High Lakes Outdoor Alliance
High Lakes Outdoor Alliance consistently operates with no executive compensation and maintains a healthy asset base.
EIN: 205408405 · Afton, IA · NTEE: N32 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is High Lakes Outdoor Alliance Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
High Lakes Outdoor Alliance directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About High Lakes Outdoor Alliance
High Lakes Outdoor Alliance (EIN: 205408405) is a nonprofit organization based in Afton, IA, classified under NTEE code N32. The organization reported total revenue of $223K and total assets of $179K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of High Lakes Outdoor Alliance's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates High Lakes Outdoor Alliance 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, High Lakes Outdoor Alliance 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.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is consistently reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that no officers or key employees receive salaries from the organization, which is highly unusual for an organization of its size and revenue, suggesting a volunteer-led structure.
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 High Lakes Outdoor Alliance's IRS 990 filings:
- Significant expense exceeding revenue in 2022 ($147,281 expenses vs. $99,027 revenue), though this appears to be an isolated event.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for High Lakes Outdoor Alliance:
- Consistent 0% officer compensation, indicating high dedication of resources to mission.
- Zero liabilities reported across all filing periods, demonstrating strong financial management and no debt.
- Healthy and growing asset base, with assets of $129,838 in 2023, providing financial stability.
- Consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over 13 periods, indicating strong transparency and compliance.
- Generally operates with a surplus, allowing for asset growth and future program investment.
Frequently Asked Questions about High Lakes Outdoor Alliance
Is High Lakes Outdoor Alliance a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, High Lakes Outdoor Alliance (EIN: 205408405) some concerns. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
How does High Lakes Outdoor Alliance spend its money?
High Lakes Outdoor Alliance directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to High Lakes Outdoor Alliance tax-deductible?
High Lakes Outdoor Alliance is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 205408405). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is High Lakes Outdoor Alliance a good charity?
Based on the financial data, High Lakes Outdoor Alliance appears to be a very good charity. It consistently reports 0% officer compensation, maintains a healthy asset-to-liability ratio (with $0 liabilities), and generally operates with a surplus, indicating efficient use of funds and strong financial health.
How does High Lakes Outdoor Alliance manage its finances?
The organization manages its finances prudently, consistently maintaining $0 in liabilities and building up its assets. While there was a deficit in 2022, most years show revenues exceeding expenses, demonstrating responsible financial stewardship.
What is the trend in High Lakes Outdoor Alliance's revenue?
High Lakes Outdoor Alliance's revenue has fluctuated over the years, ranging from a low of $34,103 in 2016 to a high of $170,801 in 2014. More recently, revenue has been around the $100,000 mark, with $107,357 in 2023 and $99,027 in 2022.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for High Lakes Outdoor Alliance showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), High Lakes Outdoor Alliance's revenue has grown by 4.3%, moving from $103K to $107K. Total assets increased by 34.1% over the same period, from $97K to $130K. Total functional expenses rose by 41.1%, from $53K to $75K. In its most recent filing year (2023), High Lakes Outdoor Alliance reported a surplus of $33K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $107K | $75K | $130K | $0 | — | — |
| 2022 | $99K | $147K | $97K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $103K | $59K | $145K | $0 | — | — |
| 2020 | $75K | $71K | $102K | $0 | — | — |
| 2019 | $112K | $101K | $98K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $51K | $51K | $87K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $97K | $54K | $87K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $34K | $72K | $44K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $62K | $62K | $82K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $171K | $122K | $81K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $88K | $127K | $32K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $67K | $92K | $72K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $103K | $53K | $97K | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $107K, expenses of $75K, and assets of $130K (revenue +8.4% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $99K, expenses of $147K, and assets of $97K (revenue -3.4% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $103K, expenses of $59K, and assets of $145K (revenue +36.0% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $75K, expenses of $71K, and assets of $102K (revenue -33.0% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $112K, expenses of $101K, and assets of $98K (revenue +119.2% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $51K, expenses of $51K, and assets of $87K (revenue -47.1% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $97K, expenses of $54K, and assets of $87K (revenue +184.3% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $34K, expenses of $72K, and assets of $44K (revenue -45.3% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $62K, expenses of $62K, and assets of $82K (revenue -63.5% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $171K, expenses of $122K, and assets of $81K (revenue +95.0% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $88K, expenses of $127K, and assets of $32K (revenue +31.3% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $67K, expenses of $92K, and assets of $72K (revenue -35.2% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $103K, expenses of $53K, and assets of $97K.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for High Lakes Outdoor Alliance 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.