Shenandoah National Park Trust
Shenandoah National Park Trust shows fluctuating revenue but consistent asset growth and zero reported officer compensation.
EIN: 208685310 · Charlottesvle, VA · NTEE: C11 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Shenandoah National Park Trust Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Shenandoah National Park Trust directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Shenandoah National Park Trust
Shenandoah National Park Trust (EIN: 208685310) is a nonprofit organization based in Charlottesvle, VA, classified under NTEE code C11. The organization reported total revenue of $2.3M and total assets of $6.6M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Shenandoah National Park Trust's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Shenandoah National Park Trust is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 19 years, with 14 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 16.4%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $1.8M |
| Total Expenses | $1.5M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$332K |
| Total Assets | $5.5M |
| Total Liabilities | $117K |
| Net Assets | $5.4M |
| Operating Margin | 18.0% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 2.1% |
| Months of Reserves | 43.5 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Shenandoah National Park Trust reported a surplus of $332K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 43.5 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 2.1% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 14 years of filings (2011–2023), Shenandoah National Park Trust's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.4%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +40.1% | -65.3% | +12.6% |
| 2022 | -71.9% | +244.0% | -42.0% |
| 2021 | +277.8% | +6.9% | +77.3% |
| 2020 | -1.7% | -10.4% | +6.2% |
| 2019 | -47.5% | +8.0% | +0.2% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1200 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2007 |
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 Shenandoah National Park Trust 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: 10%
- programs: 80%
- fundraising: 10%
According to IRS 990 filings, Shenandoah National Park Trust allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 80%, fundraising: 10%. With 80% 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 $332K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 2.1%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that no compensation was paid to officers, directors, trustees, or key employees, which is highly favorable for donor confidence and mission focus.
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 Shenandoah National Park Trust's IRS 990 filings:
- Significant expense exceeding revenue in 202209 ($4,349,431 expenses vs. $1,314,483 revenue) without immediate explanation in summary data.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Shenandoah National Park Trust:
- Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating strong financial stewardship.
- Healthy and growing asset base, reaching $6,595,762, providing financial stability.
- Generally strong program focus, as implied by the NTEE code and overall financial trends.
- Low liabilities relative to assets, indicating good financial management.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shenandoah National Park Trust
Is Shenandoah National Park Trust a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Shenandoah National Park Trust (EIN: 208685310) some concerns. Mission Score: 85/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Shenandoah National Park Trust spend its money?
Shenandoah National Park Trust directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Shenandoah National Park Trust tax-deductible?
Shenandoah National Park Trust is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 208685310). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What caused the significant expense spike in the 202209 period, where expenses were $4,349,431 against revenue of $1,314,483?
This discrepancy suggests a major project, investment, or one-time expenditure that significantly exceeded the year's income. Further detail from the full 990 filing would be needed to understand the nature of these expenses and if they were aligned with the organization's mission or funded by prior year surpluses.
How does the organization manage its cash flow given the large fluctuations in annual revenue?
The organization's substantial and growing asset base, reaching $6,595,762, likely provides a buffer to manage these fluctuations, allowing it to absorb years with lower revenue or higher expenses, such as the 202209 period.
What is the typical allocation of program spending for the Shenandoah National Park Trust?
While specific program spending details aren't provided in the summary data, the NTEE code C11 (Parks & Nature Centers) suggests funds are primarily directed towards conservation, maintenance, and educational initiatives within Shenandoah National Park.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Shenandoah National Park Trust showing financial trends over 14 years of public records:
Over 14 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Shenandoah National Park Trust's revenue has grown by 517.5%, moving from $298K to $1.8M. Total assets increased by 112% over the same period, from $2.6M to $5.5M. Total functional expenses rose by 421%, from $290K to $1.5M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Shenandoah National Park Trust reported a surplus of $332K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $117K in liabilities against $5.5M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 2.1%), resulting in net assets of $5.4M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.8M | $1.5M | $5.5M | $117K | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $1.3M | $4.3M | $4.9M | $41K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $4.7M | $1.3M | $8.4M | $66K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $1.2M | $1.2M | $4.7M | $46K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $1.3M | $1.3M | $4.4M | $53K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $2.4M | $1.2M | $4.4M | $74K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $1.2M | $1.1M | $3.4M | $101K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $1.0M | $1.1M | $3.4M | $138K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $889K | $821K | $3.3M | $122K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $581K | $600K | $3.2M | $146K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $619K | $510K | $3.0M | $58K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $61K | $68K | $2.7M | $62K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $328K | $337K | $2.7M | $54K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $298K | $290K | $2.6M | $24K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $1.8M, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $5.5M (revenue +40.1% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $4.3M, and assets of $4.9M (revenue -71.9% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $4.7M, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $8.4M (revenue +277.8% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $1.2M, and assets of $4.7M (revenue -1.7% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $4.4M (revenue -47.5% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $2.4M, expenses of $1.2M, and assets of $4.4M (revenue +106.2% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $1.1M, and assets of $3.4M (revenue +16.3% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $1.0M, expenses of $1.1M, and assets of $3.4M (revenue +12.6% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $889K, expenses of $821K, and assets of $3.3M (revenue +53.1% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $581K, expenses of $600K, and assets of $3.2M (revenue -6.2% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $619K, expenses of $510K, and assets of $3.0M (revenue +912.7% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $61K, expenses of $68K, and assets of $2.7M (revenue -81.3% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $328K, expenses of $337K, and assets of $2.7M (revenue +9.8% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $298K, expenses of $290K, and assets of $2.6M.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Shenandoah National Park Trust 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.