maine and Arts & Culture context |
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Request a concise report for Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust with revenue, expenses, executive compensation, red flags, peer context, and IRS source links. You can also request CSV exports or watchlist updates for future filings.
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Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust
Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust (EIN: 161714124) is a nonprofit organization based in Ellsworth, ME, classified under NTEE code A80. The organization reported total revenue of $429K and total assets of $1.5M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust is a small nonprofit that has been operating for 20 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 1.6%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $301K |
| Total Expenses | $266K |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$35K |
| Total Assets | $1.3M |
| Total Liabilities | $34K |
| Net Assets | $1.2M |
| Operating Margin | 11.6% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 2.7% |
| Months of Reserves | 57.6 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust reported a surplus of $35K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 57.6 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 2.7% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.6%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +27.4% | +22.1% | +5.2% |
| 2022 | -67.5% | +6.8% | -2.8% |
| 2021 | +203.7% | +24.4% | +59.7% |
| 2020 | -1.4% | -48.3% | +9.1% |
| 2019 | -17.6% | +33.6% | -13.8% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2006 |
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 Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust 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, Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust 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 surplus of $35K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 2.7%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating a volunteer-led structure and a highly efficient use of funds by avoiding significant executive salary expenses.
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.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust:
- Consistent asset growth, from $744,898 in 2014 to $1,276,164 in 2023, demonstrating financial stability.
- Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, indicating a volunteer-driven model and efficient use of donor funds.
- Positive net income in most recent years (e.g., $300,877 revenue vs. $265,951 expenses in 2023), contributing to reserves.
- Low liabilities relative to assets (e.g., $34,212 liabilities vs. $1,276,164 assets in 2023), suggesting strong financial solvency.
Frequently Asked Questions about Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust
Is Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust a legitimate charity?
Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust (EIN: 161714124) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in Maine. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 90/100. It has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $429K. No red flags identified. 4 strengths noted. Financial health grade: A.
How does Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust spend its money?
Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 5%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.
Are donations to Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust tax-deductible?
Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 161714124). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust's spending goes to programs?
Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust directs 85% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 90/100 (Excellent), Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust is above average for NTEE category A80 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust located?
Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust is headquartered in Ellsworth, Maine and files with the IRS under EIN 161714124. It is classified under NTEE code A80.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust have?
Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust 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 $429K in total revenue.
Is Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust a good charity?
Based on its consistent financial stability, asset growth, and zero reported officer compensation, the organization appears to be a well-managed and efficient charity, directing resources towards its mission.
How has the organization's financial health changed over time?
The organization has shown consistent asset growth from $744,898 in 2014 to $1,276,164 in 2023, indicating improving financial health and stability, despite some fluctuations in annual revenue.
What is the trend in their revenue and expenses?
Revenue has fluctuated, with a notable peak of $725,759 in 2021, but generally ranges between $200,000-$300,000 annually. Expenses have remained relatively stable and below revenue in most recent years, such as $265,951 in expenses against $300,877 in revenue in 2023.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust's revenue has grown by 21.2%, moving from $248K to $301K. Total assets increased by 75.6% over the same period, from $727K to $1.3M. Total functional expenses rose by 11.7%, from $238K to $266K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust reported a surplus of $35K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $34K in liabilities against $1.3M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 2.7%), resulting in net assets of $1.2M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $301K | $266K | $1.3M | $34K | — | — |
| 2022 | $236K | $218K | $1.2M | $20K | — | — |
| 2021 | $726K | $204K | $1.2M | $21K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $239K | $164K | $782K | $94K | — | — |
| 2019 | $242K | $317K | $717K | $104K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $294K | $237K | $832K | $116K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $294K | $190K | $824K | $165K | — | — |
| 2016 | $195K | $184K | $732K | $177K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $179K | $175K | $745K | $202K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $231K | $212K | $745K | $206K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $232K | $177K | $747K | $227K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $252K | $259K | $704K | $239K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $248K | $238K | $727K | $255K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $301K, expenses of $266K, and assets of $1.3M (revenue +27.4% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $236K, expenses of $218K, and assets of $1.2M (revenue -67.5% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $726K, expenses of $204K, and assets of $1.2M (revenue +203.7% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $239K, expenses of $164K, and assets of $782K (revenue -1.4% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $242K, expenses of $317K, and assets of $717K (revenue -17.6% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $294K, expenses of $237K, and assets of $832K (revenue +-0.0% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $294K, expenses of $190K, and assets of $824K (revenue +50.7% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $195K, expenses of $184K, and assets of $732K (revenue +9.1% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $179K, expenses of $175K, and assets of $745K (revenue -22.5% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $231K, expenses of $212K, and assets of $745K (revenue -0.7% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $232K, expenses of $177K, and assets of $747K (revenue -7.7% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $252K, expenses of $259K, and assets of $704K (revenue +1.5% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $248K, expenses of $238K, and assets of $727K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust 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.