Mount Washington Observatory
Mount Washington Observatory shows strong asset growth and zero reported officer compensation across all filings.
EIN: 20225135 · North Conway, NH · NTEE: U31Z · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $3.7M |
| Total Expenses | $2.3M |
| Program Spending | 90% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $12,438,606. |
| Net Assets | $9.6M |
| Transparency Score | 95/100 |
Is Mount Washington Observatory Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Mount Washington Observatory directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Mount Washington Observatory
Mount Washington Observatory (EIN: 20225135) is a nonprofit organization based in North Conway, NH, classified under NTEE code U31Z. The organization reported total revenue of $3.7M and total assets of $12.4M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Mount Washington Observatory's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Mount Washington Observatory is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 75 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2012–2024). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 2.6%.
Key Financial Metrics (2024)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $2.6M |
| Total Expenses | $2.3M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$313K |
| Total Assets | $10.4M |
| Total Liabilities | $810K |
| Net Assets | $9.6M |
| Operating Margin | 12.0% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 7.8% |
| Months of Reserves | 54.3 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2024, Mount Washington Observatory reported a surplus of $313K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 54.3 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 7.8% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2012–2024), Mount Washington Observatory's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.6%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | -58.0% | +21.0% | +4.6% |
| 2023 | +195.2% | +18.5% | +74.5% |
| 2022 | +19.6% | -5.9% | +7.6% |
| 2021 | -2.0% | -19.3% | +18.7% |
| 2020 | +10.1% | +6.1% | -9.7% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 8000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1951 |
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 Mount Washington Observatory with a Mission Score of 95 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: 5%
- programs: 90%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Mount Washington Observatory allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 5%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 5%. With 90% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2024)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a surplus of $313K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 7.8%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Mount Washington Observatory consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all 13 available IRS 990 filings, indicating that no compensation is paid to officers, directors, trustees, or key employees, which is highly unusual for an organization of its size with current assets of $12,438,606.
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 Mount Washington Observatory's IRS 990 filings:
- Significant year-over-year revenue fluctuations (e.g., $6.2M in 2023 to $2.6M in 2024) could indicate reliance on less predictable funding sources.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Mount Washington Observatory:
- Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all 13 filings, indicating exceptional efficiency and mission focus.
- Strong asset growth from $5,981,643 in 2015 to $12,438,606 currently, demonstrating robust financial management.
- Consistent filing of IRS 990s over 13 periods, reflecting strong transparency and compliance.
- Expenses generally lower than revenue in recent periods (e.g., $2,290,645 expenses vs. $2,603,845 revenue in 2024), contributing to financial stability.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Washington Observatory
Is Mount Washington Observatory a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Mount Washington Observatory (EIN: 20225135) some concerns. Mission Score: 95/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Mount Washington Observatory spend its money?
Mount Washington Observatory directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Mount Washington Observatory tax-deductible?
Mount Washington Observatory is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 20225135). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the Mount Washington Observatory CEO make?
Mount Washington Observatory's highest-compensated officer earns $12,438,606. annually. The organization reported $3.7M in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
What percentage of Mount Washington Observatory's spending goes to programs?
Mount Washington Observatory directs 90% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Mount Washington Observatory compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 95/100 (Excellent), Mount Washington Observatory is above average for NTEE category U31Z nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Mount Washington Observatory located?
Mount Washington Observatory is headquartered in North Conway, New Hampshire and files with the IRS under EIN 20225135. It is classified under NTEE code U31Z.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Mount Washington Observatory have?
Mount Washington Observatory 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 $3.7M in total revenue.
Is Mount Washington Observatory a good charity?
Based on its financial data, Mount Washington Observatory appears to be a very good charity. It demonstrates strong financial health with significant asset growth, consistent transparency through 990 filings, and a remarkable commitment to directing funds to its mission by reporting 0% officer compensation.
How has Mount Washington Observatory's financial health changed over time?
The organization's financial health has significantly improved, with assets growing from $5,981,643 in 2015 to $12,438,606 currently. While revenue has fluctuated, expenses have generally been managed well, contributing to this asset growth.
What is the trend in Mount Washington Observatory's revenue?
Revenue has shown variability, ranging from a low of $1,628,495 in 2019 to a high of $6,202,733 in 2023, before settling at $2,603,845 in 2024. This suggests a mix of stable and potentially project-specific or grant-dependent funding.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Mount Washington Observatory showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2024), Mount Washington Observatory's revenue has grown by 35.8%, moving from $1.9M to $2.6M. Total assets increased by 103.8% over the same period, from $5.1M to $10.4M. Total functional expenses rose by 17.4%, from $2.0M to $2.3M. In its most recent filing year (2024), Mount Washington Observatory reported a surplus of $313K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $810K in liabilities against $10.4M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 7.8%), resulting in net assets of $9.6M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.6M | $2.3M | $10.4M | $810K | — | View 990 |
| 2023 | $6.2M | $1.9M | $9.9M | $1.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $2.1M | $1.6M | $5.7M | $1.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $1.8M | $1.7M | $5.3M | $1.1M | — | — |
| 2020 | $1.8M | $2.1M | $4.4M | $943K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $1.6M | $2.0M | $4.9M | $1.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $1.8M | $2.0M | $5.3M | $1.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $1.8M | $2.1M | $5.3M | $1.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $1.7M | $2.1M | $5.3M | $1.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $1.9M | $2.2M | $6.0M | $1.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $2.5M | $2.1M | $6.0M | $1.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $2.1M | $2.1M | $5.4M | $1.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $1.9M | $2.0M | $5.1M | $1.1M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2024: Revenue of $2.6M, expenses of $2.3M, and assets of $10.4M (revenue -58.0% year-over-year).
- 2023: Revenue of $6.2M, expenses of $1.9M, and assets of $9.9M (revenue +195.2% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $2.1M, expenses of $1.6M, and assets of $5.7M (revenue +19.6% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $1.8M, expenses of $1.7M, and assets of $5.3M (revenue -2.0% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $1.8M, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $4.4M (revenue +10.1% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $1.6M, expenses of $2.0M, and assets of $4.9M (revenue -11.0% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $1.8M, expenses of $2.0M, and assets of $5.3M (revenue +2.3% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $1.8M, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $5.3M (revenue +2.2% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $1.7M, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $5.3M (revenue -9.3% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $1.9M, expenses of $2.2M, and assets of $6.0M (revenue -23.4% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $2.5M, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $6.0M (revenue +17.6% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $2.1M, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $5.4M (revenue +11.6% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $1.9M, expenses of $2.0M, and assets of $5.1M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Mount Washington Observatory:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Mount Washington 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.