Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group
Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group consistently generates surpluses and has grown assets significantly over the past decade.
EIN: 201248361 · Niwot, CO · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group Legit?
Appears Legitimate
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group
Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group (EIN: 201248361) is a nonprofit organization based in Niwot, CO. The organization reported total revenue of $1.6M and total assets of $1.5M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 21 years, with 9 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2015–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 42.8%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $1.2M |
| Total Expenses | $964K |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$241K |
| Total Assets | $1.4M |
| Total Liabilities | $286K |
| Net Assets | $1.1M |
| Operating Margin | 20.0% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 20.8% |
| Months of Reserves | 17.2 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group reported a surplus of $241K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 17.2 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 20.8% (moderate leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 9 years of filings (2015–2023), Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 42.8%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +28.9% | +36.3% | +58.5% |
| 2022 | -12.4% | -6.2% | +36.3% |
| 2021 | +7.4% | -9.4% | +93.2% |
| 2020 | -32.9% | -43.7% | -57.0% |
| 2019 | +29.9% | +40.9% | +124.2% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2005 |
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 Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group 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: 7%
- programs: 90%
- fundraising: 3%
According to IRS 990 filings, Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 7%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 3%. 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 $241K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 20.8%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that the organization's leadership is either entirely volunteer-based or compensated through other means not classified as officer compensation, which is a strong positive for directing funds to mission.
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 Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group:
- Consistent operating surpluses, with revenue exceeding expenses in most recent years (e.g., $1,204,990 revenue vs. $964,126 expenses in 2023).
- Significant asset growth over time, from $3,347 in 2015 to $1,378,215 in 2023, indicating strong financial stewardship.
- Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, suggesting high efficiency and dedication of resources to programs.
- Healthy financial reserves, with assets significantly exceeding liabilities ($1,378,215 assets vs. $286,158 liabilities in 2023).
- Demonstrated ability to manage large projects, as seen by the $8.4 million revenue and expenses in 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group
Is Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group (EIN: 201248361) appears legitimate. Mission Score: 92/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
How does Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group spend its money?
Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group tax-deductible?
Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 201248361). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group a good charity?
Based on the financial data, Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group appears to be a very good charity. They consistently operate with surpluses, have significantly grown their assets, and report no officer compensation, suggesting high efficiency and dedication to their mission.
How has the organization's financial health changed over time?
The organization's financial health has significantly improved and stabilized. Revenue has grown from $69,640 in 2015 to over $1.2 million in 2023, and assets have increased from $3,347 to $1,378,215 in the same period, demonstrating strong growth and financial management.
What is the trend in their assets and liabilities?
Assets have shown a strong upward trend, particularly in recent years, reaching $1,378,215 in 2023. Liabilities have fluctuated but generally remain a manageable portion of assets, indicating responsible financial leverage.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group showing financial trends over 9 years of public records:
Over 9 years of IRS 990 filings (2015–2023), Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group's revenue has grown by 1630.3%, moving from $70K to $1.2M. Total assets increased by 41077.6% over the same period, from $3K to $1.4M. Total functional expenses rose by 1336.6%, from $67K to $964K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group reported a surplus of $241K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $286K in liabilities against $1.4M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 20.8%), resulting in net assets of $1.1M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.2M | $964K | $1.4M | $286K | — | — |
| 2022 | $935K | $707K | $869K | $18K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $1.1M | $754K | $638K | $14K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $993K | $832K | $330K | $19K | — | — |
| 2019 | $1.5M | $1.5M | $767K | $618K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $1.1M | $1.0M | $342K | $196K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $8.5M | $8.4M | $1.3M | $1.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $443K | $445K | $55K | $54K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $70K | $67K | $3K | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $964K, and assets of $1.4M (revenue +28.9% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $935K, expenses of $707K, and assets of $869K (revenue -12.4% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $754K, and assets of $638K (revenue +7.4% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $993K, expenses of $832K, and assets of $330K (revenue -32.9% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $1.5M, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $767K (revenue +29.9% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $1.0M, and assets of $342K (revenue -86.6% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $8.5M, expenses of $8.4M, and assets of $1.3M (revenue +1818.8% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $443K, expenses of $445K, and assets of $55K (revenue +535.6% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $70K, expenses of $67K, and assets of $3K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group 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.