Maine Natural History Observatory
Maine Natural History Observatory maintains stable operations with unpaid officers and fluctuating annual financial performance.
EIN: 200718450 · Gouldsboro, ME · NTEE: A80 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $349K |
| Total Expenses | $199K |
| Program Spending | 85% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $348,525. |
| Net Assets | $37K |
| Transparency Score | 88/100 |
Is Maine Natural History Observatory Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Maine Natural History Observatory directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Maine Natural History Observatory
Maine Natural History Observatory (EIN: 200718450) is a nonprofit organization based in Gouldsboro, ME, classified under NTEE code A80. The organization reported total revenue of $349K and total assets of $268K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Maine Natural History Observatory's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Maine Natural History Observatory is a small nonprofit that has been operating for 22 years, with 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2012–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 7.9%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $198K |
| Total Expenses | $199K |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-1,028 |
| Total Assets | $47K |
| Total Liabilities | $9K |
| Net Assets | $37K |
| Operating Margin | -0.5% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 19.9% |
| Months of Reserves | 2.8 months |
Financial Health Grade: C
In 2023, Maine Natural History Observatory reported a deficit of $1K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 2.8 months of operating reserves (limited), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 19.9% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 12 years of filings (2012–2023), Maine Natural History Observatory's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +11.2% | +8.0% | +5.3% |
| 2022 | +24.0% | +32.9% | -8.8% |
| 2021 | -13.3% | -28.8% | +4.6% |
| 2020 | -37.8% | -14.2% | -38.8% |
| 2019 | +35.9% | +16.2% | +107.5% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2004 |
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 Maine Natural History Observatory with a Mission Score of 88 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, Maine Natural History Observatory 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 $1K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 19.9%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is consistently reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that officers are either volunteers or compensated through non-officer means, which is highly favorable for a nonprofit of its size with latest revenue of $348,525.
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 Maine Natural History Observatory's IRS 990 filings:
- Annual revenue and expense figures show significant year-to-year fluctuations, which could indicate inconsistent funding streams or project-based operations.
- While assets have grown, the organization experienced minor deficits in 2023 ($198,121 revenue vs. $199,149 expenses) and 2022 ($178,093 revenue vs. $184,382 expenses), requiring careful financial management.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Maine Natural History Observatory:
- Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating high efficiency and dedication of funds to mission.
- Long and consistent IRS 990 filing history (12 filings), demonstrating transparency and stable operations.
- Significant growth in assets from $5,873 in 2014 to $268,146 currently, indicating strong financial stewardship over the long term.
- Healthy asset-to-liability ratio, with current assets of $268,146 far exceeding 2023 liabilities of $9,298.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maine Natural History Observatory
Is Maine Natural History Observatory a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Maine Natural History Observatory (EIN: 200718450) some concerns. Mission Score: 88/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Maine Natural History Observatory spend its money?
Maine Natural History Observatory directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Maine Natural History Observatory tax-deductible?
Maine Natural History Observatory is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 200718450). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the Maine Natural History Observatory CEO make?
Maine Natural History Observatory's highest-compensated officer earns $348,525. annually. The organization reported $349K in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
What percentage of Maine Natural History Observatory's spending goes to programs?
Maine Natural History Observatory directs 85% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Maine Natural History Observatory compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 88/100 (Excellent), Maine Natural History Observatory 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 Maine Natural History Observatory located?
Maine Natural History Observatory is headquartered in Gouldsboro, Maine and files with the IRS under EIN 200718450. It is classified under NTEE code A80.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Maine Natural History Observatory have?
Maine Natural History Observatory has 12 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 $349K in total revenue.
Is Maine Natural History Observatory a good charity?
Based on the available data, Maine Natural History Observatory appears to be a good charity. It has a long filing history, consistently reports 0% officer compensation, and maintains a healthy asset-to-liability ratio. While annual revenues and expenses fluctuate, the overall trend shows a committed organization.
How has the organization's financial health changed over time?
The organization's financial health has seen fluctuations. For example, in 2014, revenue was $88,693, growing to $266,280 in 2019, and then settling around $198,121 in 2023. Assets have also grown significantly from $5,873 in 2014 to $268,146 currently, indicating long-term growth despite yearly variations.
What is the organization's approach to executive compensation?
The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation on its IRS 990 filings, suggesting that its executive leadership is either entirely volunteer-based or compensated through mechanisms not categorized as officer compensation, which is a strong indicator of fiscal prudence.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Maine Natural History Observatory showing financial trends over 12 years of public records:
Over 12 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2023), Maine Natural History Observatory's revenue has grown by 130.1%, moving from $86K to $198K. Total assets increased by 76.9% over the same period, from $26K to $47K. Total functional expenses rose by 130.6%, from $86K to $199K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Maine Natural History Observatory reported a deficit of $1K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $9K in liabilities against $47K in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 19.9%), resulting in net assets of $37K.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $198K | $199K | $47K | $9K | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $178K | $184K | $44K | $6K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $144K | $139K | $49K | $4K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $166K | $195K | $47K | $7K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $266K | $227K | $76K | $7K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $196K | $195K | $37K | $7K | — | — |
| 2017 | $207K | $192K | $36K | $7K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $150K | $180K | $18K | $5K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $160K | $118K | $47K | $4K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $89K | $112K | $6K | $4K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $140K | $133K | $29K | $4K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $86K | $86K | $26K | $9K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $198K, expenses of $199K, and assets of $47K (revenue +11.2% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $178K, expenses of $184K, and assets of $44K (revenue +24.0% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $144K, expenses of $139K, and assets of $49K (revenue -13.3% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $166K, expenses of $195K, and assets of $47K (revenue -37.8% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $266K, expenses of $227K, and assets of $76K (revenue +35.9% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $196K, expenses of $195K, and assets of $37K (revenue -5.6% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $207K, expenses of $192K, and assets of $36K (revenue +37.8% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $150K, expenses of $180K, and assets of $18K (revenue -5.7% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $160K, expenses of $118K, and assets of $47K (revenue +79.9% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $89K, expenses of $112K, and assets of $6K (revenue -36.7% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $140K, expenses of $133K, and assets of $29K (revenue +62.6% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $86K, expenses of $86K, and assets of $26K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Maine Natural History Observatory:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Maine Natural History Observatory 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.