Lowell School

Lowell School consistently operates with revenues closely matching expenses and reports no officer compensation.

EIN: 113120337 · Whitestone, NY · Updated: 2026-03-28

$16.7MRevenue

$7.1MAssets

85/100Mission Score (Excellent)

About Lowell School

Lowell School (EIN: 113120337) is a nonprofit organization based in Whitestone, NY. The organization reported total revenue of $16.7M and total assets of $7.1M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Lowell School's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.

AI Transparency Report

Lowell School demonstrates consistent financial operations with revenues closely matching expenses across its filing history. For instance, in 2024, revenue was $14,616,636 against expenses of $14,605,855, indicating a tight budget management. The organization's assets have shown fluctuations, with a notable increase to $10,323,660 in 2023 before decreasing to $7,037,696 in 2024. Liabilities have generally tracked assets, suggesting a reliance on debt or deferred revenue, though the net asset position remains positive.

The school's financial health appears stable, with a consistent ability to cover its operational costs. The absence of reported officer compensation across all filings is a significant transparency indicator, suggesting that the organization's leadership may be volunteer-based or compensated through other means not categorized as officer compensation on the 990, which warrants further investigation for a complete picture. However, based on the available data, it points to a potentially lean administrative structure.

Spending efficiency is difficult to fully ascertain without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses. However, the consistent near-zero net income year over year suggests that most revenue is expended on its mission. The lack of reported officer compensation is a positive sign for resource allocation, as it implies a greater proportion of funds could be directed towards educational programs.

Mission Effectiveness Score

NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Lowell School 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: 8%
programs: 90%
fundraising: 2%

According to IRS 990 filings, Lowell School allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 8%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 2%. With 90% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.

Executive Compensation Analysis

The IRS 990 filings consistently report 0% officer compensation, which is highly unusual for an organization of this size with revenues exceeding $10 million annually. This suggests either a volunteer-led executive team or compensation structured in a way not reported under 'officer compensation' on the 990, requiring further inquiry for full clarity.

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 Lowell School's IRS 990 filings:

Consistent 0% officer compensation reported, which is highly unusual for an organization of this size and warrants further investigation into executive compensation practices.

Strengths

The following positive indicators were identified for Lowell School:

Consistent financial stability with revenues closely matching expenses, indicating sound operational management.
No reported officer compensation across all filings, suggesting a potentially high dedication of funds to mission-related activities.
Positive net asset position maintained over time, indicating financial solvency.
Steady revenue growth over the past decade, from $10,073,575 in 2015 to $14,616,636 in 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lowell School

Is Lowell School a good charity?

Based on the available IRS 990 data, Lowell School appears to be a financially stable organization that consistently expends nearly all its revenue on its operations. The reported 0% officer compensation is a strong positive indicator for resource allocation, suggesting a high dedication to its mission. However, without a detailed breakdown of program vs. administrative spending, a definitive 'good' rating is challenging, though the overall financial picture is positive.

How does Lowell School manage its budget?

Lowell School manages its budget very tightly, with expenses consistently aligning closely with revenues. For example, in 2024, revenue was $14,616,636 and expenses were $14,605,855, resulting in a minimal surplus. This indicates a 'spend-what-you-earn' approach, focusing on direct application of funds rather than accumulating large reserves.

What is the trend in Lowell School's assets and liabilities?

Lowell School's assets have shown growth over the years, from $4,000,746 in 2016 to $7,037,696 in 2024, with a peak of $10,323,660 in 2023. Liabilities have generally followed a similar trend, indicating that asset growth may be partly financed by debt or other obligations. The net asset position has remained positive and stable.

Why is officer compensation reported as 0%?

The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all 14 filings is unusual for an organization with over $10 million in annual revenue. This could mean that the executive leadership is entirely volunteer-based, or that compensation for key personnel is categorized differently on the 990 (e.g., as general salaries and wages rather than specific officer compensation), or that the organization is structured in a way that avoids traditional officer compensation reporting. Further investigation into their governance and compensation policies would be needed for a definitive answer.

Filing History

IRS 990 filing history for Lowell School showing financial trends over 14 years of public records:

Over 14 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2024), Lowell School's revenue has grown by 84.2%, moving from $7.9M to $14.6M. Total assets increased by 28.5% over the same period, from $5.5M to $7.0M. Total functional expenses rose by 81.1%, from $8.1M to $14.6M. In its most recent filing year (2024), Lowell School reported a surplus of $11K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $6.7M in liabilities against $7.0M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 94.9%), resulting in net assets of $360K.

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Liabilities	Officer Comp.	PDF
2024	$14.6M	$14.6M	$7.0M	$6.7M	—	View 990
2023	$13.9M	$13.8M	$10.3M	$10.0M	—	View 990
2022	$13.2M	$13.2M	$5.0M	$4.8M	—	View 990
2021	$12.2M	$12.2M	$5.5M	$5.3M	—	View 990
2020	$12.3M	$12.3M	$5.9M	$5.7M	—	View 990
2019	$12.4M	$12.2M	$4.9M	$4.8M	—	View 990
2018	$12.0M	$11.8M	$5.0M	$5.3M	—	View 990
2017	$10.9M	$10.9M	$4.9M	$5.6M	—	View 990
2016	$10.2M	$10.1M	$4.0M	$4.6M	—	View 990
2015	$10.1M	$10.1M	$4.4M	$4.1M	—	View 990
2014	$9.4M	$9.7M	$4.6M	$4.0M	—	View 990
2013	$9.3M	$9.4M	$4.8M	$4.5M	—	View 990
2012	$8.8M	$8.8M	$5.7M	$5.8M	—	View 990
2011	$7.9M	$8.1M	$5.5M	$5.4M	—	View 990

Year-by-Year Financial Summary

2024: Revenue of $14.6M, expenses of $14.6M, and assets of $7.0M (revenue +5.1% year-over-year).
2023: Revenue of $13.9M, expenses of $13.8M, and assets of $10.3M (revenue +5.2% year-over-year).
2022: Revenue of $13.2M, expenses of $13.2M, and assets of $5.0M (revenue +8.3% year-over-year).
2021: Revenue of $12.2M, expenses of $12.2M, and assets of $5.5M (revenue -0.7% year-over-year).
2020: Revenue of $12.3M, expenses of $12.3M, and assets of $5.9M (revenue -0.9% year-over-year).
2019: Revenue of $12.4M, expenses of $12.2M, and assets of $4.9M (revenue +3.4% year-over-year).
2018: Revenue of $12.0M, expenses of $11.8M, and assets of $5.0M (revenue +9.9% year-over-year).
2017: Revenue of $10.9M, expenses of $10.9M, and assets of $4.9M (revenue +7.0% year-over-year).
2016: Revenue of $10.2M, expenses of $10.1M, and assets of $4.0M (revenue +1.3% year-over-year).
2015: Revenue of $10.1M, expenses of $10.1M, and assets of $4.4M (revenue +7.4% year-over-year).
2014: Revenue of $9.4M, expenses of $9.7M, and assets of $4.6M (revenue +1.0% year-over-year).
2013: Revenue of $9.3M, expenses of $9.4M, and assets of $4.8M (revenue +5.2% year-over-year).
2012: Revenue of $8.8M, expenses of $8.8M, and assets of $5.7M (revenue +11.2% year-over-year).
2011: Revenue of $7.9M, expenses of $8.1M, and assets of $5.5M.

Data Sources and Methodology

This transparency report for Lowell School 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.